Types of packing used in rhinoplasty (nose surgery)

Advantages of Current Silicone Tampons

Post-rhinoplasty care involves the use of nasal tampons to control bleeding, support tissues, and regulate the healing process. Today, tampon applications have become much more comfortable and patient-friendly compared to the past. Silicone tampons, in particular, have become a standard in modern rhinoplasty.

This article discusses the types of tampons used in nasal aesthetics and the advantages and disadvantages of current silicone tampons in detail.

Types of Tampons Used in Rhinoplasty

Gauze (Classic) Tampons

(Mostly discontinued today)

Features:

• Used by tightly placing gauze inside the nose
• Has a non-perforated structure

Disadvantages:

• Completely prevents breathing
• There is a high risk of pain and bleeding during removal
• Patient comfort is low

These are no longer preferred in current rhinoplasty practice.

Sponge (Merocel, etc.) Tampons

Features:

• Spongy tampons that swell and create pressure inside the nose
• Effective in controlling bleeding

Disadvantages:

• May restrict breathing
• May cause discomfort when removed
• May dry out the inside of the nose

Though still used in some cases, they are less comfortable than silicone tampons.

Silicone Tampons (Perforated / Breathable)

(Current and Most Commonly Preferred)

Silicone tampons are considered the gold standard in modern rhinoplasty.

Features:

• Soft and flexible silicone material
• Contains breathing channels (holes)
• Fits anatomically inside the nose

Advantages of Current Silicone Tampons

Allows Breathing

• Thanks to its perforated structure, the patient can breathe through the nose even with the tampon in place
• Reduces the need to breathe through the mouth

This feature significantly increases patient comfort.

Painless and Comfortable Removal

• The silicone surface does not stick to the nasal tissues
• Usually, there is no pain during removal
• Minimal risk of bleeding

This is one of the greatest advantages for patients.

Does Not Dry the Inside of the Nose

• Compared to gauze and sponge tampons
• It better preserves the moisture inside the nose

This contributes to:

• Reducing scabbing
• Making the healing process more comfortable

Supports faster healing.

Supports the Septum

• In cases where septal deviation is corrected
• It supports the middle part of the nose in a balanced way

This is important for both aesthetic and functional recovery.

Reduces the Risk of Infection

• Thanks to its smooth surface
• Reduces bacterial buildup inside the nose

It is more hygienic and safer.

Positively Affects Patient Psychology

• The "tampon fear" is largely eliminated
• The post-operative process becomes calmer and more controlled

Do Silicone Tampons Have Any Disadvantages?

Generally, the disadvantages are minimal. However:

• They may not be necessary for every patient
• May cause slight pressure sensation

These are temporary and are comfortably tolerated by most patients.

How Long Do Silicone Tampons Stay in Place?

Typically:

• 1–3 days
• In some cases, up to 5 days

They are removed according to the doctor's preference.

Removal Process:

• Quick
• Generally painless
• Done quickly in a clinical setting

What Does It Feel Like After Removal of the Tampon?

• Breathing becomes noticeably easier
• There may be slight leakage (temporary)
• Sensitivity inside the nose is normal

Removal of the tampon is often described as much more comfortable than expected by patients.

Are Tampons Used in Every Rhinoplasty?

No.

• Only in aesthetic procedures with limited intervention
• In cases where the septum is not involved

Tampon use is not mandatory. It is determined based on the scope of the surgery and the internal nasal needs.

Conclusion:

The nasal tampons used in rhinoplasty have moved far away from painful and cumbersome applications. Today, they offer modern solutions that provide:

• Perforated silicone tampons
• Comfortable breathing
• Painless removal
• Faster and safer recovery

The tampon process after rhinoplasty is not something to fear; with the correct tampon selection, it becomes an easy phase to manage. With current silicone tampons, recovery after nasal aesthetics is much more patient-friendly.

