Is Rhinoplasty possible when you have a skin allergy to adhesive?

Question

I have wanted a nose job since I was 10 years old and have never changed my mind about it. I know I would be a good candidate however I have developed a contact allergy to any kind of adhesive. Band-aids, medical tape, anything like that will leave my skin with a horrible leathery rash that lasts for months and reoccurs randomly. Does this mean I will never be able to achieve my dream nose? Are there any alternatives to the standard splints that are held on with adhesive? Do I have any options?

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

As you point out tape is placed on the skin following rhinoplasty but there are ways to get around it and bandage things differently so there’s no tape involved.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty without adhesive tape?Yes this can be done using paper tape with tincture of benzoin.

Christian Paquet, MD · Answer

Hi Ede1337,
Yes, you may still have a rhinoplasty.  Have you ever tried hypoallergenic tape?  There are several medical tape brands which are meant specifically for people with allergies to adhesive.  Perhaps you and your doctor could trial it prior to surgery.  Otherwise, worst case scenario you could go without a splint/dressing in which case your swelling/edema may be worse in the short term but it would not preclude you from having an excellent result.
Hope that help.
Best,
Dr. Paquet

John Layke, DO, FACS · Answer

Although taping is one of the most common "splints" used after rhinoplasty, there are other alternatives to splinting the nose after surgery.  A thermoplastic splint, or even plaster, can be used to protect the nose without the need for surgical tape.  Speak with your surgeon and notify him or her of your allergy.

R. Laurence Berkowitz, MD · Answer

Your concerns are valid. Most of the adhesives are made by 3M and are designed to bond to the proteins in the epidermis. The fabrics they use vary from paper Medpore), reinforced threads (steri strips) , silk (dermasilk) and cotton with zinc (white cloth adhesive tape).  Many surgeons still use tincture of benzoin and mastisol which are plant derived (think tree sap) and can promote a tremendous allergic response in prone individuals. I suggest a trial of the intended tape to be used without any added liquid adhesives on your forearm for overnight or even 24 hours to test for any reaction at the time of your consultation.  My preference would be 3M Steri Strips as one of the trial tapes and perhaps Dermasilk.  A thermoplastic (fiberglass) splint placed over the steri strips will cause little skin reaction compared to plaster of Paris.

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

A rhinoplasty is certainly possible. There are alternatives for patients with adhesive allergies.
 I would suggest that you find a plastic
surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member
of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) or a facial
plastic surgeon (otolaryngologist) with extensive experience in rhinoplasty
surgery that they trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your
concerns with that surgeon in person. 
Robert Singer, MD FACS 
La Jolla, California

William Portuese, MD · Answer

In our practice, we place paper tape over the bridge of the nose, and the cast goes on over the top of that. Best to ask your operative surgeon about what adhesives they may be using. Alternatively, you could have some paper tape applied to your skin overnight to see if you have any reaction to it prior to the surgery.

Anup Dhir, MD · Answer

You should be able to have rhinoplasty. Your surgeon could another type of adhesive to which you may not be allergic to. Best to discuss this at the consultation with your surgeon.

David A. Sieber, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for the great question! You should be able to still have the surgery. A lot of the tape used after surgery helps to reduce swelling. Without it you may have a little more swelling in the short term but should still get a good long term result. Best,~Dr. Sieber

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

We use three different types of adhesives, so at your consultation all three are placed on your arm to determine which one you are not allergic to. This will ensure optimum rhinoplasty results.

Is Rhinoplasty possible when you have a skin allergy to adhesive?

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