Rhinoplasty is a type of surgery that allows the nose to be shaped for both aesthetic and functional purposes. During the post-operative recovery process, patients should pay attention to certain rules, which increases the success rate and minimizes the risk of complications. Sports and exercise are among the issues that should be paid special attention to during this process. So, what should be considered when doing sports after rhinoplasty surgery? Here is what you need to know:

1. The First Period After Surgery: Rest Period
After rhinoplasty surgery, your body needs to rest in order to begin to heal. The first 1-2 weeks are the most critical period for the nose to shape and edema to decrease. During this period, sports and exercise should be completely avoided. Light activities such as simple walks can be done, but more intense exercises such as weight lifting and running should be avoided. Your nose is very sensitive to impacts during this process.

2. Avoid Activities That Increase Blood Pressure
It is necessary to avoid any physical activity that increases blood pressure for approximately 4 weeks after surgery. Increased blood pressure during exercise can put pressure on the vessels in the nose, causing bleeding or increased bruising. Exercises that involve head-down positions, such as high-intensity running, cycling, and yoga, increase this risk. Postponing such activities for at least a month will contribute positively to the healing process.

3. Avoid Contact Sports
Sports that require contact are among the activities that should definitely be avoided after rhinoplasty. Sports that have a high risk of blows to the nose, such as basketball, football, and boxing, can distort the shape of your nose or cause serious injuries. It can take 6 months to 1 year for the nose to fully heal, so be sure to consult your doctor before returning to contact sports.

4. Start Light Exercises Slowly
After 4-6 weeks after surgery, you can slowly start light exercises with your doctor’s approval. Light-paced walks, low-intensity bike rides, and low-resistance exercises are generally safe. However, if you notice any discomfort or swelling during exercise, you should stop immediately and consult your doctor.

5. Pay Attention to Your Breathing
After rhinoplasty surgery, the tissue inside the nose may be sensitive and breathing may become difficult. You may have to breathe through your mouth, especially until the nasal tampon is removed. During this period, intense exercises can make breathing difficult and uncomfortable. It is important to listen to your body by doing low-intensity exercises where you can control your breathing.

6. Avoid Lifting Weights
Lifting weights can increase the pressure on the nose and increase the risk of bleeding. It is important to avoid lifting weights for the first 4-6 weeks after rhinoplasty to preserve the shape of your nose and the results of the surgery. If you want to return to weight training, it would be best to start with light weights and gradually increase the intensity.

7. Be Careful of Swimming and Water Sports
Swimming and water sports should not be done for at least 6 weeks after rhinoplasty. Exposing the nose to water can increase the risk of infection and negatively affect the healing of the nasal tissue. In addition, chlorine in pool water can irritate sensitive tissues after surgery. It is useful to consult your doctor before starting water sports such as swimming.

8. Respect the Healing Process
Every individual’s healing process is different. While some people recover faster, others may take longer to fully recover. Taking your doctor’s recommendations into consideration is the most important step to preserve the results of the surgery. Being patient and not rushing to return to your exercise routine will allow you to achieve a more successful result in the long run.