Nicotine and Rhinoplasty question. Can this effect the outcome of nasal surgery or increase any risks associated with it?

Thanks for your question! Every physican has their own pre and post-op instructions for rhinoplasty patients. I recommend that my patients discontinue all nicotine products before and after surgery including the gum. This ensures that their nose gets proper blood-flow which largely effects healing and the overall surgical outcome. It's always best to check with your surgeon any time post-op questions come up, since they have the most comprehensive understanding of your history.

Nicotine use in any form always inhibits healing. For optimal healing it is always recommended to be nicotine free. However, the nose has such a good blood supply that many surgeons, including myself, would still perform the Rhinoplasty if you are using Nicorette gum. If you could switch to a nicotine patch, the risks are most likely lessened. The nicotine patch gives a constant low level dose, whereas with nicotine gum, the dose is variable.

Since nicotine in any form, whether it be cigarettes or gum, can cause constriction of the blood vessels and inhibit proper healing, it is best to stop everything two weeks before surgery if possible. It is not an absolute contraindication, however, as the plane of dissection in rhinoplasty is typically an avascular one, which means that not many blood vessels are divided. Be sure to discuss this with your surgeon so he/she is aware and advises you properly.