0203 811 8175
Rhinoplasty reshapes the nose by adjusting bone, cartilage, and soft tissue to improve both function and appearance. Because the nose is highly vascular and structurally delicate during healing, exercise after a nose surgery must be reintroduced carefully and gradually. While light movement can support circulation and recovery, returning to intense physical activity too soon can increase swelling, bleeding, or even compromise surgical results.
Below is a clear, stage-by-stage guide to exercising safely after rhinoplasty, based on typical post-operative advice. Always follow the personalised guidance given by your surgeon, as recovery timelines can vary.
Avoid strenuous exercise for the first 2–3 weeks after rhinoplasty, as increased blood pressure can cause bleeding and swelling.
Light walking is encouraged from days 3–7, helping circulation without putting pressure on the healing nose.
Gym workouts can usually resume after the splint is removed, but intensity should be built up gradually.
Weightlifting and high-impact training should be avoided for 4–6 weeks to protect nasal structures during healing.
Swimming, saunas, and steam rooms should be avoided for at least 4 weeks due to infection and bleeding risk.
There is no medical evidence that “nose exercises” improve recovery—rest and following your surgeon’s guidance is key.
Most vitamins, minerals, and standard exercise-related supplements can usually be resumed 48 hours after surgery. However, since gym activity is not recommended during the first week, many patients prefer to restart supplements from day 7 onwards, when light exercise becomes more appropriate.
If you use supplements that affect circulation or blood thinning (such as high-dose vitamin E or certain pre-workout formulas), always confirm timing with your surgeon before resuming them.
Returning to the gym after rhinoplasty should be approached cautiously and in phases. Once your nasal splint has been removed, surgeons generally advise waiting a further 24 hours before attempting any form of gym-based exercise. This short pause allows the nose to settle and reduces the risk of bleeding or pressure-related swelling.
When you do return, early gym sessions should focus on very low-impact cardio. Machines such as treadmills, cross-trainers, or rowing machines can be used at their easiest settings, provided you avoid strain, heavy breathing, or overheating. During the period between days 8 and 21, it’s especially important to keep workouts short and gentle. Increased heart rate and blood pressure during this time can trigger nasal bleeding or prolong swelling.
Training in a well-ventilated environment, staying hydrated, and building intensity gradually over several weeks are key to protecting your results.
Light movement is encouraged early in recovery to support circulation and reduce stiffness.
Gentle walking can usually be resumed between days 3 and 7
Limit walking to 1–2 hours per day
Avoid hills, fast pacing, or activities that elevate heart rate
Anything more demanding than light walking should be avoided during the first week.
Weightlifting places significant strain on the body and causes sharp increases in blood pressure, which can negatively affect healing tissues in the nose. For this reason, intense exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 4–6 weeks after rhinoplasty.
Lifting heavy weights too early increases the risk of nasal bleeding, prolonged swelling, and disruption of internal sutures. While some surgeons may allow very light weights with high repetitions after the first few weeks, the primary focus during this phase should remain on healing rather than performance.
If you do resume resistance training earlier than six weeks, it should involve:
Very light weights
Controlled movements
No breath-holding or straining
In most cases, patients achieve the best long-term results by waiting until the nose has stabilised before returning to full-strength training.
Water-based activities and heat exposure introduce unique risks during rhinoplasty recovery. Swimming should be avoided for at least four weeks, as pool water can carry bacteria that increase the risk of infection while internal incisions are still healing.
Saunas and steam rooms should also be avoided during this time. Heat causes blood vessels to dilate, which can trigger nasal bleeding and worsen swelling. Additionally, humidity and heat can soften healing tissues, potentially delaying recovery.
Any pressure on the nose — including goggles, masks, or accidental impact in the water — can compromise healing. Taking extra time away from these environments helps ensure a smoother and safer recovery.
Flying is generally discouraged during the first week after surgery, as cabin pressure and dry air can irritate healing nasal tissues and cause minor bleeding. Changes in altitude may also affect fragile blood vessels inside the nose.
If flying is unavoidable, patients are usually advised to:
Use an aqueous nasal spray regularly to keep the nose hydrated
Avoid touching or blowing the nose
Confirm travel plans with their surgeon in advance
Some patients may be cleared to fly within the first week depending on splint removal, stitches, and medication adjustments, but this should always be confirmed individually.
Patients occasionally ask whether facial movements or “nose exercises” — such as scrunching, frowning, or manually moving the nose — can speed up recovery. There is no medical evidence to support these practices.
In fact, unnecessary movement or pressure on the nose can interfere with healing and increase swelling. The most effective approach is rest, patience, and following post-operative instructions closely. The nose will heal at its own pace without the need for manipulation.
If you have any specific work routine or questions related to your workouts after undergoing a Rhinoplasty with us, please get in touch with us at info@berkeleysquaremedical.com.
Light walking can usually be resumed within 3–7 days after rhinoplasty. More strenuous exercise should be avoided until your surgeon confirms it is safe, typically after the nasal splint has been removed.
Most patients should avoid the gym for at least 7 days. Light cardio may be resumed gradually after this, while intense workouts should wait several weeks.
You can usually return to the gym 24 hours after the nasal splint is removed, provided you stick to low-intensity exercises and avoid straining or overheating.
Yes, but only light cardio such as gentle walking is recommended during the first week. Running, rowing, or high-intensity cardio should be delayed until at least 2–3 weeks, depending on healing.
Heavy weightlifting should be avoided for 4–6 weeks. Light weights with minimal strain may be allowed earlier, but only with your surgeon’s approval.
Even if you feel well, exercising too soon can increase blood pressure and lead to swelling or nosebleeds. Healing continues internally, so following medical guidance is essential.
Yes. Early intense exercise can increase swelling, disrupt healing tissues, and potentially affect the final shape of the nose.
Swimming should be avoided for at least 4 weeks. Pools, saunas, and steam rooms increase the risk of infection and nasal bleeding during early healing.
Boxing and other contact sports should usually be avoided for at least 12 weeks (3 months) after rhinoplasty, and sometimes longer. Returning too early significantly increases the risk of nasal fracture, internal damage, bleeding, or long-term aesthetic compromise. Clearance from your surgeon is essential before resuming any contact sport.
No. There is no medical evidence that nose exercises improve healing. Touching or manipulating the nose may actually delay recovery.
Patient Journey We are here to guide you to make the right decision for your well-being. If you are considering an aesthetic change to your appearance, we know that it’s one of the most important and personal decisions you wish to make. Therefore you need to be certain that the medical advice you receive is […]
Patient Aftercare All cosmetic surgery procedures at Berkeley Square Medical come with a comprehensive aftercare package and a 24-hour service so you can be assured you are always under the care and guidance of our surgical team. All your immediate aftercare is included in the cost of your surgery so there are no hidden extras in our […]
If you are considering Cosmetic Surgery, we understand that it's probably one of the most important decisions you're likely to make, therefore, you need to be sure it's right for you and you receive professional and independent advice about your procedure.
Our Philosophy We began our journey setting foot in the highly fashionable area of Berkeley Square, Mayfair where luxury fashion, galleries and five-star hotels all conveniently meet to set the example for world-leading client services and experience. Our goal was to create a cosmetic surgery practice that would not only exceed patients’ expectations but provide […]
