How soon before a rhinoplasty should I quit smoking?

Nicotine is a potent vasoconstrictor that you must not be exposed to as this can lead to dead skin. Then, it is too late to say "Oh, I won't smoke any more" or "I didn't think being around second-hand smoke would still be a problem" or "I heard online that it was OK to be around second-hand smoke."Nicotine is going to affect your microcirculation adversely whether the cigarette (or e-cig, or nicotine patch, or spray, or gum) is between your lips, or even if you inhale second-hand smoke. The dose may be less, but dead skin is still dead skin if the dose was sufficient to cause loss of blood flow.Two weeks before surgery is the absolute minimum, and second-hand smoke is just as bad as smoking yourself. I have seen dead skin from a smoker taking the patient home (the driver smoked in the car, and the patient inhaled the smoke). Do you really want to risk dead skin--the risk is 15-20% with any kind of nicotine exposure. Please, just say no, or skip the surgery and take a vacation! Best of luck, Dr. Tholen

Thank you for the question. You should absolutely consult with your physician about your smoking habits in order to obtain the most reliable and individualized medical advice. Most specialists recommend abstaining from smoking for 2-3 weeks before a rhinoplasty, while others may insist on a full month or two. Smoking will cause irritation and restrict the blood flow to your healing areas, possibly causing complications during the recovery period.   
In addition, you should also make sure to avoid smoking for at least two weeks after surgery as it may interfere with your healing process. Smoking after surgery may restrict the flow of blood to the healing areas, exacerbate swelling, and prolong recovery. Of course, as a physician, I would advise you to quit smoking altogether due to a variety of health risks associated with it. 
 An in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon would be the best way to assess your needs and obtain expert medical advice. Best of luck! 

It's probably best to be off cigarettes one month before, and 2 weeks after the rhinoplasty surgery.

I typically will recommend someone to stop smoking about two weeks prior to their surgical procedure.  Although second hand smoke contains potentially harmful irritants, it does not cause the same postoperative adverse effects as smoking yourself. 

For a better recovery I typically will recommend someone to stop smoking about two weeks prior to their surgical procedure.   While second hand smoke is harmful, it does not cause the same postoperative adverse effects as smoking yourself.  Best wishes!