Nareseal Aluminum Nasal Splints

What it is

Nareseal aluminium nasal splints are external nasal support devices made from a thin, malleable aluminium sheet that can be manually shaped to the nasal contour with finger pressure and maintains that shape rigidly during wear. Unlike thermoplastic splints, which require heating, aluminium splints are cold-mouldable and do not require any equipment for shaping. Available in three sizes, they provide firm rigid external immobilisation of the nasal bones and cartilage.

When & how it's used

Used post-operatively following rhinoplasty, septorhinoplasty, and nasal fracture reduction (closed or open) to provide firm external immobilisation of repositioned nasal bones. Aluminium splints are preferred over thermoplastic when the greatest degree of rigidity is required — particularly after lateral osteotomies where the nasal bones must be held firmly in their new position while initial fracture healing occurs. They are also used following manipulation of a fractured nose under local or general anaesthesia.

The aluminium nasal splint has been a standard of rhinoplasty and nasal fracture care for decades. Its key advantage over thermoplastic and plaster of Paris splints is the combination of firmness and mouldability: the aluminium sheet can be bent to the desired contour using finger pressure alone — no water, heat, or mixing is required — and once shaped it does not deform under normal patient activity. This makes it particularly reliable in post-osteotomy rhinoplasty, where the nasal bones have been deliberately fractured and repositioned and must be held firmly in place while the periosteum and bone begin to heal, a process that takes approximately 10–14 days before the bones are stable enough to withstand normal soft tissue pressure.

Aluminium splints are typically applied over a layer of Steri-Strip or zinc oxide tape, which provides a smooth, protective surface between the metal and the post-operative skin, prevents skin maceration under the splint, and allows the splint to adhere with additional outer tape strips. The pre-cut nasal shape of the splint means minimal trimming is required for most patients; the three sizes (Small, Medium, Large) cover the range from paediatric to large adult nasal anatomy. If the fit is not ideal, the splint edges can be bent or trimmed with scissors.

Design features

• Rigid aluminium construction: Maintains the set shape throughout the wearing period without deforming under soft tissue pressure.
• Cold-mouldable: Shaped with finger pressure at room temperature — no heating, water, or preparation required.
• Three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large for paediatric through large adult anatomy.
• Thin profile: Low-profile aluminium sheet adds minimal bulk and sits flush over the nasal dorsum under tape.
• Trimmable: Edges can be cut with scissors if size adjustment is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should an aluminium splint be chosen over a thermoplastic splint? Aluminium splints are preferred when maximum rigidity is required — particularly after lateral osteotomies in rhinoplasty, after nasal fracture manipulation, or in patients who are at higher risk of post-operative trauma to the nose (e.g., active children or patients whose occupation or lifestyle increases the chance of contact). Thermoplastic splints offer greater comfort but less rigidity.

How is the aluminium splint shaped to the patient’s nose? The splint is manually bent with the fingers to approximate the nasal contour — dorsal height, tip projection, and sidewall angle. Fine adjustment is made with the splint in position over the tape underlay, pressing gently to conform to the post-operative swollen contour. The aluminium holds the new shape immediately.

Can aluminium nasal splints be sterilised and reused? They are designed as single-patient use external dressings and are not sterilised for reuse between patients. If a splint needs to be replaced on the same patient (e.g., it has been removed for re-application), it can be re-shaped and reapplied as long as it is clean and undamaged.

Does the splint need to be removed before MRI or CT scanning? Aluminium must be removed before MRI scanning due to potential interference. Before CT scanning, the splint should ideally be removed to prevent metal streak artefact, though aluminium produces less artefact than steel. The patient should be advised to remove the splint before attending for any post-operative imaging.