Would it be possible to not have any sort of adhesive/cast post surgery my secondary rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Question

Hello, I am contemplating a second rhinoplasty to define my tip. However, I am super allergic to any medical adhesive. My first rhinoplasty I to had to remove the cast myself because I broke out in hives and my whole face started to swell (including my eyes being shut) and the hives becoming popping blisters. Would it be possible to not have any sort of adhesive/cast post surgery.

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

OMG, that's terrible! It is definitely possible to go without tape - you just have to be aware that you're going to be in a long haul with healing/swelling, but that will be the case anyway given that it is a revision rhinoplasty. I do not think it is worth risking getting this rash again.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

In our opinion, taping of the nose after surgery is very important. The tape needs to stay on somebody's nose for a week after surgery to ensure that everything remains in place and heals as intended. People who have contact dermatitis, typically have it to the glue. 3M Makes an excellent hypoallergenic tape. You could certainly ask your surgeon to utilize hypoallergenic tape, and I would consider asking for a roll before surgery so you could put several pieces on your arm or on your leg to ensure that you are not allergic to this glue. Wishing you well moving forward! Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Barry M. Weintraub, MD, FACS · Answer

Without having the opportunity to examine you in person, it does appear that you experienced an allergy to the adhesive that was used in the taping process during your first rhinoplasty. I am surprised that you removed the splint yourself, however. Didn't your surgeon want to see you right away to attend to your allergy? Taping and splint position is extremely important and should, in my opinion, only be removed by the surgeon, even if that means seeing the patient after hours or on a weekend. The tape and splint function to keep the understructures in place, and to minimize swelling. I do understand the desire to have the dressing off asap, particularly since your reaction seems inordinately severe. This is why I remain easily available to patients postoperatively.

Whenever my patients suspect a prior allergic reaction, I will test for this allergy before their revision surgery. I apply a very small amount of surgical glue to either the arm or an area behind the ear, and do so with the tape itself as well. I then evaluate for allergic reaction, and proceed accordingly, potentially using a different adhesive or tape depending on each patient's reaction.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. This allergic reaction is very common and is likely due to mastisol which is an adhesive agent used to secure the splint.   You should still have a splint placed but use benzoin instead and this should prevent this issue.   I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Would it be possible to not have any sort of adhesive/cast post surgery my secondary rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Adhesive

Answer: Adhesive

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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

Would it be possible to not have any sort of adhesive/cast post surgery my secondary rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Adhesive

Answer: Adhesive

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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