How long to TAPE for following Rhinoplasty?

Question

I tape at night, as per Dr's orders, while others I read here tape 24/7. Is it different for open vs closed patients? Why are some ppl told to tape their entire nose, and others to put one strip across the tip/lower bridge?

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

If I see a bump on the dorsum of the nose that is compressible with my finger, I will have the patients tape at night after a rhinoplasty.  I believe the pressure will help swelling in the area and allow the skin to settle in this area.   This is one of the areas of rhinoplasty surgery that I do not think has a correct answer at this time.  There are no studies to my knowledge looking at the effect of taping the nose at night.  For this reason. the decision to tape is purely up to the patient and surgeon.I hope this helps

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

I am not a proponent of taping the nose after removal of the splint 5-6 days after surgery. Rarely, if the tape/ splint didn't adhere in one area during the first week, taping for another week will create an improvement. In the absence of that taping and removing the tape will just traumatize the nasal skin further. You will receive a variety of advice on this subject but I recommend that you focus on the advice of your surgeon. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Stephan Finical, MD · Answer

I typically tape the patients nose under the splint at the time of surgery and take it all off in one week. Make sure your skin is holding up from multiple tape removals. No matter what you do, about half the swelling will be gone at the end of the first month, the other half hangs on for the next elevan months, so be patient.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I do not think that long term taping offers anything in terms of the long term result. The swelling will go down on its own.

S. Randolph Waldman, MD · Answer

Probably does very little other than give you something to do while time takes its course.  We have not recommended taping noses for many years once the splint is removed.  Redrapage of skin takes place in the first few days after surgery and taping immediately after the surgery as well as proper application of the splint are very important.  Once the splint is removed then nature takes over.Steroid injections to the supra-tip are sometimes necessary when shrinkage of skin or build up of fibrotic tissue in the supra-tip are a concern in the first 6-9 months post-op.

How long to TAPE for following Rhinoplasty?

Answers (5)