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Is Taping The Nose on Thick Skin Suggested After Rhinoplasty? (photo)

  • Gaia
  • Panama City
  • 4 years ago

I am a Latin 31 years old woman who had a closed rhinoplasty 3 weeks ago. My doctor removed the cast a week later and left the tape another week. After than he told me that no more tape was necesary. However, I read that specially on thick, oily, olive skins ( as I have) taping the nose for long periods help to reduce swelling and controls scar tissue. Currently my nose is as huge as it was before and I see little change. I have been very disciplined. What would you recomend?

Doctor Answers 5

Taping after Rhinoplasty

November 13th, 2011
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Your nose has changed significantly with your rhinoplasty surgery. Like your surgeon, I do not feel that taping your nose for more than 2 weeks after surgery would be beneficial. In patients like you with thick skin it will take longer for the swelling to resolve. Your nose will continue to improve for 12-18 months. Be patient!

Richard W. Fleming, MD


Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 35 reviews

Does taping the nose help?

November 12th, 2011
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The answer is yes, maybe. There are no studies unfortunately. Therefore some doctors do and some don't. My philosophy is, since it has no risk and may help, why not use it. i believe its of possible value for thicker skinned patients and those wanting tip rotation. Its value, if any, clearly diminishes with time and likely has no use after at most a month.  

Oakley Smith, MD, FRCSC

Oakley Smith, MD, FRCSC
Toronto Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 73 reviews

Is Taping The Nose on Thick Skin Suggested After Rhinoplasty?

November 10th, 2011
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I do not have my Rhinoplasty patients tape their noses after Rhinoplasty however, I instruct all my Rhinoplasty pateints on manual lymphatic drainage massage, to their nose, beginning 1 month after the Rhinoplasty.

Web reference: http://www.thepalmercodeinstitute.com

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.6 out of 5 stars 24 reviews

Taping after rhinoplasty

November 7th, 2011
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I routinely remove splints and tape at about 1 week. I do not feel taping is beneficial after that point. People with thicker, sebaceous skin tend to swell more and take a little longer with swelling resolution. Be patient and give it time. Eighty percent of swelling is typically resolved within 6-8 weeks.You are not quite half way there. Molding exercises as well as avoiding salty foods and heavy exercise is advisable during this time period. You may require some small steroid injections down the road for optimal results. Good luck!

Von Graham, MD

Von Graham, MD
New Orleans Facial Plastic Surgeon
1.0 out of 5 stars 2 reviews

Taping noses

November 6th, 2011
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Rhinoplasty patients have a lot of swelling after the procedure, and this may last months.  I do not routinely tape the nose after the splint comes off. There are no scientifc studies that I know of that suggest long term taping to decrease swelling.

Steven Wallach, MD

Steven Wallach, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
4.1 out of 5 stars 23 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.