I Smoked 5 Cigarettes a Week After Rhinoplasty, Did I Damage the Results?

Question

Dear doctors, I just had a closed rhinoplasty done last week, it is beautiful and I'm so happy with it but I smoked 5 cigarettes today. I now have a little blue line at the bottom of my nose and I didn't have it yesterday. I want to cry because I have been given the most beautiful nose. I threw my pack of cigarettes away. I know I shouldn't have done it, and I won't do it anymore. I just want to know what to do. Could it have ruined the results? Please help.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. You should meet your Board Certified Surgeon after this. Because you should wait 2-3 weeks because your operation area trying to get healed. Then after yes you can do smoke and drink. I wish you all the best.

Deepak Raj Dugar, MD · Answer

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

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. You should absolutely consult with your physician about your smoking habits in order to obtain the most reliable and individualized medical advice. Most specialists recommend abstaining from smoking for 2-3 weeks before a rhinoplasty, while others may insist on a full month or two. Smoking will cause irritation and restrict the blood flow to your healing areas, possibly causing complications during the recovery period.   
In addition, you should also make sure to avoid smoking 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. Of course, as a physician, I would advise you to quit smoking altogether due to a variety of health risks associated with it. Of course, if you don't observe any increase in swelling or any other complications, your results will most likely be fine. Just be sure to consult with your plastic surgeon from now on before you choose to resume smoking following surgery.
 An in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon would be the best way to assess your needs and obtain expert medical advice. Best of luck!

Scott R. Brundage, MD · Answer

Smoking before or after a Rhinoplasty is not a contraindication  (although it should never be recommended). It is doubtful that you caused damage and I would not worry about it. Other procedures such as Face Lift and Abdominoplasty are associated more commonly with problems if you smoke in the peri operative period. I would still avoid any further smoking (better yet-quit). If the blue persists, I would see your surgeon.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Cigarettes are a no no!  They cause tissue ischemia and prevent oxygen to get to the tissue properly.

I Smoked 5 Cigarettes a Week After Rhinoplasty, Did I Damage the Results?

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I Smoked 5 Cigarettes a Week After Rhinoplasty, Did I Damage the Results?

Answers (9)

Answer: Smoking and Rhinoplasty

Answer: Smoking and Rhinoplasty

Answer: Cigarettes and rhinoplasty

Answer: Cigarettes and rhinoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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