How Soon After Rhinoplasty Can I Fly or Exercise?

The instructions on the time lines to avoid flying following nasal surgery and exercise can be different from a surgeon to another one. Most such instructions are empirical and may vary by the same surgeon based on the details of the procedure performed. In general, in the early days after any type of surgery one needs to avoid strenuous activity which can particularly increase wound complications such as the risk of postoperative bleeding and wound breakdowns. When it comes to rhinoplasty there is usually the issue of external dressing and/or cast with varying degrees of discomfort and blockage from the internal splints. In most practices these are removed around one week post operative time. In uncomplicated cases, I clear my patient to start their slowly and gradually start their exercise routines at this point. However, contact sports are an exemption, and to be avoided for 3 months.As far as flying, again after 1 week with removal of internal splints/packing patient are cleared to fly, but instructed that they might feel some ear pressure and discomfort related to internal swelling for which decongestants are recommended. 

Really the answer is to use common sense. Flying should make no difference unless there was a sinus component to the surgery. With exercise, start gentle within a few days of surgery eg with walking. Avoid any exercise that requires heavy breathing/ sweating for around 3 weeks after surgery. As far as intimacy goes, avoid the heavy breathing!

Well, thats easy...flying sort haul after a week, long haul after 3-4 weeksexercising after 3 weeks

Hello and thank you for your great question.
Every surgeon is a little different with their postoperative restrictions. That said, most patients should be able to fly or exercise starting 2 weeks after surgery. At this time, the risks of bleeding are very low and air travel is safe. That said, at 2 weeks the nose is still very susceptible to swelling and fluid shifts. If you were to take a flight or have a vigorous workout, you should expect that some swelling of the nose could occur. This is normal and will resolve within hours.
I hope this helps!
Best,Dr. G Dominick J Gadaleta, MDFacial Plastic SurgeonDG Facial Plastic SurgeryPalo Alto, CA

Thank you for your question. After surgery, there will be some swelling. The swelling can take many months to resolve, although most people stop noticing it after a couple of months. People are usually back to performing most activities after a week and resuming all activities after two to four weeks. Flying varies from patient to patient since no two people heal the same way, but in general, most people can get on an airplane for a short flight a week after surgery. Be sure to discuss with your surgeon.

We counsel patients to be cautious following surgery with these general guidlines:
One week After Surgery:
We counsel patients to limit your activity sharply for the first week following surgery.  This is aimed at helping your body in the early healing stages.  After the cast is removed at the one week mark, then we would clear you to fly.  
Three Weeks After Surgery:
We ask patients to avoid bending, lifting, straining and aerobic activities for the first 3 weeks.  After 3 weeks we clear patients to begin to gradually return to their normal exercise regimen, reaching their pre surgery levels by week 5-6.