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

Question

I am only able to take the day of surgery and 3 days after off, not the suggested 1 to 2 weeks. Is it possible to work? I am a personal trainer so I need to be able to walk around and talk a lot at the minimum. Will I be able to drive by then? How bad will my face still hurt? I don't really care about looks as its broken and is purely for breathing so I don't care if people know I had surgery. I generally heal very quickly from injuries I don't know if that changes anything post surgery.

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

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. -

Reps B. Sundin, MD · Answer

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.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Elliot W. Jacobs, MD · Answer

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

William B. Rosenblatt, MD · Answer

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.

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

Answers (9)

Answer: Quick Recovery from Rhinoplasty

Answer: Quick Recovery from Rhinoplasty

Answer: Maybe

Answer: Maybe

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

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

Answers (9)

Answer: Quick Recovery from Rhinoplasty

Answer: Quick Recovery from Rhinoplasty

Answer: Maybe

Answer: Maybe

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.