Returning to work in smoke filled environment after rhinoplasty?

Question

I'll considering rhinoplasty. While I can take the necessary time off from work to recover, my concern is returning to work. I work in a smoke filled environment. I myself do not smoke but I imagine secondhand smoke would affect recovery some how? Does extended periods of time (4-6 hours) in a smoke filled environment harm me/my results? How long do i need to stay away from this smoke filled environment?

Gregory DeLange, MD · Answer

Although working in a smoke filled environment is not good for anyone, it should have absolutely zero impact on your healing.   You should easily be able to go back to work once the splint is off (usually one week)

Guncel Ozturk, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Working in such environment is not ideal but it should not affect the recovery drastically. The effect might be a clogged nose. Best of luck!

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I appreciate your concern. In most cases, patients can return to work and other activities within about two weeks after rhinoplasty. This is true in your situation also, as the second hand smoke should not impact your healing. However, the smoke could make it difficult to breathe, which will already be more challenging after your surgery. I would keep your saline close by to keep your nasal passages as clear as possible and take frequent breaks during the first couple of weeks back to work to give your nose a reprieve. It is also a good idea to discuss your concerns with your surgeon, to see if there are any additional recommendations you might want to follow.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Second hand smoking after a rhinoplasty will not effect the final result, it will just clog up your nose and make it hard to breathe. To avoid that use a lot of saline nasal spray and if you can wear a mask. RegardsDr. J

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Smoke is not good environment for any healthy person, in particular for postoperative recovery. Providing that you do not need airway correction (septoplasty, turbinectomy), 2 weeks would be enough for recovery after rhinoplasty. You may request temporary job environment change (4 weeks) from your employer for medical reasons and recovery. Good luck.

Robert Deeb, MD · Answer

Hello and thanks for the question. You are correct that smoke of any kind is not ideal for recovering following surgery. I would recommend avoiding the smoke filled environment for 1-2 weeks following surgery but I would discuss this concern with your surgeon as there is a lot of surgeon to surgeon variability on this topic. Good luck

Returning to work in smoke filled environment after rhinoplasty?

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