Choosing a rhinoplasty surgeon - should I go with or without a doctor who uses packing? Also cannabis or no cannabis?

Question

I'm noticing that some surgeons use packing and others don't. Would it be in my best interest to find a surgeon who doesn't use it? I'm concerened about pain and discomfort during the recovery period. I quit smoking cigarettes 4 weeks ago in peperation to book surgery but am still smoking cannabis.....suppose the cannabis needs to go now too? How soon after surgery could I safely smoke it again? Thank you in advance

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear dreamer456,
finding the right Dr. is extremely challenging especially with the number of online platforms and resources available. There a lot of great Dr's available. Make sure he/she is a board-certified plastic surgeon. Definitely check to make sure your choice specializes in the procedure you want and spend the time to read through patient testimonials. There is a number of different sites where you can check for reviews (Realself, yelp, google, etc.).You can always pick up the phone and call around also, find an office you feel comfortable with and set up a few consultations. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

If you are selecting your surgeon based on whether they are using packing you could be making a mistake. Choose your surgeon based on whom you think will give you the best result. Packing is only in a few days but your nose will be for your lifetime.

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

Packing verse no packing, smoking? there are several factors that determine whether or not a packing is used. If you are having a rhinoplasty only, most surgeons would not use a packing at all. If you are having septal surgery, then there are two choices. Some surgeons prefer a packing in most cases while others use sutures for the septal flaps which prevent the need for packing. Some surgeons feel that packing is more effective at reducing bleeding and promoting proper healing of the septal flaps. However it is more uncomfortable. Some surgeons feel sutures are sufficient, but they are probably not as effective as a packing, And may in rare cases tear the septum mucosa which in very rare cases could lead to a septal perforation. Are you even having septal work? If not, the question doesn’t really apply. If so, I would make my Choice of surgeon based on the reputation of the surgeon and the quality of his work rather than whether or not he uses packing. When a packing is used it is generally removed in 2 to 3 days. It is good that you quit smoking and having quit would be best if you did not resume it. However if you must resume smoking Ask you a surgeon how long after surgery he would like you to stay off nicotine since he will know exactly what was done during the surgery and that will determine the answer to that question. As far as smoking an occasional weed I have not found that to be a problem, but here again ask your surgeon his feelings on that subject.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

There's no reason to pack your nose after a cosmetic rhinoplasty. Packing placed in nose is very uncomfortable and is totally unnecessary. In our practice, we perform closed rhinoplasty with all of the incisions placed on the inside of the nose, and no painful packing. Most patients take few medium strength  pain pills after their surgery. Best to not smoke any cannabis products two weeks before and two weeks after the surgery.

Choosing a rhinoplasty surgeon - should I go with or without a doctor who uses packing? Also cannabis or no cannabis?

Answers (4)

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