Nasal Hole Equalizer Apparatus (Nostril Retainer)

During the recovery process after rhinoplasty, the shape and symmetry of the nostrils are an important part of the aesthetic outcome. In this process, some patients may be advised to use a nostril retainer (nasal stent). These devices are not mandatory for every patient; they are a supportive application aimed at specific needs.

This article discusses the purpose of nostril retainers, when they are used, and when to insert and remove them in detail and realistically.

What Is a Nostril Retainer?

A nostril retainer is generally:

• Made of soft silicone or similar flexible material
• Inserted into the nostrils
• Gently supports the base of the nose and the edges of the nostrils

The goal is not to forcibly reshape the nostrils but to assist in keeping the tissues in the desired position and balanced during the healing process.

Why Is a Nostril Retainer Used?

In the early post-operative period after rhinoplasty:

• Edema
• Tissue memory
• Indentations that occur during healing

Can cause temporary asymmetry in the nostrils. A retainer may be beneficial in the following cases:

• If there is a noticeable shape or height difference between the nostrils
• If there has been intervention on the alar base (base of the nose)
• If there has been significant work on the nasal tip and wings
• In cases where revision rhinoplasty has been performed and tissues are sensitive
• If tissue healing is progressing asymmetrically

Is It Necessary for Every Rhinoplasty Patient?

No. The nostril retainer:

• Is not routinely
• Used for every patient
• Automatically

In most rhinoplasty cases:

• The natural healing process
• And the reduction of swelling

Allow the nostrils to balance out on their own over time.

The use of the retainer is a personalized decision.

When Is the Nostril Retainer Placed?

Generally:

• It is placed in the days or first week after surgery
• After observing the direction of the swelling and the tissue behavior

In some patients:

• It may be started after the tampon is removed
• In others, it may start at a later stage

The retainer is used at an appropriate stage of healing, not when tissues are too sensitive.

How Long Is the Nostril Retainer Used?

The duration of use varies from person to person:

• For mild asymmetry: 1–2 weeks
• For more significant tissue realignment: 3–6 weeks

In some patients:

• Nighttime use may be sufficient
• In others, it may be used for short periods during the day as well

Long-term, uncontrolled use is not recommended.

When Is It Removed?

The retainer:

• Is gradually removed when the nostrils begin to maintain their form
• When tissue healing has stabilized
• When asymmetry has significantly improved

The removal process:

• Is not abrupt
• May be planned with reduced usage time if necessary

Control is recommended in case of any issues.

Does the Retainer Cause Pain?

With the right retainer and proper use:

• It does not cause pain
• Only a slight fullness sensation may be felt

If there is pain, pressure, or irritation:

• The retainer may not be suitable
• The usage method should be reassessed

In this case, a follow-up should be recommended.

Does the Retainer Forcefully Change the Nose Shape?

No. The nostril retainer:

• Does not reshape the nose
• Does not change the surgical result

It only helps the tissues settle in the correct direction during healing. The final result is always determined by the surgery itself.

Are There Any Risks in Wrong or Unnecessary Use?

Yes.

Incorrect use can lead to:

• Nasal irritation
• Pressure sores
• Tissue sensitivity

Therefore, it should not be randomly purchased from the internet. It should not be started without a doctor's advice.

Can the Nostrils Be Fully Equalized?

At this point, we need to be realistic.

With rhinoplasty:

• The nostrils can be significantly balanced
• However, perfect, mathematical equality is not always possible

The goal is:

• Not perfect equality
• Natural and imperceptible symmetry
• The retainer helps to achieve this goal, but it is not guaranteed.

The nostril retainer is a supportive and temporary application in some rhinoplasty cases to aid healing.

In summary:

• It is not necessary for every patient
• It is personalized
• Used at the right time
• Used for a limited period

The nostrils will naturally balance out over time with reduced swelling and settling of the tissues. The retainer can support this process; however, the key is the correct surgery and a patient healing process.