Taping after rhinoplasty

Swelling is a natural part of rhinoplasty. It is often worse in the morning, decreases during the day, and may be more noticeable on one side due to sleeping position. The tape applies gentle, even pressure to the skin, reducing swelling fluctuations and helping the soft tissues to adapt to the underlying framework. It does not change the shape of the bone or cartilage or permanently make the nose smaller – the contour may simply become clearer sooner if the swelling is kept under control.

In a randomized trial, taping for two or four weeks reduced postoperative swelling, with the benefit being more pronounced in patients with thick skin. In patients with thin skin and little swelling, long-term taping may not provide a noticeable additional benefit.

No. Taping is recommended but not essential. Patients who typically benefit most from it are those who have:

• thicker nose skin;
• more pronounced swelling;
• revision rhinoplasty;
• severe morning swelling and swelling fluctuations.

If the skin is thin, there is little swelling, or the tape causes irritation, the surgeon may recommend a shorter course or no taping at all.

The tape is often worn continuously for the first few days after the splint is removed, after which taping at night is usually sufficient, as the swelling increases when lying down. Make-up should not be applied to a fresh wound, irritated skin, or under the tape, so make sure the skin is free of make-up when taping. 

• The first six days: Keep the tape on all the time and change it every three days.
• Then: Tape your nose only at night, because swelling increases more easily when you lie down.
• Thin skin or slight swelling: about two weeks is often enough.
• Normal skin: usually two to four weeks.
• Thick skin or repeat rhinoplasty: up to two months or longer if recommended by the surgeon.

Taping can usually be stopped when the morning swelling is no longer significantly greater than the swelling later in the day. If the swelling increases after stopping, the surgeon may allow the nightly taping to be extended for a few weeks.

1. Gently cleanse and dry your nose. The skin should be clean, but do not rub or use irritating exfoliants.
2. Place 3-4 narrow strips of tape vertically along the bridge of the nose from top to bottom.
3. Place one narrow strip around the tip of your nose. If necessary, cut the strip in half lengthwise.
4. Add another layer or two to the bridge of your nose. A total of 2-3 layers of tape is usually enough.
5. Tape only the nose; there is no need to extend the tape strips to the cheeks.

The tape should be smooth and gently supportive. It should not cause pain, severe skin discoloration, increased numbness, or obstruction of breathing.

Do not pull the dry tape away from your skin abruptly. Soak the tape in warm water while showering or washing your face so that it is completely wet. Then peel it off slowly, rolling the tape along your skin.

If the skin becomes red, itchy, blisters or painful, remove the tape gently, do not apply new tape to the damaged skin and contact the clinic. If necessary, a different material or a shorter course will be chosen. Tape that is too tight (the tip of the nose is pale or purple) should be loosened immediately - this will not give a better result.

Found errors:

• The tape is too tight and makes the tip of the nose pale or purple.
• The tape is placed on wet or oily skin and begins to peel off quickly.
• The tape is changed too often and the skin becomes irritated.
• The tape is pulled off abruptly when dry.
• Taping is extended for months on their own initiative, even though the swelling has already subsided.