Vaping (nicotine) after septoplasty and septal perforation repair?

Question

Hi, I had a septoplasty, turbinate surgery, and septoplasty repair all at once. I wanted to see if there would be any severe complications if I continued vaping nicotine. I understand restricting oxygen to the nose after septal perforation is terrible, but is it so bad to where it could cause my nose to collapse if I began vaping nicotine again? I know this applies to drugs, such as cocaine, but wanted to see if the same principle is true for nicotine. Thanks.

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

The short answer to your question is that repairing a septal perforation is a tenuous procedure at best and repairs that are done typically do not have the same strength and resiliency as normal nasal septum. That being said nicotine does compromise the blood supply and could cause loss of the graft or the perforation to reopen. I personally have seen that occur in patients who smoke. I would certainly be cautious using nicotine for those reasons.

David Reinstadler, MD · Answer

If you had surgery for a septal perforation repair, I would be as cautious as possible. These repairs are notoriously difficult to make heal, and you should really take care of it. I would not smoke anything for at least 6 weeks after the procedure to ensure new blood flow. Speak with your specific surgeon and follow their adviceBest of luck

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