When can I resume heavy lifting after a Rhinoplasty?

Question

I am a 19 year old man. I like to lift weights a lot. I primarily use machines, so there is a very slim chance I would hit my nose. When does the problem of raising blood pressure (or hitting your nose) subside when working out with heavy weights?

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

It all depends on the extent of the rhinoplasty.  What did the surgeon see when he/she was in there?  Did they do extensive septum, turbinate, and bone work?  Did they do extensive tip work?  Best to take the advise of your surgeon's office before starting on an exercise regimen.  We usually tell our patients at each visit what their restrictions are.  We tell them, (at the appropriate time),to start slowly and then progress from there.  Also, don't be frustrated if you lost endurance, or gains in lifting.  It will take a while to get back to where you were. Please do talk with your surgeon and get a plan, so together you are on the same page.

Jamil Asaria, MD · Answer

I usually advise my patients that they can resume heavy activity after two weeks. Some of this may depend on the exact nature of your surgery. If in doubt, it is always best to ask your surgeon for his or her advice.Hope that helps.Best wishes,-Dr. Asaria

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing your concerns with us.I don't recommend heavy lifting before swelling is gone. Swelling after a rhinoplasty depends of the surgery complexity.In this regard, the nasal swelling Post-op It can last from two weeks to two months.To reduce this swelling, I recommend you perform delicates daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the face (around the nose) avoid sun exposure, and take pain/inflamation pills, as your surgeron precribe you.Kind regards, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

David Gilpin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I usually will advise my patients to wait at least 4 weeks before resuming an exercise regimen.  This simply helps the tissues to heal settle for some time before raising your blood pressure to the level of exercising.  I would be sure to speak with your surgeon about their preference, as well.I hope that this helps!-David Gilpin

Scott Shadfar, MD · Answer

Hello trcby12, Thank you for your question.Without examining you, physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history, and discussing the pros and cons of any further treatments it is difficult to be comprehensive.Most surgeons feel comfortable with 4-6 weeks for intense or strenuous workout.  I would consult with your surgeon to see what their timeline is for working out would be.Best of luck,DrS

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Best to ask your chosen surgeon his/her post exercise protocols. In my practice I recommend 6 weeks no lifting...

Brian Windle, MD (retired) · Answer

The answer to your question is really, “It depends.”  What I mean is that if you have a septoplasty
at the same time as your rhinoplasty, which is common, and you had a turbinectomy
at the same time, then you should wait for about two weeks when the risk of
bleeding form the turbinectomy has faded. 
If you had a septoplasty and or a rhinoplasty, then I usually let my
patients return to lifting and regular activities such as exercise as soon as
the splint has been removed.  We use a
rapid recovery program from all our surgeries including rhinoplasty and the
splint is usually removed at day 3 or 4 post-operatively.

I hope that helps.

Best regards.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Talk to your surgeon about when to resume your gym workout.  In most cases, we advise 4 to 6 weeks before weight training.  You can take walks within a couple of days of surgery, but you should limit activity where you could hurt yourself.

When can I resume heavy lifting after a Rhinoplasty?

Answers (8)

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