I Smoked One Cigarette 10 Days After Rhinoplasty - Is That Okay?

But do you really expect that anyone will give you a "pass" on prohibited activities?

Nicotine is such a potent vasoconstrictor (causes blood vessels to clamp shut) that virtually all plastic surgeons (except perhaps those who smoke themselves) recommend stopping all tobacco or nicotine use several weeks before and after surgery. The problem with vasoconstriction is loss of circulation in the nasal skin which could cause delayed healing, scarring, or skin loss requiring prolonged dressings, skin graft, or other reconstructive surgery. Sort of a big deal, isn't it?

So, no, 1 cigarette is NOT OK. Even if you haven't had any problems healing thus far, your healing is far from complete, so you do yourself no favors if you "sneak one" every now and then. Sort of like a little rat poison, wouldn't you say?

Hello,Thank you for your question. Smoking is not advised after a rhinoplasty because it can delay and interfere with the healing process. I advice you stop smoking immediately. You can return to smoking 4 weeks post op. All the best, Deepak Dugar, MDScarless Rhinoplasty ExpertBeverly Hills, CA 90210

It's extremely important that patients avoid the use of tobacco before and after surgery since this substance inhibits the recovery process. You should not smoke in the three weeks leading up to the nose job operation and for another three weeks afterward. This is primarily due to inhibiting blood circulation and making it more difficult to fight infection. If you are very worried, I recommend seeing your surgeon for an assessment.