Taping After Rhinoplasty: Why I Recommend It and How to Do It Correctly

Taping after rhinoplasty is a simple but important part of recovery that helps control swelling and guide healing—especially in the nasal tip. I recommend postoperative taping for all rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty patients.

Here’s how I use taping in my practice and how to do it correctly.

Why Taping Helps After Rhinoplasty

Taping helps:

  • reduce swelling

  • control fluid accumulation

  • improve tip definition

  • guide skin contraction

  • support healing during early recovery

My Taping Protocol

Nighttime taping: 3 months (minimum)

I recommend taping at night for three months after surgery at minimum. If a patient is gaining benefit beyond that, they may tape for as long as they’d like. Even through the first year or beyond.

This provides consistent compression during sleep, when swelling tends to increase.

Daytime taping (optional): First month only

Patients may choose to tape during the day for the first month, but this is optional.

Daytime taping can help:

  • reduce visible swelling

  • improve early tip definition

  • provide added support during the most swollen phase

After the first month, daytime taping is not necessary.

How to Tape Correctly

1. Wash your nose daily

Before taping:

  • gently wash your nose with soap and water

  • pat dry completely

Clean skin helps prevent irritation and improves tape adhesion.

2. Use fresh tape every day

  • Change the tape daily

  • Never reuse old tape

  • Use the paper tape we recommend. This is the tape given to all patients prior to rhinoplasty with us.

3. Remove tape gently

Always use a medical adhesive remover when removing tape.

This:

  • protects the skin

  • reduces irritation

  • prevents pulling on healing tissues

Never rip tape off dry skin.

4. Apply tape as instructed

Tape placement matters. Follow the exact technique shown in your video or demonstrated in the office to ensure proper compression without excessive pressure.

Common Questions

Is taping mandatory?
No, but it is highly recommended—especially for patients with thick skin.

Can I stop early?
Some patients can taper earlier, but three months of nighttime taping provides the best swelling control.

Will taping change my final result?
Taping helps manage swelling and improve early definition, but it does not change bone or cartilage shape.

Bottom Line

Taping is a simple, low-risk way to help swelling resolve more smoothly after rhinoplasty. Nighttime taping for three months—along with optional daytime taping for the first month—can make a noticeable difference in comfort and early refinement.

ARI HYMAN