Will Light Pushing Affect my Rhinoplasty?

Question

I had my rhinoplasty one month ago and I'm still taping due to thick skin and swelling. The problem is I have very oily skin so the tape starts to lose its adhesion by the end of the day. I've been lightly pushing to keep the tape on. There is absolutely no pain when I do this but I just wanted to know whether this would affect the healing of the bones or increase the swelling. thanks

Thomas E. Kaniff, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Ark306-

	Light pushing on the tape should be fine. Cleaning the skin and reapplying new tape may be a better option. The nasal bones are generally not set until 6 weeks after surgery. Sleeping on your back and elevated is genrally helpful as well. If there is any question contact your surgeon.

	Best of luck.

	Tom Kaniff

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Taping may act to bring down swelling after rhinoplasty, but begins to be cumbersome months after rhinoplasty.  I would recommend a product containing bioflavonoids to reduce swelling.

Christopher Tolan, MD · Answer

It is unlikey that continued taping after the first 4 weeks is providing you with with any significant reduction in the thickness of your skin.  In fact it may be creating a bigger issue, with your skin pores becoming blocked and giving rise to a low grade infection along with increasing your oil production further worsening your problem.  Your surgeon may consider a small of amount of steroid into the tip.

Anand D. Patel, MD · Answer

It is unclear whether compression exercises truly help reduce swelling. If it does, it probably only helps within the first few weeks after surgery. Having said that, by one month the nose is strong enough to handle light pushing without being damaged. Continued taping of a nose with thick, sebaceous skin can lead to clogged pores and acne.

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

Hi Ark306 in Arkansas,

	One some plastic surgeons may continue to recommend nasal taping after rhinoplasty; however, keeping tape on the nose at one month may not have much of an effect on swelling. The light pushing on the nose should not alter your final results. However, check with your rhinoplasty surgeon.

	Thick skin patients more likely develop scar tissue after rhinoplasty, as compared to thin skin patients. To improve bulbous tip, rhinoplasty surgeons typically reshape and reposition the tip cartilage. Some cartilage is removed and some may be added to create more tip definition. Thick skin may also require removal of some extra soft, fibrofatty tissue deep under the skin during surgery, effectively "thinning" the skin. Lastly, steroid injection after surgery help reduce swelling and scarring to further refine the nose.

	There are any good potential options. Only after a comprehensive evaluation can a rhinoplasty surgeon help determine appropriate options for you. Best of luck.

	Dr. Chaboki

Will Light Pushing Affect my Rhinoplasty?

Answers (10)

Answer: Light Pushing On Nose After Rhinoplasty

Answer: Light Pushing On Nose After Rhinoplasty

Answer: Nasal Taping after Rhinoplasty with Thick Skin

Answer: Nasal Taping after Rhinoplasty with Thick Skin

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Will Light Pushing Affect my Rhinoplasty?

Answers (10)

Answer: Light Pushing On Nose After Rhinoplasty

Answer: Light Pushing On Nose After Rhinoplasty

Answer: Nasal Taping after Rhinoplasty with Thick Skin

Answer: Nasal Taping after Rhinoplasty with Thick Skin

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.