Will I Be Able to Play Soccer After Rhinoplasty?

Question

I am looking at scheduling rhinoplasty around the end of May. The main thing holding me back is the fact I play soccer. I love to play (have played 20+ years) and its my main source of exercise. I play in a women's league and its fairly competitive. Realistically, will I be able to play after having nose surgery? If so, how long should I wait before playing again?

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

If a Rhinoplasty calls for the use of osteotomies, the nasal bones take 6 weeks to heal.  Since soccer carries a reasonable possibility of being struck in the face or nose, staying away for about 8 weeks after your procedure is advisable,

Sam Rizk, MD · Answer

I typically recommend that my patients refrain from physical activity for up to 8 weeks, depending on the level of intensity. Since soccer can be considered a contact sport (the ball can hit your nose, you can bump into other players, etc.), it is important to stay away from the field for at least a month and a half. The recovery process is essential to the future of your new nose, and without proper time to heal, your nose may not successfully heal.

Edward Buckingham, MD · Answer

You should plan on waiting 6 weeks after your rhinoplasty to play soccer again. Beware however that revision rhinoplasty is much more difficult than primary. If you traumatically injure your nose playing soccer after rhinoplasty and require surgery again to repair the damage the secondary operation can be more challenging. I don't advise patients to give up activities that they love, but you might think twice about going for the header after your surgery.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It is okay to play soccer after a rhinoplasty surgery.  However, you should probably wait approximately six weeks before playing any contact sports such as soccer.

Michael A. Bogdan, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

There are always risks... After a few months, you are fine to play soccer, but you are at increased risk for breaking your nose.  Anytime you manipulate the nose (especially if you have done osteotomies), the nose is weaker than it was before.  With competitive sports, there is always a chance you may impact on your nose, and you have the possibility of breaking it.  (Even without having had a nose job!)  But after a rhinoplasty, it will take less force to break your nose, so the relative risk is higher.  (I don't play soccer, but recently I learned that there are some positions where you routinely head-but the ball - and that would make me very nervous after a rhinoplasty!)
You need to be realistic about what you want and the risks you are willing to take.  Enjoy life, and be safe!

Will I Be Able to Play Soccer After Rhinoplasty?

Answers (7)