Nasal Taping After Surgery

Applying nasal tape after surgery has two important benefits: reducing swelling and helping the nose maintain its proper shape. In this section, an instructional video and step‑by‑step guidance on how to tape the nose after surgery are provided. After rhinoplasty, it is recommended to keep nasal tape on the nose for about two weeks to two months. The correct method is to first clean the nose and cheeks thoroughly and then apply the paper tape...

Why Is Nose Taping Used After Rhinoplasty?

After rhinoplasty, patients are usually advised to tape their nose for about weeks to months. Taping the nose helps reduce nasal swelling more quickly, speeds up the healing process, and helps achieve better final results.

Nose taping has important benefits:

 During the first two weeks, taping affects both the shape of the nose and nasal swelling. However, after the second week, taping mainly affects swelling. In other words, if you want the swelling to subside faster, you may continue taping after the second week. If you choose not to tape, it usually will not cause any significant problem. You may also apply the tape only at night while sleeping and remove it during the day.

Nose taping also serves as a kind of warning sign for people around you. When you have tape on your nose, it signals that your nose has recently been operated on and needs to be treated carefully. People around you will realize they should avoid touching your nose or engaging in playful behavior that might accidentally injure it.
Usually, about two months after surgery, nose taping is no longer necessary. However, if swelling has not fully resolved or if swelling returns, taping can be continued again.

Proper Method of Applying Nose Tape

- Wash your nose and cheeks thoroughly with mild soap and water, or clean them with cotton soaked in alcohol. Then gently pat the skin dry with a soft towel. Wait about 5 to 10 minutes until the skin is completely dry.  - Place an appropriate paper tape inside a tape dispenser so you can use it easily. Depending on the size of your nose, cut a strip of paper tape about to centimeters long and apply it in a “U-shape” under the nose. Make sure the tape does not block the nostrils. The middle of the tape should be placed under the tip of the nose and then gently pressed upward along the sides of the nose so it adheres well. The two ends of the tape should extend upward toward the inner corners of the eyes. This tape helps prevent the nose tip from drooping.  - Then apply three strips of tape, each about 3 to 5 centimeters long, horizontally across the nose from top to bottom so that the edges slightly overlap. Gently press and smooth the tape so that it adheres well to the skin. - Next, apply another horizontal layer of tape over the previous layer and gently smooth it so that it adheres properly to the nose.  - Finally, trim any extra tape from the tip of the nose using scissors.