How soon after my rhinoplasty surgery can I go back to work?

   Nonstrenuous work can be resumed fairly soon, but for specific recommendations, I would ask your surgeon.  The recovery process can be different depending upon what is done during the procedure.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Each physician have different guidelines regarding post operative care. Typically, light activity can resume 5 to 7 post surgery. Bruising and most swelling generally resolve itself in the first two weeks. Residual swelling that can take 6 to 12 months to resolve but not noticable to the general public. Consult with your surgeon regarding your case as he or she will know the scope of surgery and the specifics about you.

It really depends on what type of work that you're performing. We ask that patients  restrain from any strenuous activities for at least 2 weeks after the procedure, to prevent a nose bleed. Most patients do not want to go back into the office setting for at least 10 days after the procedure due to the bruising and swelling that is present. The cast usually stays  on the bridge of the nose for one week. For more information, please see the link below to our patient's guide to a rhinoplasty and photo gallery

Dear daisy349I have had patients who perform light office work return to work the next day. But those individuals were unfazed by being seen with a split on their nose and having swelling and perhaps bruising. And were also extremely motivated.Most patients want to have the splint off, swelling subsided to a reasonably inconspicuous amount and any bruising concealed by makeup before returning to work. That's usually about a week. For those engaged in work that requires a lot of heavy lifting and/or bending, such an agricultural nursery I recommend 2 to 3 weeks. Occasionally a patient may work in an environment  where they have a real risk of being struck in the face, such as nursing care for combative, mentally impaired patients. In those instances I recommend 6 to 8 weeks before returning.Best wishes and good luck Curtis Perry MDAgoura Hills, CA

If you have a desk job, there should be no limitation as to when you could return to work if you are not concerned about people asking about your splint. For a job involving more physical activity I would check with your surgeon.

Dr. Corbin

If you have a nonphysical sedentary occupation you can literally return to work after a few days. However, you would be still be bandaged and bruised. Most patients wait till the bandaging is removed to venture out of home. That usually occurs no later then one week after surgery. However, even after a week there is residual bruising in many cases.if you do not want your coworkers to see you bruised you might have to hide for as many as 2 weeks after surgery.