How long do I have to stop retinoids before/after rhinoplasty? How long do you have to wear tape on your nose after surgery?

 Topical retinoids are acceptable to be placed over the skin of the nose as soon as the cast is removed. Paper tape and a cast are applied across the bridge of the nose for 6 days after the rhinoplasty procedure. In some patients who have prolonged and extended swelling months after the procedure, Blenderm  tape can be applied at night over the supratip area of the nose to help with fluid accumulation in that area. Not all patients are required to use the Blenderm tape.

After Rhinoplasty patients are advised not to use facial cleansers directly on the nose for 1-2 weeks post op. This is also due to the cast that is on your nose. Tape is often worn for 2 weeks after that but you can wash your face gently at this point. I would be sure to ask your surgeon these questions as well to get his/her professional opinion.Hope this helps,Dr. Ali Sajjadian

In general, this is a common question.  How long does one have to wear a splint or have tape on their nose after a rhinoplasty?  There is no reason to stop the retinoid before your surgery and you can start right after the splint is removed.  You may have a slight break out from the tape that is used under the splint but that should settle in a day or so.  I generally remove the splint in two to four days.  I have added a video on rhinoplasty recovery for you.I hope that helps.