Adhesive from taping my nose after rhinoplasty is torture for my skin! Any suggestions?

Question

My surgeon wanted me to tape my nose for one month after cast removal. But the adhesive from the tape is absolutely hating my skin! :-( They did say I could skip a few days so I did, but I have the same experience every time I tape it. I have tried putting on moisturizers and oils beforehand, and using rubbing alcohol to try to scrub the adhesive off after. It just clumps onto my skin and will not let go like super glue! Any suggestions on how to make this experience go better?

Jason D. Bloom, MD, FACS · Answer

Every once in a while, a patient will have a skin reaction to the adhesive from the steri strips or tape when taping the nose after a rhinoplasty.  I would ask your surgeon what he usually uses to remove the adhesive.  I have a product in my office called "Detachol" that runs about $15-20 per bottle and is a good way of removing the adhesive from steri strips or tape.  You may be able to get some of this online.

Patrick Simon, MD · Answer

An antiadhesive like detachol will help.  Also make sure you are using a paper tape which uses a less intense adhesive.

Adhesive from taping my nose after rhinoplasty is torture for my skin! Any suggestions?

Answers (2)