Lifting 12 month old baby days after surgery for a rhinoplasty?

Hi, and thank you for this question. As you recover from your rhinoplasty procedure, you have several concerns. Besides keeping the operative area clean, you will also want to avoid putting undue stress on your incisions or suffering any direct physical blow to your surgical area.
Lifting a child, or any heavy object, will tend to increase your blood pressure which could affect how well your incisions heal. Further, with a small child under your care, you face a higher likelihood of accidental physical contact to your operative area.
To ensure the best possible results from your surgery, most doctors will advise avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activities, such as care of a small child, for at least six weeks after surgery. Otherwise, complications could require a revision surgery. I hope this information helps. Contact your local, board-certified facial plastic surgeon for personalized advice. Good luck!
- Jacqueline T. Cheng, MD

Hi,While there is no scientific basis for when you can lift things up after surgery, the general consensus among surgeons is to avoid bending over or lifting anything above 10 pounds for about 3 weeks after surgery. The main reasons are to avoid unnecessary swelling and a possible nose bleed. In my opinion, you should not have surgery unless there is someone available to help care for your child. In the event that you have some adverse event, you may endanger the well being of your child if you do not have help on hand.Mehdi Sina, MD

It is safe to lift a 9kg (20lbs) child starting two days after rhinoplasty if you do it carefully. Bend your knees to get down to pick up the child and avoid carrying for long periods. Do not lean or bend over as that increases the pressure in the head and the chance of bleeding. Also take into consideration if you are taking any opiod narcotic medication that might make you feel drowsy. In that case you do not want to pick up the child as you might trip or fall and hurt yourself or the baby. RegardsDr. J

Very practical question. The general recommendation is not to do any « heavy » lifting for three weeks after surgery. The general numbers that are thrown around are nothing more than 10 libs or a gallon of milk. The idea is to limit bleeding from increased venous  pressure. The added variable of a baby or other housemates like large dogs, is the possibility of getting hit in the nose. I would reccommend waiting till you have some more personal time to recover. 

I do not think that it is a good idea to lift a baby right after surgery.  Best to review this with your surgeons first.

Usually after rhinoplasty, I tell my patients to refrain from heavy activity for six weeks. This includes heavy lifting  over 10 to 15 pounds, increasing heart rate, or heavy sports. Light activity can be started in the first couple of weeks. And I would suggest starting it slow especially two days out from surgery. Increased activity can cause excess swelling and edema. Good luck