Is Smoking Harmful After Rhinoplasty?

Nose surgeries are among the most frequently preferred aesthetic procedures today. Individuals considering nose surgeries are usually those who are dissatisfied with the shape, function, and structural defects of their noses and wish to address these issues. In addition to these complaints, there are also individuals who consider nose surgery to improve their ability to breathe healthily. Successful nose surgeries performed by aesthetic surgeons will help patients achieve the desired outcome. Although successful results are expected from nose surgeries performed with the correct technique and careful attention, patients’ diligence regarding important considerations during this process is crucial for recovery. One of the most important considerations for patients is smoking before and after nose surgery.

Nose surgeries are generally quite comfortable when performed according to the aesthetic surgeon’s plan, but it is essential for patients who smoke to quit or, if not possible, to reduce smoking during the recovery period after the surgery. Since nose surgery is performed under general anesthesia, it is important to avoid problems caused by smoking to ensure the anesthesia’s effectiveness during the surgery and its proper elimination from the body afterward. Continuing to smoke before and after the surgery can lead to prolonged anesthesia, insufficient oxygenation of the nasal tissues, impaired blood circulation, and increased pain. Aesthetic surgeons recommend that patients quit smoking to avoid these problems.

While the effects of smoking before and after nose aesthetics appear to be fundamentally similar, there are some differences.

Smoking before nose aesthetics can prolong the duration of anesthesia, causing delayed wakefulness in some patients, or lead to delayed effects of anesthesia in others. Due to its effect on disrupting blood circulation, smoking can cause excessive bleeding during the surgery. It also adversely affects tissue oxygenation, which can lead to further issues during the surgery. Smoking should be discontinued at least 15 days before nose surgery.

Smoking immediately after nose aesthetics can disrupt blood circulation, causing the recovery process to take longer than expected. Since the nasal area is a treated region, it requires oxygen for healing, and smoking prevents this oxygen from reaching the tissues. During the recovery period after nose aesthetics, temporary nasal packing is placed, which helps the patient breathe more comfortably but can cause blockages due to residuals within the nose. To alleviate these blockages, the blood vessels need to transport oxygen effectively. As mentioned earlier, smoking impedes the delivery of oxygen to the tissues, resulting in both an inability to clear the nose and a prolonged healing process. Although smoking should be avoided completely after nose surgery, patients should inform their doctor if they intend to smoke.

Considering the problems described, it is evident that aesthetic surgeons recommend not smoking before and after the surgery, and patients should refrain from smoking until the recovery process is complete. To ensure the healthy healing of the nasal area and to reduce swelling and edema, staying away from smoking is crucial.

How Long Should One Avoid Smoking After Nose Surgery?

Although aesthetic surgeons advise patients to avoid smoking altogether after surgery, some patients may still wish to continue smoking. In such cases, patients should consider how long they need to wait before smoking. Patients should avoid smoking for a minimum of one month after nose surgery. Before this one-month period, patients should even avoid passive smoking. There is no difference between passive and active smoking, and patients will be affected by both in the same way and face similar adverse effects.

For patients to recover healthily and shorten the recovery period after nose surgery, it is important to stay away from smoking. The aesthetic surgeon will provide the necessary information and detailed guidance on this matter.