Is taking a couple of drags of a cigarette 11 days before septorhinoplasty a cause for concern?

Question

I quit smoking 3 weeks before rhinoplasty (my surgeon recommended 2). However, I did take a couple drags off a cigarette 11 days before my surgery (my surgery is coming up) Is this something I should cancel my surgery for/cause a concern?

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

The fact that you say you quit smoking 3 weeks ago but had a 'couple of drags' 11 days before surgery tells me that you are living in a justification fantasy. You didn't quit 3 weeks ago, you quit 11 days before your surgery; only one puff ends your abstinence. Quite frankly 2 weeks is not even considered a safe minimum. If you are having an open rhinoplasty, this is especially important, but even if you are not you should consider rescheduling. Smokers have double the risk of all complications.

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

That is not a reason to cancel your surgery but we do recommend patients to quit smoking at least 4 weeks before their surgeries. Smoking significantly delays the healing process. Therefore we do not want our patients to smake after their surgeries as well. Couple of drags will not hurt you but please do not smoke anymore until your surgery day. Good luck

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

In my opinion, the main reason to stop smoking before surgery is because tobacco is a lung irritant. All of our patients who undergo rhinoplasty surgery received general anesthetic with inhaled anesthesia. As long as you do not have chronic bronchitis with daily coughing from chronic tobacco use, in all likelihood, surgery will be fine moving forward from an anesthesia standpoint. I hope this helps! Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I can’t speak for your surgeon and you should certainly notify them about it. For me it would not be a reason to cancel the surgery. Just don’t do it anymore

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

Regarding smoking 11 days before your surgery, "...if it seems like a bad idea, it probably is".  Remember that it is your nose that is being operated on, and it will be your result.  I would definitely notify your Surgeon and not smoke any more at this point.  It is certainly sub-optimal situation and will rely on the judgment of your Surgeon.

J. Renee Booth, MD · Answer

If it was a small amount of nicotine, then I would not be worried. However, I do not know your whole medical and surgical history, so it is best to call your surgeon's office. Refraining from nicotine as much as possible after surgery will be important. At my office, we offer to prescribe medicine to help people relax without using cigarettes to get them through the first 2 weeks after surgery.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Rescheduling surgery is a major undertaking. Doing so can impact many people. 
I suggest you discuss this with your provider. 
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Is taking a couple of drags of a cigarette 11 days before septorhinoplasty a cause for concern?

Answers (7)

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