You have your new look, now you are ready to see the world, or have the world see you. Can you travel after a nose job?

A rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a nose job, is a common cosmetic surgery to alter and reshape the nose for aesthetic or functional reasons. Some patients are looking to change their appearance, some are looking to improve their breathing. Adults and teenagers over 16 years of age can be candidates for rhinoplasty. Facial growth and features are considered when determining if you are a candidate for a rhinoplasty. 

For those considering rhinoplasty or other surgical procedures, many seek to find the best surgeon in their field. This leads patients who are willing and able to travel for care with their chosen specialist. Travel for plastic surgery is more popular than ever. Some travel to other countries hoping to save cost, some travel to find the surgeon who will give the best results. 

Generally, patients recovering from a rhinoplasty procedure should wait at least one week before traveling by airplane. There are many factors to be considered. First, after surgery patients are still feeling the effects of sedation and pain medication. Strong prescription drugs mixed with travel motion may induce nausea and vomiting. You will also have at least mild discomfort as wearing a splint on the nose is standard usually up to one-week post-surgery. Secondly, rest is imperative after a surgical procedure. Air travel is often stressful rushing to connecting flights and carrying luggage. After a nose jobs, patients are encouraged to wait nearly 1 month before engaging in strenuous activity. Not to mention all the other people traveling in what is usually a confined or congested area. Risk of germs and someone accidentally bumping into your nose are good reasons to wait to fly. Lastly, there are risks involved. Side effects of a rhinoplasty procedure include facial swelling and blood clots. Your nasal passages are connected to your brain and the high pressure could not only cause severe pain to your ears, sinuses and brain, but it may also cause damage. Sinuses cannot handle the pressure change which is why for many their ears pop. The change in cabin pressure and the very dry, recirculating air inside the plane can lead to nose bleeds, which if severe, can be considered an emergency. If you must travel, it is advised to wait until the second week post-surgery. Patients should take Sudafed and use a spray nasal decongestant to avoid pain during flight. Even local travel by car alone is not recommended within the first 3 days post-surgery as swelling in the nose and around the eyes may limit one’s vision.

So, can you travel after a nose job? Yes. But you should wait as many days as possible, at minimum 1 week, until swelling has gone down, and you have had time to properly heal. 

The results of a rhinoplasty rely heavily on the care, skill, and expertise of the surgeon. For more information, feel free to contact our office at David W. Allison, MD. You can schedule an appointment at 703-754-8228 and website.