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Does Smoking and Alcohol Increase Swelling Post Rhinoplasty?

I had open rhinoplasty surgery about 2 months ago and it looked good until I started partying. Does alcohol consumption or smoking increase inflammation and swelling in and around the tip of the nose?

Doctor Answers 4

November 24th, 2014

Does Smoking and Alcohol Increase Swelling Post Rhinoplasty?

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Yes, smoking and alcohol should be largely avoided, especially directly after a nose job as they can both contribute to nasal swelling. I typically advise my patients to abstain from either activity for about 2-3 weeks after surgery. Since your rhinoplasty surgery was approximately two months ago, I would say that it is okay to drink and smoke as long as it is kept to a minimum and is controlled.
Sam Rizk, MD


New York Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.7 out of 5 stars 79 reviews

October 12th, 2009

Smoking leads to more swelling

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Nicotine causes a "choking off" or vasoconstriction of blood vessels in your skin. In your postoperative state, you are relying on the vasculature of your nasal skin to decrease swelling. In non smokers who have had rhinoplasty, nasal tip edema can persist for up to a year. Smoking will only delay your eventual healing and your final result.

Stephen Prendiville, MD

Stephen Prendiville, MD
Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 103 reviews

June 1st, 2009

Smoking and drinking not conducive to good healing

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Alcohol can increase the swelling in the nose by vasodilation of the blood vessels. Cigarette smoking is an irritant to the internal portion of the nose. Both smoking and drinking are not conducive to good healing in the postoperative phase. It is best to quit smoking and limit the alcohol consumption.

William Portuese, MD

William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 158 reviews

March 30th, 2009

The short answer is yes.

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 If done in moderation it is probably not significant. Alcohol is a vasodilator and you may notice more swelling the next few days and then it will subside. 

Toby Mayer, MD

Toby Mayer, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 38 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.