The beneficial effects of postrhinoplasty taping: fact or fiction?

Background: Initial patient perceptions of rhinoplasty results are complicated by early postoperative edema, ecchymosis, and distortion. Anecdotal evidence suggests that taping the nose immediately upon splint removal aids with the patient's psychological adjustment to his or her new appearance.

Objectives: The authors attempt to assess the overall impact of taping after splint removal on patient well-being while providing statistical validation regarding the utility of this intervention.

Methods: The authors evaluated the reaction of 24 postoperative rhinoplasty patients on the day of splint removal by photographing them and noting their verbal responses. Those patients who were obviously happy received no taping and were dismissed from the study. The remainder of the patients received flesh-colored tape (3M, St Paul, Minnesota) and their subsequent reactions were noted and photographed.

Results: Of 24 consecutive patients, 16 received tape. Fifteen of those taped initially displayed a flat affect (group A), while 1 was clearly unhappy (group B). The remaining 8 patients were obviously happy (group C) and were excluded from taping. Thirteen (86%) of those in group A displayed immediate subjective improvement after taping (χ(2) = 12.8; P < .001). The lone patient in group B continued to be unhappy and required ongoing reassurance.

Conclusions: Application of tape immediately upon splint removal after rhinoplasty improves initial patient perceptions. Taping can provide a simple and risk-free intervention for patients who do not express immediate satisfaction.