Dent from Putting Tape! Do you think the dent will go away or fill back up? (Photo)

Question

I had Rhinoplasty 4 weeks ago and was told to wear tape on my nose for 6 weeks. 4 weeks into wearing the tape, I notice a small circle dent on the tip of my nose. I know its from the tape that goes vertically from side to side! Do you think the dent will go away or fill back up? I have stopped wearing the tape!

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,I do not think that dent was caused by taping.  That area of the nose is called the 'soft tissue triangle', and represents an area beneath the tip cartilages. Normally it does not appear so soon after rhinplasty, but occasionally does if the surgeon had thinned your tissues during surgery. Fortunately, these common defects can be fixed with either non-surgical or surgical techniques.  My preference is using a hyaluronic acid based filler like Juvederm to instantly fill it.  Theoretically this is a temporary fix, but I have seen very long term result (two or more years). Alternatively, small cartilage grafts can be fashioned from the ear and inserted into position over the dents. Although this is another surgery, it can be done with local anesthetic and the healing process will much more minor than the original surgery.Nothing should be attempted for at least 6 months.Best of luck!

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

This appears to be in the area of the soft tissue facet. I would be very, very surprised if taping did this. In most cases, this will improve as you heal. If not, a small cartilage graft or dermal filler will usually fill in the area of the dent with a nice improvement. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Kim Taylor, FRACS · Answer

Tape would not cause this defect.  There will still be some swelling in your nose & things never reach their final appearance for many months.  It is, though, quite unusual to recommend 6 weeks of taping on the nose. You should return back to your surgeon for a review.

Ron Hazani, MD, FACS · Answer

I doubt if taping would help with this deformity. A filler or a cartilage graftcan fill the deformity and volumize the dead space.

Dent from Putting Tape! Do you think the dent will go away or fill back up? (Photo)

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