Horse Riding After Rhinoplasty?

Question

I am getting a nose job but I also horse ride. How long should I wait before going back to horse riding after I have had a nose job? Thank you.

Steven J. Pearlman, MD, FACS · Answer

I tell my patients that it takes about 6 weeks before the nose can take any kind of direct trauma. This is how long it takes bones to heal. If you or anyone you know has broken a bone, casts and splints are left on for 6 to 8 weeks. This is not practical for a nose. So, being careful can do the trick. In my opinion, any sports, including horseback riding, where you can get hit in the nose should therefore be avoided for that period of time. Non-contact sports are OK after three weeks.

David W. Kim, MD · Answer

Whether it is horseback riding, kick-boxing, or basketball, the nose should not experience a significant blunt trauma for at least 3 months after rhinoplasty. Only you can assess how likely this would be to happen based on your experience with your horse and the type of riding you intend to do. If in doubt, wait it out!

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

It really depends on the type of horse back riding you plan on doing. A gentle ride is possible at 3 weeks but a full gallop over rough terrain may not be recommended for at least 6 weeks due to the jarring of the nose.
The extent of the rhinoplasty will also have and effect on postoperative restrictions. Activity resstrictions for a tip rhinoplasty may be dramatically different from a septal reconstruction with rib graft.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

After 3 weeks you will feel good enough to ride horses again. If you are a good rider and you know your horse, then 3 weeks is enough. If you are a beginner and the horse is not well trained then wait for about two months to let the bones completely mature.
The biggest risk is fall from the horse or the horse bucking into your face. In either case if you get hit you can break your nose even months after a rhinoplasty.
In essence start riding as soon as you feel strong enough to ride but ride carefully.
Regards

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Since I ride horses and know the variability of horses, it really depends on the horse and how good the rider is. I had my nose broken making green horses 3 times last year during polo games. If you are a good rider and know the horse well, 3-4 weeks is fine.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Refrain from horseback riding for at least two weeks following rhinoplasty surgery. Take all precautions to not fall off the horse for at least a month after the rhinoplasty surgery so as not to re-break your nose. Listen to your body and talk to your surgeon.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

The answer depends on the horse, the skill of the rider, and what you're doing on the horse. If you're playing polo with significant risk of trauma, wait about 6 weeks. For most other disciplines 2-3 weeks should be adequate.

Oleh Slupchynskyj, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Hi,
You want to wait at least a month. Some surgeons would say 3 to 6 months. As long as you are a good rider and are pretty confident you won't fall off, I believe a month is adequate time.
Best,
Dr. S.

Horse Riding After Rhinoplasty?

Answers (8)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (8)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

Can a 17-year-old Have Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty to Get Marilyn Monroe's Nose?

Cost and Financing Options for Ethnic Rhinoplasty?

Are There Risks in Flying After Rhinoplasty?

Filing Down the Dorsal Hump Without Osteotomy?

How to Make Nose Tip Less Protruding?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS