Taping post splint removal - rhinoplasty

Question

In what situations do you recommend your patients to tape their noses after rhinoplasty and splint removal. Is this when you perform some specific techniques/changes OR do you ask ALL your patients to tape their nose OR just one with specific skin types? How easy/difficult is for the patient to do this on their own? Would it be better if the patient kept the splint ON for longer instead of taping?

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

After cast removal, the tape will be applied to help control edema (swelling) of the nose. Your nose will be significantly swollen, especially around the tip. Taping holds pressure on the skin which reduces the swelling and promotes faster healing. I ask my patients to keep the tape on for 6-7 days after the cast removal. In some cases, when swelling is extreme, patients can continue to apply the tape at night. Taping the bridge of the nose and the area above the tip will significantly reduce the swelling. Tapes can be applied easily by you. Your doctor will explain this to you during your cast removal. Thank you

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

This is an excellent question. I typically have my patients tape nightly for at least 3 months post-op. I have noticed a reduction in swelling.

Timothy Ortlip, MD · Answer

Great question!. I do not ask the majority of my patients to have tape for over 1 week. With that said, if there is significant swelling or curvature to the nose, we may reapply tape to help reduce the swelling and or gently nudge a particular area of the nose a certain way. While it is technically easy to do, I do not recommend patients to do this at home as it should be done with a careful eye. Generally thicker skin types my benefit from prolonged taping. The splint is basically a cover/reminder for the patient to be gentle with the nose during the first week. It does not do much in terms of swelling. That is what the tape is for. There are surgeons out there that have completely gotten rid of the splint and use tape only. Hope this helps.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Taping the nose after rhinoplasty can help reduce swelling especially  in thick skinned patients. But surgeons will differ in their recommendations . I  recommend taping after rhinoplasty more in some patients  than others. Some patient find it help and other patients find it does little so I often let the patient decide

Paul E. Chasan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  A large portion of my practice is dedicated to rhinoplasty surgery.  We typically leave the splint on for 5 to 6 days.  After removal of the splint, we start night taping for 2 weeks.  Then use a combination of night taping and a product called Noseperfect to continue to shape the contour of the nose for another month.  I have come up to this routine after many years of performing rhinoplasties and feel that this is the best routine for most patients to abide by and get the best results.  Best wishes to you.  You can find a Noseperfect device on nose perfect.com.

Taping post splint removal - rhinoplasty

Answers (5)