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

A single cigarette will not have a detrimental affect on the results of your rhinoplasty surgery. Still, cigarettes are known to be addictive in nature, and what starts off as one single cigarette can lead to continual smoking- which is not okay. My best advise is to refrain from smoking cigarettes altogether, so as to ensure that you are fully recovering and that your new nose is not negatively impacted in any way that can be controlled.