How long does it take to fully recover from Rhinoplasty? Will I have to limit my activities over the summer?

   The first two weeks you may need to limit your activities.  This just depends upon what you may want to do.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Thanks for this question. Recovery for rhinoplasty largely depends on the the individual patient's needs and specific procedures done during the rhinoplasty. 1-2 weeks is a common amount of time after rhinoplasty for significant healing and for patients to resume many/most normal activities. Many activities are permitted during the early phase too. After 6 weeks there generally no restriction in activities. See an experienced board certified rhinoplasty surgeon in consultation for specific needs. Good luck!

Most of the visible bruising and swelling is dissipated at 2 weeks after the rhinoplasty procedure. It's important not to exercise for 2 weeks after the procedure. It  is also important not to get hit in the nose for the first 6 weeks after the rhinoplasty. Full healing with all swelling subsided will take at least one year period of time

in general, your activities would be severely restricted for the first 2 weeks. after that, most non-contact activities would be ok (for example, basketball, where you could get hit in the nose, would not). specifics of your own situation would of course be explained to you by the surgeon you chose to perform the operation. 

The general timeline for recovery after rhinoplasty is as follows: The first week your nose will be taped and splinted. You may have bruising secondary to the planned fracturing (osteotomies) of the nasal bones. You may also have  some obstruction to airflow through your nose due to swelling. The tape and splint are removed after a week. Sutures, if any, are removed. The second week, nasal airflow generally improves and you'll feel pretty normal. It will be imperative that you do not sustain any trauma to your nose for 4-6 weeks to ensure that the nasal bones do not become displaced or crooked. After this you should be able to participate in just about any activity. Thank you for sharing your question. Best wishes.