How Soon After Rhinoplasty Can I Fly or Exercise?

The instructions on the time lines to avoid flying following nasal surgery and exercise can be different from a surgeon to another one. Most such instructions are empirical and may vary by the same surgeon based on the details of the procedure performed. In general, in the early days after any type of surgery one needs to avoid strenuous activity which can particularly increase wound complications such as the risk of postoperative bleeding and wound breakdowns. When it comes to rhinoplasty there is usually the issue of external dressing and/or cast with varying degrees of discomfort and blockage from the internal splints. In most practices these are removed around one week post operative time. In uncomplicated cases, I clear my patient to start their slowly and gradually start their exercise routines at this point. However, contact sports are an exemption, and to be avoided for 3 months.As far as flying, again after 1 week with removal of internal splints/packing patient are cleared to fly, but instructed that they might feel some ear pressure and discomfort related to internal swelling for which decongestants are recommended. 

I typically recommend that patients wait at least 48 hours after a rhinoplasty procedure before flying.  Generally speaking this does not tend to be an issue because most patients wait to travel until their splint comes off for vanity reasons.  I ask that my patients refrain from any exercising or heavy lifting for four weeks following their surgery to prevent any increase in post-operative swelling and allow my patients to resume calm sexual activity usually after 2-3 weeks.  I would recommend following your operating surgeon's post-operative protocol and wish you all the best with your new nose!

With an open rhinoplasty that does not require nasal packing, flying is safe immediately. I ask patients to refrain from strenuous exercise for a week to avoid sweating the nasal splint off, and to avoid swelling. After that, I place no restrictions other than avoiding significant nasal trauma from activities such as contact sports.

Thanks for the question. You should be able to flying by 1-2 weeks after your surgery. But this is valid only with assuming postoperative recovery is uneventful. If any unexpected incident happens in your treatment process, this time can be extended or shortened. I wish you all the best.

Really the answer is to use common sense. Flying should make no difference unless there was a sinus component to the surgery. With exercise, start gentle within a few days of surgery eg with walking. Avoid any exercise that requires heavy breathing/ sweating for around 3 weeks after surgery. As far as intimacy goes, avoid the heavy breathing!

Well, thats easy...flying sort haul after a week, long haul after 3-4 weeksexercising after 3 weeks

Hello and thank you for your great question.
Every surgeon is a little different with their postoperative restrictions. That said, most patients should be able to fly or exercise starting 2 weeks after surgery. At this time, the risks of bleeding are very low and air travel is safe. That said, at 2 weeks the nose is still very susceptible to swelling and fluid shifts. If you were to take a flight or have a vigorous workout, you should expect that some swelling of the nose could occur. This is normal and will resolve within hours.
I hope this helps!
Best,Dr. G Dominick J Gadaleta, MDFacial Plastic SurgeonDG Facial Plastic SurgeryPalo Alto, CA

Thank you for your question. After surgery, there will be some swelling. The swelling can take many months to resolve, although most people stop noticing it after a couple of months. People are usually back to performing most activities after a week and resuming all activities after two to four weeks. Flying varies from patient to patient since no two people heal the same way, but in general, most people can get on an airplane for a short flight a week after surgery. Be sure to discuss with your surgeon.

We counsel patients to be cautious following surgery with these general guidlines:
One week After Surgery:
We counsel patients to limit your activity sharply for the first week following surgery.  This is aimed at helping your body in the early healing stages.  After the cast is removed at the one week mark, then we would clear you to fly.  
Three Weeks After Surgery:
We ask patients to avoid bending, lifting, straining and aerobic activities for the first 3 weeks.  After 3 weeks we clear patients to begin to gradually return to their normal exercise regimen, reaching their pre surgery levels by week 5-6.  

This is an excellent and very common question.  Most people are safe to fly on an airplane and engage in low-to-moderate intensity exercise within 1-2 weeks after surgery. You may need to wait a bit longer before participating in any high-intensity or very strenuous exercise.  It is always best to check with your surgeon beforehand so you can plan your travel and exercise schedule accordingly.

Gary Linkov, MD
Rhinoplasty Specialist
Manhattan

In my practice, patients routinely fly out  7 -10 days after a rhinoplasty.Exercise:It's recommended that patients wait 3 weeks before light exercise, 4-6 weeks before heavy exercise and head-down yoga, head-down yoga positions, or generally any activity that is likely to get the heart racing and push blood flow up into the face.