Abstract
In rhinoplasty, one of the most popular aesthetic surgical procedures worldwide, several different techniques are utilized when performing a rhinoplasty procedure. Many complications can arise postoperatively depending on the surgical approach and technique utilized. A method to reduce immediate postoperative complications has been identified. The use of different colored nasal splints for various surgical procedures could assist in identifying high-risk patients to the postsurgical recovery team and the clinical staff. In this prospective 10-year study, patients were divided into 2 groups. In Group I, the green-colored splint was applied to all patients, whereas in Group II, patients were divided into 3 subgroups. Patients undergoing rhinoplasty and septoplasty, rhinoplasty, and minimally invasive rhinoplasty were placed in Subgroup I, Subgroup II, and Subgroup III, respectively. Different survey questionnaires were designed for patients, the surgical team, the postsurgical recovery team, the follow-up care team, and the clinical staff. A total of 2,680 (88%) patients were females, whereas 332 (12%) patients were males. There was no significant difference in surgeon's responses between 2 groups (p > .05). Between the 2 groups, there was a significant difference in the postsurgical recovery team and the follow-up care staff (p < .001). Patients in Group II were significantly more aware of their conditions and possible complications (p < .001). The current study reveals that patients undergoing rhinoplasty should be identified through colored splints, particularly patients whose surgery accompanies a high possibility of complications. In such patients, colored splint is a red flag for surgical and postsurgical nurses and staff who are providing health care to patients.