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. 

In a tip rhinoplasty only the cartilages are being trimmed. The nasal bones are not broken. So it is typically not a painful operation. Many surgeons don't even use a splint on the nose afterward. Flying on an airplane is no problem. Exercising should probably wait a week so you don't make the swelling a lot worse. As far as intimacy, that is not really an issue with the obvious care not to bump your nose. If you would like to see some examples of tip rhinoplasty, you can visit my website. The link is below and I also discuss postoperative care (although surgeons vary widely regarding postop. instructions).

All depends on what you want you want to do and your surgeon.  Flying you can do more or less immediately.  Once you feel good and you bandages are off it should be okI do not allow my patients to do exercise for 6wks.  Your face will swell and then your nose will take longer to shrink.  Intimacy includedNo contact sports for 3 monthsNo massage face down 6 month Hope that works. 

It is important to follow post operative directions after rhinoplasty because the closer they are followed, the better the chance for an uneventful and quick recovery. It is best to wait two weeks before exercising because activity that is too vigorous can cause the swelling to increase before it is gone, which delays healing. After two weeks, it is fine to start exercising, but ease into it - as long as it doesn't hurt or cause more swelling, then it is OK to increase the intensity.

There are no definite rules regarding travel after this type of surgery. Ideally, you should avoid strenuous activity for 7-10 days to reduce the risk of bleeding and excess swelling. Many patients have flown earlier than this, but can experience difficulty equalizing the inner ear pressure, just like what happens if you ha a head cold when flying. Nasal decongestants are often helpful in reducing this if travel is necessary. Other non-contact sports or activity are usually fine after 10 days.  It is always best to discuss this with your surgeon. Good luck and safe travels.

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.  

Thanks for the question. You should be able to flying by 1-2 weeks after your surgery. But this is valid only with assuming postoperative recovery is uneventful. If any unexpected incident happens in your treatment process, this time can be extended or shortened. I wish you all the best.