Following an Open Rhinoplasty, is It Acceptable to Be Exposed to Direct Sunlight for 5 Hours After 2 Weeks?

asked 1 year ago by Kanya
Latest answer by George John Alexander, MD
Question viewed 322 times
Tags: sun exposure

I had an open rhinoplasty two days ago. My job consists of being outside for 5 hours or more with no shade and I'm concerned my two week vacation won't cut it. How long should one wait to be very active in sunlight?

9 answers to Following an Open Rhinoplasty, is It Acceptable to Be Exposed to Direct Sunlight for 5 Hours After 2 Weeks?

Avoid sunlight and over heating after Rhinoplasty

I advise all of my Rhinoplasty patients to avoid prolonged sunlight and over heating for several months after their Rhinoplasty. Sunlight and heat will increase the blood flow, to the nose, increasing the chance of bleeding during the fresh post op period and increased swelling for months thereafter. As always, call your surgeon and follow his/her instructions.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

No sun exposure for 3 to 6 months post Rhinoplasty

As I consult all my post surgical patients you should avoid any sun exposure to any operated area for 3 to 6 months hence also for Rhinoplasty. I also recommend to minimize sun exposure to a minimum for the first year after surgery. Always use sunblock with a SPF 30 or above with titanium and zinc oxide. Be safe !!!

Tal T. Roudner, MD
Coral Gables Plastic Surgeon

Sun exposure after rhinoplasty

The risks of early sun exposure are darkening of the scar and the nasal is likely more sensitive to the sun and more likely to sunburn than it would have been prior to surgery. It can take up to a year for the skin to normalize. The answer is a good sunscreen with at least 30% PSF and preferrably zince oxide and/or titanium dioxide. My response to your question/post does not represent formal medical advice or constitute a doctor patient relationship. You need to consult with i.e.... more

Aaron Stone, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Sun protection at least six months after rhinoplasty

Your nose will be very sun sensitive after rhinoplasty and tend to burn very easily. The skin and tissue are healing on the inside, and irritation and burning occur more quickly until the nose has healed in well and the stiffness has resolved in about six months. You can be out though sun screen is essential, and a more opaque block may be needed to give you effective coverage. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Protect your skin from sun for 3-6 months following rhinoplasty

Protect your skin from sun for 3-6 months following rhinoplasty. That is a relatively conservative recommendation but the risk is darkening of the incision below the tip of your nose or darkening of the skin that has been elevated during the external "open" rhinoplasty. If you are forced to be in the sun, wear a wide brimmed hat and titanium dioxide type sunscreen and seriously consider full body sun protection (forever) with sunscreen while outdoors. Stephen Weber, M.D., Ph.D.... more

Stephen Weber, MD
Lone Tree Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.lonetreefacial.com

Sun exposure to new scars

I recommend that patients avoid sun exposure for approximately one year after surgery or until the incision site is well healed. Your surgeon may recommend a sunblock to use while working outside. The higher the SPF, the better! Wearing a hat with a wide rim may also provide you with additional protection.

George John Alexander, MD
Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

AVOID Sun Exposure

As a general rule of thumb, I caution ALL of my patients against sun exposure for at least 3 to 6 months following surgery. Rhinoplasty patients are at risk of the incision site below the nasal tip darkening and/or darkening of the skin on the nose (this is due to the fact that it is more sensitive after being elevated during surgery). I recommend that ALL of my patients, family and friends avoid direct sun exposure and ALWAYS use daily sunblock that... more

Ross A. Clevens, MD
Melbourne Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drclevens.com

Sun Exposure after Rhinoplasty

You should avoid direct sun exposure for 6 weeks after rhinolasty. Your nasal skin will be more sensitive regardless of your pigmentation for 3-4 months. If your work makes it necessary to be outside in the sun for long periods, wear a hat if possible and use maximum SPF sun screen.

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Following an Open Rhinoplasty, is It Acceptable to Be Exposed to Direct Sunlight for 5 Hours After 2 Weeks?

If you were my personal patient I always have them sign the post op care instructions. On these are guidelines to "NO" sun exposure for 2 to 3 months.Best to ask your chosen surgeon.