What is Nostril Retainer?
Nasal congestion can occur due to swelling of the tissues inside the nose, mucus buildup, scabs after nasal surgery and bleeding.
A nostril retainer is a medical device whose use is determined based on factors such as the patient's skin structure and the method preferred during surgery. This device is usually made of soft silicone suitable for medical use. It is used for a certain period of time by patients deemed necessary by the doctor after rhinoplasty.
- This device, which is transparent or skin-coloured, does not create an unsightly appearance.
- Thanks to its soft and flexible structure, it does not cause discomfort inside the nose.
- It can be easily inserted and removed.
- It is produced with suitable material in custom sizes.
Those who use nostril retainers after rhinoplasty report a more comfortable recovery process. After rhinoplasty, the nasal breathing device rarely causes breathing difficulties. The use of the device helps control swelling and shape irregularities inside the nose.
What to consider when using a nostril retainer after rhinoplasty?
To achieve the comfort provided by using a nostril retainer after rhinoplasty, certain precautions must be taken. These include:
- Ensuring the device is the correct size,
- Cleaning it properly,
- Using it for the duration recommended by your doctor,
- Using it as instructed by your ENT specialist.
What is the purpose of a nostril retainer?
The use of a nostril retainer supports the preservation of the shape of the nose and the structure of the nostrils, helping the designed nose to remain stable.
It improves air circulation and helps keep the channels open.
It prevents unwanted excess swelling from causing deformities.
It supports the ideal wound healing process.
It helps the lymphatic drainage function properly.
It provides support to thinned tissues and cartilage during surgery.
What are the benefits of a nostril retainer?
Many doctors recommend the use of nostril retainer after rhinoplasty. The nostril retainer after rhinoplasty provides support to enhance healing and patient comfort.
Especially during the initial healing period after surgery, the use of a nostril retainer helps maintain the shape of the nose in the long term. Those who use a nostril retainer report being very satisfied with the symmetry of their nostrils and the aesthetic appearance of their nose.
Using a nostril retainer is beneficial for preserving the shape of the nose and nostrils.
Swelling in the nostrils after surgery can cause an asymmetrical shape in the nose. Using a nasal nostril retainer as recommended by your doctor helps preserve the results of your rhinoplasty.
Swelling may occur after rhinoplasty. The nasal nostril retainer supports healthy air circulation by preventing excessive narrowing and complete closure of the airway. Adequate air circulation is also very important for tissues during the healing process.
Swelling after rhinoplasty can increase uncontrollably. Using a nostril retainer provides gentle support to the nasal tissues. This prevents oedema that could cause deformities. It supports lymphatic drainage. It helps prevent nasal collapse caused by oedema fluid.
During the healing process, the nostril retainer keeps the nose in the correct position. It preserves the shape of the nose and the form of the nostrils designed by your doctor during surgery.
Does a nostril retainer prevent the collapse of the nostrils?
Swelling occurs during the healing of the nostril and nasal passage after surgery. The nasal wings and tissue in the nose may collapse due to gravity. Using nostrils supports the inside of the nose with soft silicone. This prevents excessive swelling and the swelling from pulling the tissues inward.
Does a nostril retainer prevent the tip of the nose from falling?
The use of a nostril retainer after nose surgery has been observed to prevent nasal drooping to a certain extent.
Rhinoplasty may remove tissue from the nose tip, cartilage, or inside. The nasal appliance provides support to these areas during the healing period. A nostril retainer reduces the likelihood of collapse in areas with reduced tissue during the healing period.
After surgery, the body's tissues and cartilage may attempt to regain their original shape. The nasal shaper used during the healing process applies the appropriate pressure to maintain the internal and external shape of the nose planned by the surgeon.
Rhinoplasty can cause oedema, which can weigh down the nose tip and cause drooping. The use of a nasal appliance provides a counterbalancing force from inside the nose against this pressure. It helps prevent the tip of the nose from drooping.
Since the airway is open, the tissues undergoing the healing process receive sufficient oxygen. Tissues that receive sufficient oxygen experience a better healing period.
However, using a nostril retainer does not completely prevent the tip of the nose from drooping or collapsing; it only helps to prevent it. There are many factors that contribute to the drooping of the tip of the nose, such as the technique used by the surgeon, the postoperative care process, the person's skin structure and genetic makeup, and the areas where the stitches are placed.
What happens if I sleep on my side after rhinoplasty without a nostril retainer?
In the initial period after surgery, sleeping in the same position for long periods without a nostril retainer is harmful. It can slow down healing and cause the swelling to increase on the side facing down due to gravity.
Using a nostril retainer applies force to balance the collapses inside the nose during this process. However, this may not be sufficient. Even if a nostril retainer is used during the initial healing period after surgery, you should not lie on your right or left side. You should sleep on your back.
How long to use nostril retainer?
The duration and method of use of the nostril retainer may vary according to your doctor's recommendation. Generally, the nostril retainer is used both day and night for the first 2 weeks after rhinoplasty. After that, use it for a few hours daily for up to 6 months.
How to use a nostril retainer?
The nostril retainer is inserted by your doctor or nurse after your nose surgery. The nostril retainer is inserted and removed a few days later.
How is the nasal breathing device inserted?
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Moisten the nostril with warm water or a suitable gel recommended by your doctor.
- Stand in front of a mirror.
- Gently place the inner part of the nasal device onto the tip of the nose.
- Some devices may be labelled for the right and left sides, so pay attention to this.
- Press lightly to secure the nostril in place. Never use force.
- Check for symmetry in front of the mirror to complete the insertion process.
How do you remove a nostril retainer?
Wash your hands before removing the nostril retainer. Gently pull the nostril without using your fingernails, or hold the nose shaper with a suitable tool and pull it out slowly.
What to take care of when using a nostril retainer?
There are some things you should pay attention to when using a nasal breathing device:
- The nostril retainer should be the size your doctor recommends.
- Your hands should be clean when inserting and removing the nostril retainer.
- The nostril retainer should not press against the inside of the nose or be loose.
- Do not apply pressure (rubbing) to the nose while the nostril retainer is in place.
- Do not blow your nose or wipe it while the nostril retainer is in place.
- If you experience pain, bad odour, or discharge while the nostril retainer is in place, consult your doctor.
How to clean nostril retainer?
It is recommended to clean it at least once a day, preferably in the morning and evening. The cleaning process can be performed with gels or liquids recommended by your doctor.
The nostril retainer can be cleaned using warm water and antibacterial soap suitable for medical silicone.
How to clean the nostril retainer with warm water?
Gently rub the retainer with warm water and antibacterial soap, then rinse thoroughly with plenty of water. Leave it to dry in a clean, airy place.
What to take care of when cleaning the nostril retainer?
Here are the things to avoid when cleaning the nose shaper:
- The cleaning process should never be done with boiling water. Boiling water can cause damage to the structure of the medical silicone.
- Alcohol, cologne, and harsh disinfectants should not be used.
- Harsh chemicals such as bleach should not be used.
Does using a nostril retainer cause difficulties in social life?
Nostril retainers are transparent or skin-coloured. They are made of soft silicone. This means they do not cause any discomfort in your social life. However, if you feel uncomfortable using a nostril retainer, remind yourself that this is only temporary.
Please contact Op. Dr. Ümit Küçüktepe for an examination and further information.
This article is for informational and advisory purposes. The recommendations of your surgeon, who will examine you and perform nose surgery, should be a priority.