Can I exercise after rhinoplasty?

Most people can return to their usual activities within two weeks after undergoing rhinoplasty. Strenuous physical exercise during which you sweat, or increase your blood pressure or heart rate, is discouraged for six weeks. It can delay, or even reverse, the disappearance of the swelling.
If you experience any bruising, it is usually gone in two weeks. Surprisingly, if bruising does occur it is not usually on your nose. It, more commonly, appears under your eyes. Bruising is the result of the nasal bone osteotomies, or fracturing of the nasal bones. It is not the result of surgical manipulation of the nose skin and nasal cartilages. Unfortunately, swelling tends to remain much longer than bruising, lasting up to six months.
Swelling can mask the changes to the underlying structure of your nose after rhinoplasty. This is one of the most difficult things for patients following a nose job. Everyone wants immediate results and it’s hard to wait many weeks to see the new nose appear through the swelling.

We usually tell patients no heavy lifting for two weeks. Then, ease into the exercise regimen - if there is no additional swelling or pain, then you can increase the intensity of the workouts.

Very common question.  I would advise you to discuss this with your surgeon as each doctor has their own protocol.  I am very strict with patients as I want them to have an excellent outcome and dont want to take any chances that something post op will alter the outcome.  The nose is not healed for 6-8wks hence I have patients avoid all vigorous exercise for that time frame.  People ask what does leg press or cycling have to do with my nose and when you exercise hard your blood flow increases and goes to injured area preferentially hence your nose will swell and stay swollen longer.  Good luckDr Rahban

Hello and thank you for your question. I allow my patients to exercise one week after surgery. Of course, let your body guide you. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Postop instructions vary based on surgeon, techniques employed, and health of the patient, so please direct all questions to the surgeon you decide to use. If you have not yet chosen a surgeon, it is perfectly normal to ask this question during your consultation and share what type of workouts you prefer. As a specialist in rhinoplasty surgery, I advise my patients to wait two weeks before returning to the gym. For any kind of inversions (standing on your head), downward dogs, pushups, or anything where your nose would be the lowest part of your body, I advise waiting three weeks. Again, the best idea is to discuss everything with your surgeon, and then to follow postoperative instructions perfectly to achieve the best result possible.

Thank you for your question. While it is typically acceptable to engage in light exercise after about two weeks, more strenuous exercise like weight lifting should wait for at least six weeks after rhinoplasty. These activities can significantly elevate your blood pressure, which in turn can increase swelling if it is done too soon. I recommend talking to your surgeon about when it is safe to return to your rigorous workout regimen based on your specific case. Allowing plenty of time for your nose to heal will minimize complications and optimize your results.

Thank-you for your question. After rhinoplasty it is highly recommended by most board certified plastic surgeons that you may return to light walking the week following your surgery. After about 4 weeks you can return to light exercise and lifting with minimal bending over. 90% of the swelling in the nose usually subsides in the first 4 to 8 weeks, although swelling in the tip can last up to a year. We allow our patients to return to their regular work outs, including heavy lifting after 10 weeks, but we ask that when they resume they allow their bodies to direct the intensity and duration of the exercise and start slow with any continuation of moderate activity.

Thanks for the great question! While it is awesome to have healthy and active patients, the issue of activity restrictions is always challenging. I generally have a 4 week plan: first two weeks are limited to walking; third week, patients can resume light cardio without heavy lifting; fourth week, patients can resume weight training, etc. I strongly recommend that all contact sports be avoided until 6 weeks or more post-op (or avoided all together). Take care and best of luck!

Thanks for the question. After 4-6 month your operation area is totally healed and yes you can do weightlifting and also do other sport activities. I wish you all the best.

Hello,
During the first 6 weeks, you can resume all normal functional activities such as work, socializing and light physical activity. Heavy physical activity (running, jogging, heavy weight lifting, downward face poses for yoga/pilates) are restricted until after week 6.
All the best, 
Deepak Dugar, MD Scarless Rhinoplasty Expert Beverly Hills, CA 90210