Effect of Compression Tape Application on Peri-orbital Ecchymosis After Rhinoplasty: A Prospective, Randomized, Split-face Study

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• Picked for Otorhinolaryngology (top studies of the week, 11 October 2026): Split‑face RCT of compression tape after rhinoplasty

Abstract

IMPORTANCE: Postoperative ecchymosis and swelling after open rhinoplasty are commonly encountered and may affect patient satisfaction, aesthetic perception, and recovery. Compression taping has been proposed as a simple technique to reduce these effects, but objective evidence supporting its efficacy remains limited. OBJECTIVE: To objectively assess the impact of postoperative compression taping on the extent of ecchymosis in patients undergoing primary open rhinoplasty. DESIGN: Prospective, split-face, randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Multicenter study in 2 private practice surgical centers over a 4-month period. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-four patients undergoing primary open rhinoplasty were enrolled. Exclusion criteria included revision surgeries, obvious facial asymmetry, coagulopathies, and use of anticoagulant medications. One facial side per patient was randomized as the treatment side.Intervention or Exposures:Compression tape was applied immediately postoperatively to the infraorbital region on the randomized treatment side. The contralateral side received no taping and served as the control. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the surface area of ecchymosis measured on postoperative day 5 using standardized digital photography, with quantification performed using Adobe Photoshop software by a blinded assessor. RESULTS: The study included 64 patients with a mean age of 33.0 years (SD ± 11.3); 48 (75%) were female. The mean ecchymosis surface area on the taped side measured 228.4 mm² (SD ± 120.9) "95% CI 198.8-257.9" compared with 358.9 mm2 (SD ± 147.3)) "95% CI 322.9-395.1," on the control side (P < .05), representing a 36.2% reduction in bruising. CONCLUSIONS: Compression taping applied under the eye significantly reduces postoperative ecchymosis following open rhinoplasty. The intervention is simple, safe, and low-cost, supporting its routine use to enhance postoperative recovery. RELEVANCE: These findings provide objective evidence supporting compression taping as an adjunct postoperative tool to minimize ecchymosis. Future studies may explore its impact on facial swelling, patient-reported outcomes, and broader applications in facial plastic surgery.

Abstract as published, via PubMed.