Post Septoplasty/ Rhinoplasty Diving?

[doctock993]

I did a search and the limited threads are all 3-5+ years old, so I was wondering if there was any "new" information on the topic.

I'm scheduled for a septo/rhinoplasty at the the end of October and the surgeon wants "at least" 3 months recovery before I go diving. This is a pretty elaborate reconstruction - I've been living with severely twisted septum since I was 9yo - face vs. ice skating rink. He's going to be taking rib cartilage and rebuilding the whole septum. In addition, there will be several breaks in my nasal bones to straighten.

Should I just "forget" about getting in the water in 2017 completely?
I've signed up for a trip in March (photographing Great Hammerheads in Bimini), but have no deposit on a highly desired trip, so will be easy to cancel my participation.
I was possibly hoping for a trip July or later.

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

Hi doc, there isn't really any new information. Go by your physician's recommendation. You want to be fully healed not just so that the swelling is gone but also so that the structure of your nose can hold up to the pressure exerted on your mask. For what it's worth, I've had two and gone back to diving in the military after both.

Best regards,
DDM

 

[fmerkel]

I needed 2 months but my surgery doesn't sound as extensive as yours.

 

[rhwestfall]

I can only comment that long term, it is great (until you break it again. ...).

 

[doctock993]

Thank you everyone for your input.