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Can I visit high altitude places after four months post-op with no affect on my results?

I just traveled to a mountainous area and did day tours to places with very high altitude. Will this affect my nose at four months post-op? I feel like my nose looks more swollen and misshapen after my travels but maybe that's just my mind playing tricks on me.

Doctor Answers 3

December 1st, 2016

Can I visit high altitude places after four months post-op with no affect on my results?

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I do not believe that traveling to high altitude will change your rhinoplasty results especially at 4 months after surgery.  Your activity level may result in some swelling (edema) in the tissue which will still be slower to go away (even at 4 months), but should not change your final results, in my opinion.

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS


Orange County Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 13 reviews

November 30th, 2016

Altitude & Swelling

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Although visiting higher elevations at 4 months post op should not adversely affect your results, it will, as you've noticed, increase swelling. However, this should diminish with time once you return home. If not, schedule an appointment to see your surgeon.

Kindly,

Kouros Azar

Learn more: http://www.azarplasticsurgery.com/plastic-surgery/rhinoplasty.cfm

Kouros Azar, MD

Kouros Azar, MD
Thousand Oaks Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 38 reviews

November 30th, 2016

Travel to High Altitude at 4 months after Rhinoplasty

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Generally speaking, travel to higher altitudes, different climates, temperatures or other natural weather conditions should not be a significant issue after 4 month. You may experience some temporary increase in nasal swelling of the soft tissue, but typically you should not have any long lasting affects to your nose. Speak with your surgeon if the problem persists. 

Fred J. Bressler, MD, FACS
Houston Facial Plastic Surgeon

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.