What is the Use of Plastic Tape After Nose Surgery?

After nasal surgeries, particularly revision rhinoplasty, the splints, stents, stitches, and tapes placed on the patient’s nose can cause significant discomfort. Although these materials are applied to support the nose post-surgery, they can be quite painful, leading patients to want them removed as soon as possible. Despite the relatively short duration these materials stay on the nose, premature removal can lead to undesirable outcomes.

The adhesive tape placed on the nose after surgery, known as flester tape, is designed to cover the wound area and protect it from infection. Similar to a standard adhesive bandage, flester tape is commonly used after surgeries. Available in flexible, fix, paper, silk, fabric, and sports varieties, flester tape helps stabilize the nose and maintain its new shape.

The tapes and splints applied post-surgery are necessary because they stabilize the nose, preserve its shape, and minimize swelling. The splints placed on the nose are custom-designed for the patient and can be made of plastic or metal. These splints are typically removed about a week after the nose surgery. In some cases, silicone inserts may be placed inside the nose to support the internal structure. Depending on the patient, these silicone inserts are generally removed 3-7 days post-surgery. If the splints or silicone are removed or loosened earlier than necessary, it can cause various health issues, so the rhinoplasty surgeon should be informed.

Nasal packing may be temporarily placed in the nose post-surgery to prevent possible bleeding. These packs can cause discomfort or difficulty in breathing until the patient gets used to them, which is why rhinoplasty surgeons have reduced their use. If the surgeon notices discharge, they may opt for nasal packing. Nasal packs are usually removed 1-2 days after the nose surgery. Since dissolvable stitches are often used in nose surgeries, there is no need to have them removed, and bleeding issues can also be mitigated with these stitches. If the patient notices a small amount of pinkish fluid coming from the nose, there’s no need for concern, but if there is bleeding, the surgeon should be contacted.

In nose surgeries, two types of stitches may be used: dissolvable and non-dissolvable. If a piece of the stitch sags or comes out after coughing, sneezing, or taking deep breaths, the patient should not be alarmed. It is crucial that the patient does not tamper with or pull on the stitches to avoid prolonging the healing process. If dissolvable stitches were used, the patient does not need to visit the doctor to have them removed; however, if non-dissolvable stitches were used, they should be removed by the surgeon 5-6 days after the surgery. The rhinoplasty surgeon will inform the patient when non-dissolvable stitches need to be removed and schedule an appointment accordingly. The exact time when dissolvable stitches will disappear depends on the thickness and material of the suture used. While some dissolvable stitches may take up to three months to dissolve completely, others may dissolve within two weeks. Based on the type of stitch used, the rhinoplasty surgeon will provide an estimated time for the stitches to dissolve. The surgeon may also prescribe a softening ointment for the nasal area to aid in the healing process and reduce the time needed for the stitches to dissolve.

If the patient fails to attend the required follow-up appointment for stitch removal, the stitches may be removed later than necessary, potentially causing permanent stitch marks in the nasal area. Therefore, stitches should not be removed prematurely or too late but rather at the appropriate time.

Post-Nose Surgery Care Instructions:

× The patient should apply ice for the first 48 hours after the surgery. × A plastic splint is placed on the nose at the end of the surgery. This splint should not get wet while showering and should be removed on the 6th or 7th day after the surgery. After the splint is removed, the nose should be cleaned daily with warm water and soap. × Bruising, swelling, and edema may develop around the nose and eyes during the first week post-surgery. To prevent these issues, the patient should rest with their head elevated for the first week and follow the surgeon’s instructions closely. × If nasal packing is present, it will be removed along with the splint on the 6th or 7th day after the surgery. After this time, the patient can bathe freely as long as the water is not too hot.