Smoking marijuana before rhinoplasty surgery?

Question

I'm not a regular smoker - I don't smoke cigarettes at all. But 10 days before my rhinoplasty I shared 2 "joints" with 4 friends and it contained marijuana and a bit of tobacco. The last time I smoked some of a joint before that was 17 days pre-op. My surgery is in 5 days, I plan on telling my anaethesist but I'm just worried - will this affect my healing? I don't smoke a lot and just share with my friends but it has me worried about the outcome of my nose. Appreciate the advice, thank you.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

If you are not a regular smoker, and if you do not have diseases of your lungs associated with smoking, ten days of smoke cessation should be adequate. Smokers may have inflammation of their upper and lower airways, and this may result in chronic bronchitis or other airway illnesses. You may wish to ensure you do not have a cough, and ask your surgeon and anesthesiologist to listen to your lungs prior to induction of general anesthetic. Hope this helps. Dr Joseph

James Murphy, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Consumption that you describe should not be  a problem and certainly no reason to cancel your surgery. I would tell the anaesthetist but I am sure you will be fine, if you stay off it between now and the big day.

Carlos L. Wolf, MD · Answer

I'm glad that you are considering telling your doctor about your smoking. Smoking marijuana prior to surgery should not affect your healing. It is better that you not smoke prior to surgery because of the anesthesia however it should not affect your overall result. I'm glad that you've decided to tell your anesthesiologist as I always tell patients they should be very truthful with their doctor in case any drugs would cause a problem. If it relaxes you before surgery that's probably OK because that way you will not have stress hormones running through your body.Good luck with your future surgery.

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. It's best to avoid smoking for at least two weeks prior to rhinoplasty. This applies not only to smoking tobacco, but also to marijuana. Also make sure to avoid smoking for at least two weeks after surgery as it may interfere with your healing process. I'd recommend to check with your plastic surgeon as he or she may have different guidelines for smoking. 
An in-person exam with a board certified plastic surgeon is always the best way to fully assess your needs and address your concerns. Best of luck!

Summit Kundaria, MD · Answer

GlazedDonut,
Thanks for your question.  I think that there should not be any issue with your surgery based on your reported usage of marijuana and tobacco.  From an anesthesia standpoint, smoking either of the drugs can lead the patient to cough more on reversal of anesthesia, though from a surgical standpoint, most of the recommendations are based on the tobacco.  Tobacco is a vasoconstrictor, which means it constricts blood vessels.  You want (and need) optimal blood flow to areas where you have surgery, as cutting tissue interrupts blood supply and blood drainage.  Having chronic vasoconstriction (continued tobacco use) when you are healing can lead to the tissues being starved of oxygen, leading to larger scars.  That said, the use you describe should not interfere with your surgery or healing, and your scarring should be optimal with good surgical technique and avoidance of tobacco (or rather, nicotine-containing) products.  Good luck!

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

You are wise to fully disclose any and all medication, supplements, and smoking to your surgeon and anesthesia department.  They use this along with your medical history for your surgery and recovery.

Smoking marijuana before rhinoplasty surgery?

Answers (6)

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