Question:
I’ve been self-conscious about the size and shape of my nose for many years. I’m 20 now and I’d like to have rhinoplasty to create a nose that is in better proportion with my face. I’m very athletic. I run and compete in a women’s soccer league. Will I have to put these activities on hold after the operation? If so, for how long?
Answer:
That’s an excellent question and a very common one. We see many professional athletes and typically tell them that while the discomfort is minimal after nasal surgery and is easily controlled with oral pain medicine, there is an increased chance of nosebleeds during the first week after surgery and to a lesser extent in the second week after surgery. As far as the reshaping, we have patients wear a splint for one week to reduce the chance of altering the new shape of the nose. I would recommend avoiding contact sports for at least a week, as the bones and other tissues of the nose are still in their early phases of healing and solidifying during the first two weeks. Just in the past month we have operated on three professional baseball players, all of whom waited until the end of the season so as not to limit playing time, for example.