After rhinoplasty, postoperative edema is a common concern, impacting patient satisfaction due to prolonged aesthetic result visualization. Researchers have published a study that compares the effectiveness of traditional nasal taping and 3D printed splints in managing postoperative nasal edema. A randomized controlled trial conducted on 70 patients revealed that 3D printed splints led to a more pronounced volume reduction at 6 and 12 months post-surgery.
Although postoperative edema can last over a year, current management techniques vary widely, from pharmacological solutions to manual approaches like nasal taping. The study aimed to ascertain whether custom 3D printed splints could provide a more efficient solution. The printed splints, priced around $350, are made from a biocompatible polymer and are designed based on preoperative 3D simulations of the intended rhinoplasty outcome.
The results highlighted the potential of 3D printed splints in reducing postoperative edema. At the 6-month and 1-year marks, the splint group experienced more significant volume reduction compared to the taping group. This suggests 3D printed splints could offer quicker short-term recovery and possibly more patient compliance due to easier application.
Overall, the findings show that 3D printed splints demonstrate promise as an effective alternative to traditional taping for managing post-rhinoplasty edema. If adopted widely, this could impact the patient recovery experience and satisfaction in the longer term.
Source: journals.lww.com
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