Does rhinoplasty affect diving activities such as freediving, which have to pinch nose to do equalization?

Question

My nose is a little big and the bridge is low. I'm considering about rhinoplasty so would like to know if the procedure will affect people's ability to do freediving and scuba diving which the nose has to be pinched a lot to do equalization when diving deeper. Thank you !

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hi,
Long term rhinoplasty will not affect your diving abilities. However during recovery your surgeon will advise that you hold off on diving. The time in which you are asked to avoid diving will be advised by your surgeon. Best of luck.

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

The pressure equalization between your middle ear and nasopharynx is regulated by the Eustachian tube. As long as the rhinoplasty preserves a patent Eustachian tube (which it should) the pressure equalization will not be affected by rhinoplasty. One consideration for diving after rhinoplasty is how gentle you will have to be with the tip of your nose. Depending on what techniques were used, your surgeon may prefer that you not be too aggressive manipulating the tip of your nose so as not to disrupt its proper healing.

Jacob Tower, MD · Answer

Hello, hope you are well. That is a great question. I have performed rhinoplasty surgery on divers, and no one has had an issue with this. I often do ask that they refrain from wearing a tight-fitting mask or pinching the nose for at least 1 month after surgery, or longer depending on the progress of their recovery. Generally, once your nose has healed, you're good to go and it won't be an issue.
Best,Dr. Tower

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

It should not affect the ability to pinch the nostrils closed, but your surgeon will likely ask you to wait a period of a few months before allowing you to do this.

Zamir Paez, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty should not affect your ability to dive or perform activities like freediving and scuba diving in the long term, provided your nasal structure is fully healed and functional. It’s essential to wait for the recommended recovery period (typically 6 to 12 months) before resuming these activities, as your nose may be more sensitive or vulnerable during the initial healing phase.
Consult with your surgeon to address your specific needs and ensure the procedure won’t interfere with your ability to equalize pressure while diving.

Does rhinoplasty affect diving activities such as freediving, which have to pinch nose to do equalization?

Answers (5)

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