Is 6 weeks enough time to quit smoking before rhinoplasty?

Question

I'm quitting smoking FOR GOOD. Is quitting 6 weeks before a open rhinoplasty enough time? I'm using this opportunity to quit.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. I usually recommend to avoid smoking at least 1 month before the procedure and keep without smoking for 2 months after the procedure to avoid unnecessary risks. Kind regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol.-

Kenneth Yu, MD · Answer

Hello.  You should be aware that a significant smoking history will permanently damage blood vessels, which means a patient will have higher risk of healing complications compared to someone who has never smoked.  The longer you've smoked, the greater the damage.  Having said that, former smokers can safely undergo cosmetic surgeries like rhinoplasty.  I think 6 weeks is probably ok, but the longer you can wait before surgery, the less likely you'll have complications.  In general, I recommend 2 months, but still counsel patients they have a higher risk of postoperative wound problems.  If you're getting a closed rhinoplasty, this may be a lower risk since there's no external incision.  Regardless, that's great news that you've quit for good!  Take care.

Parker A. Velargo, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your goal to becoming healthier through smoking cessation!  I generally say that 2 weeks before is the minimum time needed to minimize healing complications following surgery.  Certainly, the longer the better though.  Remember, any nicotine or tobacco products (not just inhaled) will compromise healing.  Good luck as you move forward!

Eric T. Waterman, MD, FACS · Answer

You are very smart to ask about when to quit smoking. Every day is a good day to quit smoking. 6 weeks before surgery is a wonderful time to quit smoking, if not sooner. The more time you allow your lungs to recover from smoking, the better.Smoking cigarettes is unhealthy and toxic. Smoke inhalation affects the functions of the lungs and can affect healing processes. With long-term use, conditions ranging from cardiac issues to lung cancer are commonplace. 
If you are unable to quit using nicotine before surgery, find safer alternatives like dermal patches, gum, or lozenges to use before and after your procedure. Do not smoke for several weeks after rhinoplasty to avoid complications, even if you intend to continue smoking despite the long-term risks.

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.  It is always best to visit a board-certified plastic surgeon and have a full evaluation for your concern. Best of luck!

Kristina Tansavatdi, MD · Answer

Good for you for having the stamina to quit smoking! Yes, 6 weeks is adequate time before surgery and I usually recommend at least 1 month before surgery for best results.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It is best to quit approximately one month before  and one month after a rhinoplasty procedure. Smokers have a higher incidence of necrosis and infection. Closed rhinoplasty would avoid the external incision across the columella. For many examples, please see  the link below  to our closed rhinoplasty photo gallery

Victor Chung, MD · Answer

Tobacco smoke and nicotine exposure are cause for some of the worst healing problems after surgery. Smoking is a risk factor for just about every medical problem: wound healing, problems with anesthesia, heart attack, stroke, infection and cancer to name a few. An upcoming surgery is a fantastic opportunity to quit smoking for good. Stop as soon as possible to reap the benefits. Over time, you can even reverse some of the risk factors associated with the tobacco you already smoked.It's generally recommended to quit 6-8 weeks prior to surgery to improve your surgery/anesthesia risk. There are programs to help. Ask your doctor. And a recent 2016 study showed going cold turkey may be the best method.

Fred Hackney, MD (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Congratulations on making a huge advancement in your healthy lifestyle! I typically tell patients to stop smoking at least three weeks before surgery. 6 weeks will be more than enough time before surgery. Please remember: nicotine is the root cause of the decreased blood supply in that it causes constriction of the capillaries and small blood vessels that feed the skin oxygen. Nicotine patches, gum, etc; cannot be used as an alternative to smoking. Best of luck to you in your procedure and recovery!

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear austinou88, Congratulations for making the determination to quit smoking not only for your surgery but for good! Quitting smoking six weeks prior to your surgery will allow you adequate time to reduce the risk factors that are caused from smoking. Keep in mind that using products like "Nicorette" or any other nicotine/tobacco products will compromise healing!  So cold turkey is your best bet. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Is 6 weeks enough time to quit smoking before rhinoplasty?

Answers (11)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (11)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

Grew dorsal hump overnight? (Photo)

Am I a good candidate for a stand-alone alarplasty to narrow my wide nostrils, or do I need rhinoplasty? Anything else? (Photo)

Why does my nose keep swelling up after working out? How can I heal?

I have flat nose. The bridge of my nose is flat. Any suggestions? (photos)

How much cost for nose lift? The bridge of my nose is flat (Photo)

Approximately how much would it be to straighten my crooked nose? I just want it to be symmetrical. (photos)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS