You may experience some bruising and discomfort if you've just undergone rhinoplasty. As part of your recovery, your doctor will ask you not to engage in rigorous activity as that can lead to inflammation, swelling, or infection. But if you're an athlete or someone who loves jogging, you may wonder if running two weeks after undergoing facial plastic surgery is too soon. This article will answer any questions regarding how soon you can run after undergoing the procedure.
Is Running After 2 Weeks Too Soon?
Running two weeks after rhinoplasty is okay. On most occasions, this is enough time for you to recover from the procedure. It's not advisable to run earlier than that as this is intense exercise. It will elevate your blood pressure, which can lead to bleeding. The risk is even higher if you have undergone a combination of nasal septoplasty and rhinoplasty.
Doctors recommend introducing exercise progressively to prevent pots-surgery complications. But even if you introduce running after the procedure, check if it has any negative effects on your healing. If it does, reduce the intensity or completely stop and allow your nose to heal before resuming exercising.
Running After Rhinoplasty: An Ideal Timeline
1 Week After the Procedure
You must rest one week after the surgery to give the nose time to heal. However, you can do some light walks in the house, such as three-five to ten minute walks every day. These walks will improve your blood circulation and reduce the risk of clotting, quickening your healing. If you start feeling out of breath or fatigued, stop. This indicates your heart rate is going up, putting you at risk of bleeding.
Your main focus during this first week should be to recover and to allow the swelling and bruising to reduce. Hydrate, rest, and maintain a low heart rate. Do nothing intense.
2-4 Weeks After the Procedure
At this time, the surgeon removed the sutures and splints. You could start by introducing jogging as it is a moderately-paced exercise. You might still be prone to bleeding in the second or third week, if your heart rate increases too much or if a lot of blood is directed toward your head. At the same time, your nose is still sensitive to touch. It's best to just stick to moderate activities.
4 -6 Weeks After the Procedure
After a month, it's safe to increase the intensity and length of your exercise. But at the same time, listen to your body. If you tire quickly compared to the pre-surgery period, it's totally normal. Your body is still getting back in shape.
At six weeks, the structural tissues around your nose have started coming together. It's okay to resume running as you used to because this is a no-contact exercise. Also, understand that each patient is unique, and some people may take longer to recover than others. Even at six weeks, your nose may still be susceptible to injuries if you fall.
Tips for a Quick Recovery
Here are some tips that will help you get back to the field quickly, especially if you're an athlete.
Plan Your Procedure Well
First, consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to have all the information you need about rhinoplasty. Since the recovery period takes about two weeks, if you're an athlete, you can plan for your procedure during your downtime.
Take the Recovery Process Seriously
While two weeks is enough for you to recover, it can take longer in other cases. The best solution is to rest and allow the wound to heal. That means avoiding rigorous exercises to prevent bleeding and swelling. You can start introducing running progressively as you continue healing. But if you experience any negative effects, give it a break.
Follow Your Doctor's Instructions
Just like most plastic surgery procedures, rhinoplasty will be tailored to your circumstances. As much as there's something you want, listen to the doctor's suggestion on what would be right for you. After your procedure, your doctor will give you a few tips on what you can do to hasten your recovery process. This includes resting, taking a lot of water, avoiding alcohol, or touching your nose frequently. If you experience any complications at home, go back to the doctor. They'll know how to address the issue.
Whether you're an athlete or just like exercising, there's no point in pushing yourself too hard after undergoing rhinoplasty. Doing that can prevent you from getting the results you've worked hard to achieve. It may be frustrating to just lie low, but it's only for a couple of weeks, allowing your nose to heal.
