How Long After Rhinoplasty Should I Wait to Have Sex?

Question

I've only had my rhinoplasty 2 weeks ago and somehow last night I had sex!!! So, I was wondering if having sex too soon, would that do any damage to my nose?! How long should someone wait before having sex after a nose job?

Sam Jejurikar, MD · Answer

There's 2 specific factors to consider:
1) Exertion.  We want you to avoid activities that cause your heart to race for 3 weeks after surgery.  The reason for this is that episodes like this can cause an elevation in your blood pressure, thereby increasing your risk of bleeding and prolonging your swelling.
2) Nasal trauma.  We really worry that significant trauma in the first 6-8 weeks after surgery can alter the results of surgery.  I've had a couple of memorable patients who smacked their nose after surgery.  One did it significantly enough to displace the entire nasal pyramid, thereby prompting another operation.  So, in the next few weeks, if you happen to find yourself having sex again, protect your nose at all cost!
Best of luck!

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Any type of strenuous activity including sexual intercourse
should be avoided for at least 3-4 weeks following rhinoplasty. Strenuous
activity can elevate blood pressure and pulse rates and lead to hemodynamic
changes. These changes can result in post-operative complications such as
bleeding, bruising and prolonged swelling. In addition, this type of physical
exertion could inadvertently traumatize the nose. Under these circumstances,
the potential for wound healing complications would be expected to increase.

David Mattos, MD · Answer

After a rhinoplasty, I ask my patients to not do heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 2-4 weeks to minimize swelling and discomfort, and ask them not to do any contact sports for at least 2 months to make sure the bones have time to heal before any possible injury that could move them. As long as you are following these restrictions, rhinoplasty should not necessarily interfere with your sex life for much time.  
-Dr. David Mattos, New York Plastic Surgical Group

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question! Like most surgeons, I would advise you to wait about 3 weeks before engaging in strenuous physical activities after rhinoplasty. Even if sexual activity poses no risk of nasal trauma, it might elevate your blood pressure and increase your heartbeat. This might exacerbate your swelling and even increase a chance of bleeding. 
 An in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon would be the best way to assess your needs and obtain expert medical advice. Best of luck!

Kent V. Hasen, MD · Answer

The nose is a highly vascular organ.  We like to have our patients refrain from strenuous activity for 3 weeks after surgery, this includes sexual activity.  The reason for this is to cut down on post-operative swelling, but even more importantly to reduce the risk of post-operative bleeding and hematoma.  Any activity that raises your blood pressure may cause bleeding from a previously cauterized blood vessel.  This could lead to a complications including swelling, scarring and a return trip to the operating room.
JustMe11, I encourage patients to walk and do light activity immediately after surgery, but the strenuous activity needs to be avoided for 3 weeks so try to take it easy for now.

Shervin Naderi, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi,
I usually tell my patients to refrain from heavy lifting or activity for 2 weeks and contact sports for 3 months.  If your type of sex fits into these categories then you may use these guidelines.  If you are much less "sporty" during sex and much more cautious then sooner is fine but do check with your own doc.
Good luck!

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Regarding "somehow last night I had Sex".
To answer your question : "I was wondering if having sex too soon, would that do any damage to my nose?" My answer: ONLY if you used your nose to do so.
Seriously -- We tell our patients not to exert themselves to prevent tissue swelling, especially the skin and nasal lining which were lifted off the nose during the surgery. We want it to adhere back to the nose ASAP and establish lymphatic flow which will reduce nose swelling. In telling patients not to engage in sports activities, we try to prevent elbows, rackets, balls or sticks hitting noses that were broken by us and which could be easily be shited sideways where we do not want them to end up.
Reminds me of one of my favorite patients, a young man who required a return visit to the OR after taking a stick hit across the face when foolishly playing lacrosse a week after nose surgery.
Take it easy, JustMe11!

How Long After Rhinoplasty Should I Wait to Have Sex?

Answers (7)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (7)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

How to Fix Wide Nasal Bone After Rhinoplasty?

Removing Nose Bump Without Breaking the Nose?

Thick Nose Skin or Excess Cartilage?

Break Nasal Bone to Fix Nose Bridge Bump?

Rasping Nasal Dorsum After Rhinoplasty?

Would you recommend that I get rhinoplasty without insurance?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS