Is it possible to return to work 3 days after rhinoplasty?

It can be really hard on you to come back to work so soon. However, as long as you switch to over the counter pain medication you can definitely go back to driving and light work.  You will be swollen and bruised a lot. Patients sometimes have hard time breathing therefore talking to your clients a lot and assisting them might be quite a challenge, you will get tired pretty fast. But if you have to do it you can. Just make sure not to rise your blood pressure and keep your head elevated!  If you could plan for at least one full week off that would be to your advantage. On the upside typically my patients look very presentable 2 weeks after surgery. -

Each physician have different guidelines regarding post operative care. Typically, light activity can resume 5 to 7 post surgery. Bruising and most swelling generally resolve itself in the first two weeks. Residual swelling that can take 6 to 12 months to resolve but not noticable to the general public. Consult with your surgeon regarding your case as he or she will know the scope of surgery and the specifics about you.

Yes, it is possible, but it's certainly not the ideal scenario. Along
with drawbacks the other plastic surgeons have mentioned--mainly the
bruising and swelling you will still have at three days post-op--there
are another couple of considerations. One is that you may prolong the
time period you are swollen by being on your feet so much so soon.
Another factor to keep in mind is the need to avoid

the possibility of a blow to the nose while it is healing. Finally, you
will not be able to do any physical activity for a while, and you may
not realize how much you actually exert yourself when working with your
clients.
On the other hand, you will be able to drive at this point following surgery, and you should not have any pain.
It's possible that you and your plastic surgeon may be able to develop a strategy for a quick return to work.  I'd recommend choosing a very experienced, board certified plastic
surgeon and having an open, honest discussion about whether and how you
can make this work.
Elliot Jacobs, M.D.New York Plastic Surgeon

A lot depends on the surgeons skills, what you need done and a bit of luck. You will return to work with the splint on and some bruising and swelling. You should be able to drive but can not exercise. Let your experienced rhinlastic surgeon show you photos of patients he has done and how they look at a week.

At 3 days after rhinoplasty, you will have significant, visible bruising and swelling in your cheeks and nose.  Most patients take  2 weeks off from school or work. The cast stays on the nose for 6 days after the surgery. Full healing after a rhinoplasty takes one year.

I do not think you will want to go to work as a personal trainer.  First you will more than likely have a splint on. You will likely be black and blue and swollen, and at least if you were my patient I would say no aerobics for 3-4 wks and heavy lifting for 6-8.

It may be possible.  Really, depends on whether or not you want people to know you had surgery or if you are in a field where your appearance matters.  At 3 days you most likely will still have a splint on your nose, maybe some sutures in the columella and the nose may look fairly swollen.  But, your pain should not be too bad at this point, so you would not need narcotic medications.    

Possible? - yes.  Recommended? - probably not.  A lot depends on exactly what you're having done and on specifics of your recovery, much of which may be hard to predict at this time.  I generally advise my patients to avoid physical activity for at least three weeks after surgery, at which point they can start slowly and advance as tolerated.One issue is how you feel - and exercise will not be recommended (probably) at three days from that standpoint.  But another is how you look - and you are likely to have bruising and swelling at three days that, even if okay for you may be off-putting for your clients.In short, planning to take about a week off is still probably the most prudent approach.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. EMember of RealSelf 100

Hi, and thank  you so much for your question! My patients usually return to work as soon as the next day since there is no packing, no pain and no downtime with my surgeries. As your doc probably told you, do not do any strenuous lifting or running. You can drive, walk and talk though. Be sure to ask your board certified cosmetic surgeon all of your great questions.