I've Smoked Marijuana 3 Times After my Rhinoplasty in the 1st Week, Will It Change the Form of my Nose?

Question

Hello.. I am a bit worried, today is sunday and i've had my open rhinoplasty done last saturday. After it was done I've smoked marijuana 3 times out of white papers. I have no clue why I didnt do research before considering its my face? I am not going to smoke at all anymore until it's smart but i'd like to know what exactly have I done. I'm reading all diffrent things but I dont care about the minor things i just hope it hasn't changed the form of my nose or made my scar worse?

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Here are the major points of smoking Tobacco or Marijuana before or after surgery:1. There is nicotine in tobacco, but not in marijuana. However, most joints are rolled with marijuana and tobacco combination. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor that decreases blood flow to the tissues. This is the major problems that can cause a very bad outcome in some surgeries. In a breast augmentation, there is not a lot of risk as there are not a lot of incisions which decrease blood flow to the tissues. In a breast lift or tummy tuck, on the other hand, there is much longer and more involved incisions. The decrease in blood flow to the tissues in combination with the decrease in blood flow from the nicotine can cause tissue to die. This can cause part of the breast or nipple, or in the case of a tummy tuck, part of the belly tissue to die, resulting in a very bad outcome. This is especially bad in breast reductions or face lifts. In a rhinoplasty the tip of the nose and the columella, the area between the tip and the lip, is at risk. Your skin and tissue can turn black and fall off if this happens. In fat transfer, the constricted blood flow can cause the fat to not get a blood supply and die.  Marijuana without tobacco does not cause this problem, or marijuana in an edible fashion. Vaporizers do not decrease the amount of nicotine in tobacco, only decrease the smoke. Hookah also does not decrease nicotine.2. There is carbon monoxide in both tobacco smoke and marijuana smoke. Carbon monoxide decreases the oxygen carrying capacity of hemoglobin in the blood. This is different from the vasoconstrictor effect, but has the same result of having the risk of tissue death in conjunction with surgeries that decrease the blood flow to tissues such as breast lifts and tummy tucks, as opposed to an augmentation alone that does not decrease blood flow to as great of an extent. Again, edible forms of marijuana do not have smoke, and thus carbon monoxide poisoning.3. Coughing. Both tobacco and marijuana smoke disrupt the lining of the lungs and bronchi and can lead to coughing episodes. Coughing episodes can lead to internal bleeding after surgery that can lead to hematomas and complications, and again a bad outcome. Again, edible forms of marijuana does not have this effect.4. Anesthesia effects. Marijuana can have drug interactions with certain anesthetic drugs. Thus it is important to tell your anesthesiologist about your marijuana use.In conclusion, Smoking, whether it be tobacco or marijuana, is detrimental to your surgery outcome. Edible marijuana is much less so, but be honest about your use with your surgeon and anesthesiologist so that you can have the best outcome. In general, you should quite smoking many weeks, ideally 6 weeks before surgery, and not smoke for at least 2 weeks after surgery.Best wishes,Pablo Prichard, MD

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 conventional cigarettes, but also to marijuana. Also make sure to avoid smoking marijuana 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.  I'd recommend to consult 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!

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Smoking marijuana a couple times after a rhinoplasty should not affect for end result. Its a good idea to refrain from smoking due to the potential side effects of nicotine and carbon monoxide on the tissues of the nose  after a cosmetic surgery

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

While I doubt smoking marijuana three times after srugery will change the result of a rhinoplasty itself, it could cauie wound healing problems like smoking cigarettes.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

I advise all my Rhinoplasty patients not to smoking marijuana after their surgery.  There's something about marijuana that seems to cause increased sub Q scar tissue and as such should be avoided for 6 months, IMO.  Ask your Rhinoplasty Surgeon.

I've Smoked Marijuana 3 Times After my Rhinoplasty in the 1st Week, Will It Change the Form of my Nose?

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Answer: I've Smoked Marijuana 3 Times After my Rhinoplasty in the 1st Week, Will It Change the Form of my Nose?

Answer: I've Smoked Marijuana 3 Times After my Rhinoplasty in the 1st Week, Will It Change the Form of my Nose?

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I've Smoked Marijuana 3 Times After my Rhinoplasty in the 1st Week, Will It Change the Form of my Nose?

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Answer: I've Smoked Marijuana 3 Times After my Rhinoplasty in the 1st Week, Will It Change the Form of my Nose?

Answer: I've Smoked Marijuana 3 Times After my Rhinoplasty in the 1st Week, Will It Change the Form of my Nose?

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