Gym, Humidity, Heat and Sun Bad for Healing Process? (Post-rhinoplasty)

Question

Montreal is experiencing a very humid summer. The tip of my nose seems to shrink in air-conditioning and expand in humidity. After reading a few doctor Expert Answers, I've learned that the Gym, Sun and Heat should be avoided for 6 weeks minimum. I also read that I should stay away from Sun and Heat since this will PROLONG the healing process. Is this true? If so will the gym have the same affect? Can all this be damaging to my nose and recovery? Thank you so much :)

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Intense physical activity should be avoided for a minimum of 4-5 weeks following your surgery. Overexerting yourself too soon can increase swelling and delay your healing time. In general, extreme temperatures in either direction can cause an increase in swelling. It is important to avoid unprotected sun exposure for a minimum of 6 months after your procedure. To answer your question, the sun and heat can prolog the healing process by increasing swelling. This is the case for physical activity in the gym as well within 4-5 weeks of your surgery. Less strenuous activities such as walking and light swimming can be resumed sooner. Your nose will not necessarily be damaged, but your healing can be delayed. How long has it been since your surgery? Generally following these guidelines will help contribute to a smooth healing process. I would recommend speaking with your surgeon regarding their specific guidelines.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question! After any surgical procedure, you should be careful with incisions as well as avoidance of direct UVA and UVB rays in order to lessen the chance for hyperpigmentation of the skin and scars, which can take several months to resolve, if it ever does. As the tissue was elevated off of your nose along with any oother adjunct procedures, minimizing trauma to the area is critical for such a delicate procedure as the rhinoplasty. The ability of the affected area to heal has been slowed and you should try to avoid additional swelling to the area. The area will likely be numb for several weeks to months and will be difficult to feel when sunburn is coming on. Typical recommendations include wearing a hat and/or sunblock to the affected area for at least 6-12 weeks following the procedure. Certainly discuss the postoperative instructions with your surgeon, as thoughts differ among surgeons. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

In general, your nose has less natural protection from the sun right after rhinoplasty. All the tissue was just elevated off of the internal structure of the nose, including the bone and cartilage, and blood vessels were coagulated in order to do this. There fore we weakened the nose's natural defense since we weakened its blood supply. This blood supply grows back , but it can take quite a bit of time to happen. In the first 6 weeks, your nose is less naturally resistant to UV rays and is more likely to burn and get discolored. Also, since your nose is mostly numb early on, its less likely that you are to notice the problem until its too late. I recommend you stay out of the sun as much as possible in the first 6 weeks after surgery. If you are in the sun for short periods of time, stay in the shade, and wear a big hat and a good sunblock. Do not wear sun glasses in the first 6 weeks, or any glasses for that matter, if osteotomies were performed, (breaking of the nasal bones). You can get your nose wet as soon as the splint comes off, but I would be careful about chlorinated pools early on until the incision is fully healed an more mature, as the chlorine can irritate the incision.  The gym and anything that increases you blood pressure will increase the swelling of your nose and delay your healing time. I recommend 6 weeks for this as well.Best Wishes, Pablo Prichard, MD

Jarrod Little, MD · Answer

The nose is a very complicated organ.  The inside of the nose swells and shrinks in a predictable way, and can be influenced by external factors (temperature, humidity).  This occurs in all humans.  Regardless, sun or exercise should not effect your healing following Rhinoplasty.  Sun-exposure, on the other hand, plays a big part.  I recommend sunscreen for atleast one year following surgery to improve the appearance of scars.

Gym, Humidity, Heat and Sun Bad for Healing Process? (Post-rhinoplasty)

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Answer: Exercise following Rhinoplasty

Answer: Exercise following Rhinoplasty

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Gym, Humidity, Heat and Sun Bad for Healing Process? (Post-rhinoplasty)

Answers (4)

Answer: Exercise following Rhinoplasty

Answer: Exercise following Rhinoplasty

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