When can I get a massage after rhinoplasty and septoplasty?

Question

Since the head goes in the massage table hole, face-down, at what point in recovery do you allow your patients to get a massage?

Jacqueline T. Cheng, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question.  Since a  septoplasty &mdash; and a rhinoplasty in particular &mdash; affect areas of your face which might come in direct contact with the round opening of a massage table during a face-down massage, you will want to err on the side of caution and use extreme good judgment.  You will want to ensure you give your incision areas enough time to heal.  This can take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks, but check with your board-certified facial plastic surgeon for his/her specific recommendation since he/she performed your surgery and can evaluate your recovery in-person.  I hope this information helps.  Best of health!
- Jacqueline T. Cheng, MD

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It is probably best to wait at least a month before placing your face in a head-down position to have a massage.

Thomas A. Lamperti, MD · Answer

It may vary a bit when the best timing is to have a massage after your nose surgery. You should ask your surgeon for specific guidance as there may be specific factors in your case that would indicate that a longer time frame would be best.I would imagine that you would want to wait about 4-6 weeks, but your surgeon would be the best person to ask.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear np888,every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

I would recommend waiting at least 6 weeks after rhinoplasty/septoplasty before having a face down massage.  It is always best to check with your particular surgeon though, as your surgeon has the most information about you and your particular procedure, and he or she may have a different opinion.

Jordan P. Sand, MD · Answer

Hi np888 and thank you for your question.
Every surgeon has a different protocol in the post-operative setting, but 6 weeks is common timeframe to begin returning to most activities like a massage. I would recommend contacting your surgeon's office to clarify with them regarding their preferred post-operative protocol.
Good luck!

David M. Creech, MD · Answer

In my practice, patients need to wait at least 6 weeks before putting pressure on nose or face. Each surgeon has different protocol and post op instructions. It is best to ask your plastic surgeon directly since he or she is familiar with your individual case. 
Best of luck in your healing process.

Mitchell E. Blum, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Specific to your question as I would advise my patient after rhinoplasty with septum repair:  The first two weeks are an important time in the stabilization of intranasal flaps.  Too much pressure can cause internal nasal bleeding which could result in chronic nasal obstruction requiring further procedures.  After two weeks there should be no risk.  Regarding the movement of re positioned nasal bones:  although there is some degree of healing at two weeks, it takes 6 weeks for firm healing.  That being said, if the massage table allows you to not put direct pressure on the nose, 2 weeks is OK

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

I would wait 6 to 9 weeks for a massage unless you get a chair massage.  Check in with your surgeon for his recommendation based on how you are healing.

When can I get a massage after rhinoplasty and septoplasty?

Answers (9)

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