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Can Smoking Significantly Postpone Full Rhinoplasty Recovery Beyond 2.5 Years?

asked 1 year ago by NKH in New York
Latest answer by Jeffrey Epstein MD, FACS
Question viewed 658 times
Tags: delay, recovery, smoking, swelling, timing

I had rhinoplasty surgery 2.5 years ago the front part of my nose still tends to minutely inflate whenever there is above average cigarette or alcohol consumption. My understanding is that full healing would have taken place only when such minute inflation/swelling completely ceases.

Is this correct? Is it possible that my smoking is significantly delaying the FULL recovery beyond 2.5 years? Will it ever stop minutely inflating/swelling without the cessation of smoking?

6 answers to Can Smoking Significantly Postpone Full Rhinoplasty Recovery Beyond 2.5 Years?

+2

Smoking and Rhinoplasty Recovery

Smoking and alcohol will delay healing after rhinoplasty surgery. I'm not aware of any studies that clarify the duration harmful effects of abusive habits - obviously that would depend on how much you smoke and drink. You should see your surgeon for an evaluation.
Richard W. Fleming, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

+2

Effects of Smoking on Rhinoplasty Recovery

It may not be the actual cigarette smoking, but rather your nose may have more sensitive allergies to other things in the environment.
Jeffrey Epstein MD, FACS

Miami Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.plasticsurgeryoftheface.com

+2

Smoking and alcohol effects on nose 2.5 years post-op.

Your nose has fully healed. Your nasal skin responds to chemicals you swallow or inhale. Cigarettes have several of the most toxic chemicals around--nicotine, carbon monoxide, and others. Alcohol is a potent vasodilator, and causes skin vessels to dilate, become more visible ("drinker's nose" particularly bad in those with Acne Rosacea), and thicken the skin slightly. These chemicals can cause what you are describing, but have nothing to do with your complete healing,... more
Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS

Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon
+2

Rhinoplasty recovery

Dear NKH, It may be more due to the alcohol than the cigarette smoke.  If you find that your nose swells in the presence of cigarette smoke without alcohol, it could be a small allergy that causes inflammation.  If the nose looks good in all other circumstances, I would avoid doing anything more.  Nonetheless, if you have any questions about it, please see your plastic surgeon so that he can examine you and give you the best answer. Best, Nima Shemirani more
Nima Shemirani, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Smoking after Rhinoplasty

Best option is to quit the smoking all together. Your body and nose will thank you for it. Best of luck. Dr. Chaboki  
Houtan Chaboki, MD

Washington DC Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Can smoking delay healing after a Rhinoplasty

Certainly 2 1/2 years after your Rhinoplasty, your nose is fully healed.  The swelling at this point is most likely secondary to other factors, not the original surgery.
Francis R. Palmer, III, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

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