When can I lift light weights after rhinoplasty? Curious about the various protocols doctors give their patients.

It is best to inquire release for strenuous activity
from your surgeon who is best familiar with your case and it’s nuances. There
could be a range of timetables at different practices. In general, most
surgeons instruct you to avoid any strenuous activity for at least one week,
and some sort of resumption of the gym at 2-3 weeks out are often approved.

You can start lifting weights two weeks after surgery, however you have to listen to your body.  If you feel some throbbing in your nose when you lift you will likely have swelling and started back to soon.  Every patient heals at a different rate based on lifestyle and age, so listen to your surgeon, and listen to your own body.  Be well.

Exercising too soon after rhinoplasty probably won’t hhurt anything, but will create considerable swelling.  I recommend slowly easing back into exercise between two and three weeks, but prefer you to take the advice of your surgeon.

I allow patients to resume light exercises after 2 weeks but no strenuous exercises for four weeks to minimize the swelling and allow the nose to heal faster. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
IG: @drjohnsonlee

Generally start  light exercise at 2 weeks and vigorous exercise at 3 weeks. This minimizes swelling and the chance of postoperative bleeding. 

I usually recommend waiting till 2 weeks after surgery before resuming exercise and other strenuous activities. Light weights could probably be handled at 1 week depending on the degree of cardio activity. 

In our practice, we asked the patients not to do any heavy lifting or exercise for 2 weeks after the procedure.  The reason for this is  to prevent  additional swelling of the potential for a major bleed.   Very strenuous exercise should be acceptable at 3 weeks after a rhinoplasty procedure.

I personally recommend at least 6 weeks just to be on the safe side! But, you have the right idea about checking with your surgeon . 

Resuming exercise will depend on the extent of your surgery and how you are healing.  Usually light weights can be used at 2 to 3 weeks.  You can start back light walking within a couple of days.  Extreme exercise should be postponed for 6 to 9 weeks following surgery.  Your surgeon will guide you in the right direction.