When can I resume skiing after Rhinoplasty?

Question

How soon after rhinoplasty with osteotomies can I resume downhill skiing with goggles on? My surgeon advised skipping the season and waiting a full year. I will follow his advice, but I wanted to know if that was the consensus. I'm really missing skiing with all the snow we've had in the east.

Thomas J. Walker, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately, this question cannot be answered in general terms as this is very surgeon- and surgery-dependent. For instance, if you had osteotomies ("breaking" the nose) during rhinoplasty, you should postpone skiing until your bones have completely healed. Without osteotomies, your nose is much more stable and skiing and contact sports can be resumed much earlier. Please remember that not all surgeons perform osteotomies in every rhinoplasty and hence post-OP instructions vary from surgeon to surgeon and patient to patient. I give my patients specific post-OP instructions depending on what was done during their surgery. These instructions include when it should be safe to ski again, perform contact sports, or wear glasses/sunglasses again that rest on the nasal bridge. I even ask my patients sometimes to bring in their glasses to assess how they "sit" on their nose. I suggest you follow-up with your surgeon to inquire when you may go skiing again. Good luck!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

In my practice of your healing well I would permit skiing two weeks after a corrective rhinoplasty. This is a question however that should be answered by your surgeon only.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Follow up with your surgeon at 4 weeks postop and pose the question again.  It may be that after his exam, he determines that you are healed enough to allow resumption of activities like skiing.

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

As a skiing fanatic myself I totally understand, I ask patients to wait 6 weeks before aggresive activities but every surgeon is different

John Layke, DO, FACS · Answer

During a rhinoplasty, when osteotomies (controlled breaks) are performed, I generally advise my patients to avoid crowded places, avoid wearing sunglasses, and to avoid extreme sports for the first 6-8 weeks.  Obviously, wear the appropriate protection, including goggles, after this time period.

Michael T. Somenek, MD · Answer

Seeing that the goggles can put a decent amount of pressure over the nose, it is probably best to follow these instructions. In general, it is usually advised to follow your surgeons postoperative instructions to ensure an optimal result.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is always best to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions. In general for most patients, I will allow them to go back to most exertional activities within 6-8 weeks.

Edwin Moreano, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

HiIn my practice, I advice my patients to avoid sports for two months after surgery.  However, your surgeon knows what was done in your particular case and may have a specific reason why he/she is recommending to skip this season.  Best wishes.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

You mentioned your surgeon recommended you not ski this season.  I suggest you follow his instructions for a good recovery.  Best wishes!

When can I resume skiing after Rhinoplasty?

Answers (9)

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