How Long After Rhinoplasty Can I Go Backpacking/rock Climbing/canoeing?

Question

I will be having an open cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty in June, and would like to go on a 3-4 week backpacking trip that involves hiking on mountains, canoeing, and perhaps rock climbing about 30-40 days after the surgery. Is that risky, and if so, what are the risks?

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi,

	Sounds like the major risks that you will be facing are bears, rapids, falling off a mountain, and poison ivy.  Your nose should be stable one month after your rhinoplasty for your trip.  Have fun and be well.

	Dr. P

Thomas Buonassisi, MD · Answer

I think its reasonable to return to fairly normal activities a month after surgery. I would however avoid any activities that may result in trauma to the nose itself. Contact or competitive sports would be risky after Rhinoplasty.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

In most cases, you should be able to return to your recreational activities within 2 to 4 weeks.  However, please be cautious about bumping or injuring your nose.  Good luck.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Your only risk will be trauma and sunburn. It takes about the same amount of force to break the nose as it did before by 4 weeks. Sunburn will make the nose swell more. Use bullfrog or zinc oxide paste on your nose.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It is certainly acceptable to resume hiking, canoeing, and rock climbing one month after the rhinoplasty procedure. You should not have any risks, as long as you are one month out and do not get hit in the nose.

How Long After Rhinoplasty Can I Go Backpacking/rock Climbing/canoeing?

Answers (10)