I'm a fighter, so how long after rhinoplasty and septoplasty surgery can I return to my activities?

Question

I had rhinoplasty and septoplasty done on April 1st 2015 I'm trying to get back into my regular activities I am a fighter (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu). When can I return to my activities? We do get hit in the face by our opponents but not when practicing (rolling) unless its an accident.

Kenneth Yu, MD · Answer

Assuming you had osteotomies (cuts to the bone) during your rhinoplasty, you should refrain from any strenuous activities for 2 weeks, and avoid any trauma to the nose for at least two months after surgery.  However, in my opinion, I generally do not recommend rhinoplasties for people involved in activities with high risk of trauma to the nose.  Any combative sports (i.e. boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) subject the patient to higher risk of injury.  Ideally, one would wait until they're done with that activity before scheduling surgery.  There are circumstances that may warrant surgery before this.  For example, if one has a significantly deviated septum and can't breathe well then a septoplasty is reasonable.  If one has a severely crooked nose and is really concerned, then a rhinoplasty can also be done.  In both cases, the patient must understand that there is a higher chance a successful surgical result will be short lived.  Revision surgeries are inherently more complicated and this should be considered before one makes decision to have surgery.  Take care.

Sirius K. Yoo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I normally advise my patients to avoid activities that they may bump their nose for 6 weeks after the operation.  But then again, I also normally advise my patients who's careers involve activities such as boxing or martial arts to hold off on rhinoplasty until retirement if possible.  There are obviously exceptions.  Obviously check with your surgeon as your convalescent period may differ depending on the complexity of your case.  All the best!

Demetrio J. Aguila III, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.As a general rule, I advise my patients to avoid any contact with the nose for at least 6 weeks after rhinoplasty.  For those who are more likely to engage in activities which would regularly contact the face, I recommend at least 10 weeks.Having said that, however, any significant contact with the nose, regardless of how soon it is after rhinoplasty, runs the risk of injuring the nose enough to deform it again.  Generally speaking, it's usually best to wait until after the contact sports career is finished prior to doing any facial surgery to alter the shape of the nose or any other part of the face.  It would be a shame to put in all that effort and money, just to have it ruined a little while down the road due to a somewhat predictable trauma to the face.Ultimately, I suggest that you speak with your surgeon about your concerns - your surgeon knows exactly what was done, and thus would be the person best equipped to help you know when it's safe to get back to the mats.Best wishes.

I'm a fighter, so how long after rhinoplasty and septoplasty surgery can I return to my activities?

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I'm a fighter, so how long after rhinoplasty and septoplasty surgery can I return to my activities?

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