Question:
What exactly is nasal packing? Is it always required after a nose job and for how long?

Answer:
Anything placed into the nose after nasal surgery can be considered “packing”. Having said that most horror stories regarding nasal packing refer to the use of long thin nasal packing which was layered into the nose after surgery and which takes a considerable amount of time and patient discomfort to remove. It is for that reason that we do not use this type of packing at our centers. For most patients only silicone splints are inserted which slide out easily one or two days after surgery. These also serve to stabilize the recently straightened septum. Occaisionally we insert a small piece of telfa (the ouchless bandaid) if the patient requires it. Nasal surgery does not need to feared with this type of post operative treatment.

Question:
I think my nose is okay but I do think some very small improvements could be made. Is undergoing surgery for some small refinement not worth it?

Answer:
What you are describing is known among Rhinoplasty experts as the the “Finesse Rhinoplasty.” For rhinoplasty specialists such as Dr. Gentile the procedure is realistic and the advantage of making a few minor adjustments is the procedure is short and can be frequently performed under local anesthesia. In skilled hands the Finesse Rhinoplasty is a worthwhile intervention for interested patients.