Flying after rhinoplasty
As every rhinoplasty performed is different, it is important that you consult with your primary surgeon first. In my practice, patients routinely fly out at 7 days after a rhinoplasty.
It is important that you be aware that the altitude can cause swelling of the nose and your surgeon be aware of means to minimize this during your routine flight home.
The amount of exercise is gradually increased in patients over a span of 4 weeks.
Light weights, light cardio can be performed as early as one week after the procedure, provided there is little to no jostling of the nose and heavy breathing through the nasal passageway.
Running and heavy weights can resume typically at the 4 week mark but is sometimes delayed further on a case by case basis. (Anil R. Shah, MD, Chicago Facial Plastic Surgeon)
I recommend that patients wait 7 to 10 days before they can fly and engage in light physical activity.
They should wait 4 to 6 weeks for more strenuous activities, including sex. (Daniel Reichner, MD, Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon)
While you can probably fly after the nasal splint is removed, you may have discomfort with the air pressure changes on the plane for a few weeks.
In terms of exercise, I tell patients aerobics after 3-4 weeks, heavy lifting after 6 weeks, and no glasses resting on bridge for at least 3-4 weeks. (Steven Wallach, MD, Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)
How soon can I fly after a tip rhinoplasty
Flying after rhinoplasty image
Rule of thumb in my practice: Fly when you can afford it! If you use the routine post op care ( h2o2, ocean spray ) 8000 feet elevation should not be a problem 48 hours post op Exercise; start easy, we don’t want you to get your blood presure up for 2 weeks. Back to the gym in 4 weeks. If intimacy gets your pressure up, cuddle for a couple of weeks.
My experience has been most couples are put off by the splint. Splint comes off in two weeks or sooner in the shower. I like to see you as soon after that as is convenient. I hope this information has been useful to you. Jon I Sattler, MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Glendora, California (Jon Sattler, MD, Glendora Plastic Surgeon)
Activities after Rhinoplasty
Flying after rhinoplasty surgery
I perform over 300 rhinoplasty surgeries per year including major reconstructions and I routinely recommend a standard 2 week waiting period before flying or exercising. The reality is that we would like to avoid a nose bleed in this short interval. After this time frame you should feel very comfortable performing any activity you want including hiking, biking, swimming, yoga etc. Concerning intercourse, it is reasonable and safe to consider resuming non-vigorous activities within 7 days and 2 weeks for anything truly adventurous.
6 weeks is entirely unreasonable and unneccessary. Activities that would predictably risk breaking your nose (i.e. rock climbing, skateboarding, kickboxing, etc) in the setting of having had osteotomies (refracture of the nose) during surgery to straighten the nose should wait a minimum of 2 months. (Shepherd G. Pryor, MD, Scottsdale Facial Plastic Surgeon)
Exercise after Rhinoplasty
Flying after rhinoplasty operation
Light physical exercise is beneficial after the first or second day following surgery. This means non-strenuous walking and gentle stretching exercises. By two weeks many patients can perform moderate exercise. Unrestricted aerobic exercise is probably best delayed for about a month. Flying is usually limited because of the need for splint removal at 7 days after surgery.
However, I’ve had patients fly home on the third post operative day and then return on day 8 or 9 for splint removal. Each patient is different of course and for that matter, each surgeon will have their own take on this. Within the bounds of what is safe and prudent I don’t feel anything regarding this is written in stone. As for sex – I think a week of abstinence is a good idea – longer if you simply don’t feel ready for whatever reasons. You can discuss any specific issues with your surgeon. (Jon F. Harrell, DO, Miami Plastic Surgeon)
Exercise & flying after rhinoplasty surgery
Flying after rhinoplasty photo
You should be safe to fly after one week. I would advise waiting 2 weeks before resuming aerobic exercise to avoid post operative bleeding. 6 weeks for contact like sports as if you get bumped in the nose it can shift. (Ran Y. Rubinstein, MD, Manhattan Facial Plastic Surgeon)
Exercise or fly 2 weeks after rhinoplasty
You can return to your normal exercise regimen two weeks after surgery. By this time, there should be no risk for bleeding. We generally recommend to wait the same amount of time before flying due to the bleeding risk.
It will be very stressful to develop bleeding during your trip. However, sometimes patients’ plans do not allow this window.
Flying after rhinoplasty procedure
We recommend these patients (if they must fly before 2 wks) to avoid any heavy lifting (ie limit carry on to less than 25 lbs) and instruct them on things they can do to treat the bleeding (spray Afrin to nose, hold pressure, etc). If they can do this, then the risk may be acceptable. (Corey S. Maas, MD, San Francisco Facial Plastic Surgeon)
Best to wait two weeks
It is best to wait approximately two weeks before flying on an airplane or exercising because of the swelling. It is also not a good idea to exercise because of the potential for having a nosebleed in the immediate postoperative period. Altitude and air pressure changes in an airplane can also create headaches and facial pressure and pain. (William Portuese, MD, Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon)
When can you fly after rhinoplasty?
Can i fly after rhinoplasty pictures
The reasons for restricting flying after rhinoplasty are several. There is an increased risk of barotrauma (pain arising from pressure in the sinuses and/or ears).
The air humidity in planes is equivalent to the sahara, and thirdly there isn’t a nearby hospital. Dryness can be managed, but the other 2 issues can’t. Therefore 2 weeks is a reasonable line in the sand. (Oakley Smith, MD, Toronto Facial Plastic Surgeon)
Exercise after rhinoplasty safe after four weeks
Can i fly after rhinoplasty operations
In our practice we use open and closed rhinoplasty techniques and generally follow the same routine concerning exercise for both. I ask our patients to wait four weeks after to allow sufficient time for the shape to “set”. There will still be stiffness and possibly some swelling, but the full activity should not affect the end result.
Always keep in mind that the fractures created in rhinoplasty will cause the nose to be more easily broken in case of an accident or injury in the future. Be careful and protect your investment. Low impact activities such as walking, driving, or flying should be fine after the first week.
In open rhinoplasty the scar will still be pink and delicate so it is best to be careful for the first two to three weeks. This is especially true for blowing your nose. Don’t. As far as intimacy goes, where there is a will, there is a way, though again take caution in the first three to four weeks. (Peter E. Johnson, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)