After removal of the splint, there may be some swelling, bruising and stuffiness, but by the end of three weeks most patients find that a large part of the swelling has resolved. Patients must understand that although most of the swelling resolves quickly, some will last for several months after the operation. In general, the appearance of the nose continues to improve for as long as a year after the operation. Do not be overly concerned if the nose looks unsatisfactory when the splint is first removed. Swelling is quite variable, and while it usually begins to subside quickly, some patients take much longer than others do.
Patients can wash or bathe normally after surgery.
The splint can get wet. The nostrils should be gently cleaned several times a day with cotton tip applicators wet with peroxide, after which a light coating of an antibiotic ointment is applied. After removal of the splint, the patient must be very careful that the nose is not injured until complete healing has taken place. After full healing, the nose should be about as strong as ever, although one recent study has indicated that if the bones are fractured, the healed bone may be slightly more vulnerable to later injury. The first three weeks after surgery are generally the most important.