Rhinoplasty Q&A
80%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
1,003 Reviews
Rhinoplastybefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Rhinoplasty Cost: $5,975

Learn about Rhinoplasty

5,053 people and 803 doctors are talking about Rhinoplasty

Get Free Email Updates

Will Resuming Smoking 4 Weeks After Open Rhinoplasty Affect the Final Result?

asked 11 months ago by Jackie17 in Los Angeles, CA
Latest answer by Francis R. Palmer, III, MD
Question viewed 321 times
Tags: 1 month post-op, cigarette, risk, smoking

I know smoking is bad and I am going to try to quit soon but I need an answer please!

6 answers to Will Resuming Smoking 4 Weeks After Open Rhinoplasty Affect the Final Result?

+1

Is smoking 4 weeks after open Rhinoplasty OK?

Smoking decreases the body's ability to heal after surgery and should be avoided or severly limited, IMHO. If you absolutely must smoke, do as little as possible and do not inhale the smoke through your nose as it contains chemicals that will irritate the nasal mucosa and incision lines inside the nose. As always, it's best for you to ask your Rhinoplasty surgeon these questions.
Francis R. Palmer, III, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Smoking

You are correct. Smoking is bad and this is ab excellent time to quit. I assume you stopped for your procedure.
David A. Bray, Sr., MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Smoking can prolong healing in nasal surgery.

Exposing your nose and nasal membranes to cigarette smoke will cause irritation and excess mucous production, leading to infections, constant wiping, burning, and prolonged swelling. Much better to use other means, such as the patch or gum, to get your nicotine fix, which should be more than ample since it appears you have been able to stop smoking for at least 4 weeks post op as well as 1 to 2 weeks pre op. Besides, your family and co-workers will, I'm sure, be happier. more
Maurice P. Sherman, MD

Del Mar Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Smoking after rhinoplasty

Unfortunately, smoking after rhinoplasty, even after just four weeks will have little affect on your result. Of course smoking is not the best idea, but it should not cause you much trouble. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Does smoking effect healing after rhinoplasty?

There are several things that occur when you smoke after nasal surgery. Smoking effects the small blood vessels thereby diminishing the blood flow to this area. Healing will be slower. The second is the toxins in the smoke; they will deposit in the nose and cause a chemical irritation. Both of these factors increase the risk of a bad outcome. Obviously, I would recommend quitting but after 2-3 months there is little chance for a smoking related... more
Joseph Campanelli, MD

Minneapolis Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Too soon!

It is still too soon to resume smoking after your Rhinoplasty surgery. The smoke will go through your nose which is still healing and should be treated like a wound. I would say to wait at least 2 months. Smoking will slow down your healing and may affect your long term results.
Michael Salzhauer, MD

Bal Harbour Plastic Surgeon

Ask a question