After a rhinoplasty, or plastic surgery on the nose, there are many instructions to follow for successful healing. You cannot blow your nose, chew gum or even swim immediately after the surgery. As time passes and the bandages come off, you may start to think about resuming your normal daily activities. There are a few rules governing swimming after a rhinoplasty; however, your surgeon will determine your exact instructions.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor and schedule a post-operative visit if you have not already. Your recovery time and clearance to swim will depend upon the surgeon's opinion and your healing progress. Some doctor's may encourage waiting at least one month after the surgery.
Step 2
Walk into waist deep water and submerse your head in the pool before you try to swim across it. Your healing incisions are inside your nose; the skin may be sensitive to an influx of water. If the influx of water is painful, you may need to wait a few more weeks before taking another plunge.
Step 3
Wear goggles when you are ready to swim, but not the nose clip. Swimming is frequently disallowed after surgery due to its propensity to cause injury from swimming accidents, not from any harm from pool or ocean water. Swim as you did before surgery if you tolerate the head submersion, but swim with caution.
Tips and Warnings
- Water in your nose may feel different than it did prior to surgery due to a possible restructuring of your nasal passages, but it should not hurt.
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