Why Do Some Doctors Advise Patients to Continue Taping the Nose After Splint Removal?

Question

Why do some doctors advise the patients to continue taping the nose after splint removal while others do not? What is causing the difference in opinion? Also, how long after splint removal should one tape the nose nightly? Thanks! :)

Paul K. Holden, MD · Answer

I do not have patient's tape after rhinoplasty.  It is my opinion that some surgeons have the patients do this in order to alleviate concerns about swelling.  The fact is that swelling is a physiologic process that tape cannot affect and must resolve through normal healing.  Taping actually poses a risk as the process of placing, removing and replacing the tape can trigger an inflammatory reaction to the adhesive or just the process of peeling the tape off.  This will actually only serve to prolong your swelling and could even cause a secondary skin reaction that you do not want.

	The splint itself can be used for protection during sleep or worn in a modified form under glasses/sunglasses for several weeks after surgery in order to protect the bones while they heal.

Rady Rahban, MD, FACS · Answer

The pressure of the tape can aid in swelling of the nose.   Typically, I have my patients wear tape on their nose for 1 week after the splint removal.  The splint is removed at 1 week post op, so they then wear the tape on their nose from the 1 week to the 2 week mark.   With that being said, not every patient is the same nor is every surgery, so protocol can vary from patient to patient.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

Taping of the nose after rhinoplasty is optional but it does serve a few purposes:

	
		It is a reminder that the nose is still healing and to avoid excessive activity or trauma
	
		It reminds others to be mindful of your nose
	
		It reduces pressure by eyeglasses

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

We will at times have the patient tape the nose after rhinoplasty, as it can help modulate the post operative swelling in certain cases. It can also act as a reminder in some patients to take it easy, and not to have their nose in a dependent, (below their heart), position that would also increase swelling, (e.g.; yoga class etc).

David Mattos, MD · Answer

Good question. As with a lot of things in surgery, surgeons do things slightly differently, and as long as they are getting good, consistent results, it doesn't matter. The important thing is that whatever they are doing is working for them. I personally do not like to tape the nose a week after surgery when I remove the splint, because I think the patient and/or myself are more likely to move things around at this point than do any actual good. Your swelling just takes time to go away and continuing to tape the nose after surgery I think has little to no benefit!
-Dr. David Mattos, New York Plastic Surgical Group

David A. Bray, Sr., MD · Answer

Tape placed after removal of the cast is an option. The intended purpose is to try to control swelling. This may or may not work as the swelling should go down by itself.

Rafael C. Cabrera, MD · Answer

why do some people say tomato and others say tomah toe. i have no idea. just follow your surgeons instructions. he/she probably (not definitely though) has their reasons. 
	I do ask my pts to tape after the splint comes off to remind them to protect their nose for at least 3 weeks. good luck

Michel Siegel, MD · Answer

I am not aware of any scientific information that taping, or not taping after rhinoplasty has any effects on the final results of surgery.
This is more of a personal choice of your surgeon.

Michel Siegel, MD

Shepherd G. Pryor, MD · Answer

My practice is to routinely remove the splint at 7 days following surgery. I do not have patient's retape the nose following this for the express reason that taping changes nothing about the healing process. I do request that patient's wear the cast at night only for a further 2 weeks to avoid injury when rolling over in bed at night. Nasal exercises are recommended but not specifically necessary as your final result is due to the actions that occur in surgery and not what you do after leaving the operating room. Just be delicate with your nose and good luck with your healing process! Dr. Shep

Michael Suzman, MD · Answer

When your splint first comes off, you should see some nice differences right away, but it takes time for all the swelling to resolve.

	It can take even more time for the skin to contract around the new cartilage-bone framework underneath.  That's why in some patients it can be helpful to use a light compressive tape after splint removal. It can help hold and mold the skin with gentle pressure. 

	It is not something I do for every patient, but would consider it if the splint came off a day or two early or in cases where the patient is quite swollen.

Why Do Some Doctors Advise Patients to Continue Taping the Nose After Splint Removal?

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