Smoking 3 Weeks Post Op Rhinoplasty. Any suggestions?

Hello and thank you for your question. Smoking leads
to vasoconstriction which inhibits blood flow; this is necessary for proper
healing. I recommend refraining from smoking for the duration of the healing
process and beyond, as well as speaking to your surgeon about his/her protocol
for post-operative smoking. I hope this information helps and I wish you the best
of luck.

Thanks for the question. You should wait 2-3 weeks because your operation area trying to get healed. Then after yes you can do smoke and drink. I wish you all the best.

Thanks for the question. I recommend you to stop smoking to avoid unnecessary risks. I usually recommend to my patients to stop smoking 1 month before surgery and continue without smoking for two months after surgery. Respectfully, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol.-

Hello, if you just smoked 10-15 cigarettes...I doubt you would have any significant long term issues related to that one time smoking session...but I would try to hold off to allow for the best healing. Good Luck.

Is it possible to jeopardize your results in the early postoperative period? YES.  Your body is depending on the small blood vessels in the area to heal.  Even 1 cigarette will cause those small blood vessels to shrink, increasing the risk of wound complications, scarring, etc.  Ask your surgeon how he or she feels about you smoking postoperatively and follow those instructions.

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!

Smoking will impact the wound healing even at 3 weeks. Not a good idea to smoke during the recovery period also.

Patients who are currently smoking or use tobacco or nicotine products (patch, gum, or nasal spray) are at a greater risk for significant surgical complications of skin dying and delayed healing and additional scarring. Individuals exposed to second-hand smoke are also at potential risk for similar complications attributable to nicotine exposure. Additionally, smoking may have a significant negative effect on anesthesia and recovery from anesthesia, with coughing and possibly increased bleeding. Individuals who are not exposed to tobacco smoke or nicotine-containing products have a significantly lower risk of this type of complication. It is important to refrain from smoking at least 6 weeks before surgery and until your physician states it is safe to return, if desired. I acknowledge that I will inform my physician if I continue to smoke within this time frame, and understand that for my safety, the surgery, if possible, may be delayed.Smoking may have such a negative effect on your surgery that a urine test just before surgery may be done which will prove the presence of Nicotine. If positive, your surgery may be cancelled and your surgery, scheduling fee, and other prepaid amounts may be forfeited. Honestly disclose smoking to your surgeon.

Smoking after surgery at any time within the postoperative period can cause problems with blood flow. You should refrain from smoking for the optimal result. I would follow up with your surgeon regarding this matter.

Dear jasmineprincess,

Smoking following flat base surgery
such as an open rhinoplasty will cause vasoconstriction and decrease blood
flow. The risks of smoking after open
rhinoplasty are diminished blood flow to the nasal tip and some degree of
vascular compromise and necrosis. If
necrosis hasn’t occurred at 3 weeks it is unlikely to occur. However, continued smoking between 3 and 6
weeks may moderately increase your risks and would therefore be the
recommendation of any rhinoplasty physician that you cease smoking.

Having said that, quitting smoking is
easier said than done and the highest degree of risk was in the first few
weeks. I would try to decrease smoking
significantly if not stop until the 6th week and then seek some sort
of professional help for smoking cessation sessions. Without vascular compromise and necrosis you
have likely not decreased or altered the aesthetic outcome of your rhinoplasty
and I’m sure you’re going to get excellent results.

I hope this information is of some
assistance and best of luck.

To find out more, please visit the
link below.

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto