Does taping after rhinoplasty hold any true benefit?

Question

I'm 9 days post-op, & my surgeon instructed me to tape my nose at night to reduce swelling. However, I don't notice a difference in swelling with taping vs. not taping, even with firmly applied pressure. Removing the tape gently & slowly still pulls & lifts the skin slightly and I believe it undoes all the compression the tape may have done. Taking that into account, does taping the nose have any actual benefit? I've read that scar tissue can form in the absence of taping. What's your opinion?

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

We do not recommend nasal taping after rhinoplasty. During fellowship 20 years ago, my teacher didn't use it, and neither do we. That said, it can't hurt. Thank you. Dr Joseph

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @schnozz! I recommend taping to all my patients for at least 3 months post op to help with swelling and accumulation of scar tissue.  Best of luck to you!

Paul Tulley, MD, MBBS, FRCS(Plastic) · Answer

Many thanks for your question. I usually tape my rhinoplasty patients after removing the cast for 4-5 days. This helps to keep the swelling down and aid the skin to take up the new shape of the underlying structures. Taping can also be useful at night subsequently to minimise swelling around the tip and supratip areas, particularly in patients with more bulbous tips and/or thicker skin. This helps to reduce swelling and prevent accumulation of scar tissue in these areas.Good luck with your treatment.

Edward Farrior, MD · Answer

Yes! Taping can make a difference in the acute recovery and the reduction of swelling. It probable has little impact on the result after one year. The most difficult thing to control and a rhinoplasty is the swelling that occurs in the skin on and above the tip of the nose. Anything that can be done to control the swelling in this area is helpful with regard to the early postoperative result, the timeframe between 6 weeks and 3 months after surgery. Some surgeons will have patient continue to tape the area above the tip of the nose for 6 months after surgery.  All of these efforts will have minimal impact on the result that occurs after 12 months. If you want to look better  faster follow your surgeons instructions and tape your nose.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Taping of the nose is critical to keeping swelling down. When the tissues swell, proinflammatory cells are forbidden from entering the tissues; pro-inflamatory cells then recruit fibroblasts that deposit collagen which can then create scar tissue in your nose. Scar tissue build up is probably the number one cause of hump recurrence. Please listen to your doctor and comply with postoperative instructions. We don't just wing these decisions, they are based on decades of experience.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

Taping for a short time immediately after cast removal can help to decrease swelling immediately after cast removal. Long term it has little benefit. Follow the instructions of your surgeon.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Schnozz, I have been performing multiple rhinoplasty procedures a week for over thirty years and I do not have my patients tape their nose after surgery. This is a personal choice of the surgeons and every surgeon has their own opinion on the matter. I tend to agree with you that peeling the tape on and off is not going to help the end result. I have my patients perform nasal exercises that replace the need of using tape. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Taping the nose can help with swelling in early healing.  Your surgeon will instruct you on how to tape if that is helpful in your case.

Does taping after rhinoplasty hold any true benefit?

Answers (8)