Smoking and rhinoplasty: a risky combination for recovery
Smoking can significantly impact the success of your rhinoplasty surgery as it affects both the operation and the healing process. With an estimated 6 million smokers in the UK, this also means many patients contemplating nose reshaping surgery are likely to use nicotine products regularly.
For smokers considering this surgery, it’s crucial to understand the significant impact that smoking can have on the rhinoplasty recovery process and overall results. A leading expert in nose surgery, Mr Annakan Navaratnam, explains why you should consider quitting this World No Smoking Day.
The effects of smoking on rhinoplasty recovery
Smoking poses several risks to rhinoplasty patients, both before and after the procedure:
Delayed healing
One of the primary concerns with smoking and rhinoplasty is its effect on the healing process. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to the surgical site. This decreased circulation means that oxygen and essential nutrients aren’t delivered efficiently to the healing tissues, resulting in slower recovery times and potentially compromised results.
Increased risk of complications
Smokers face a higher risk of post-operative complications, including:
- Delayed or improper healing
- Excessive bleeding
- Infections at the incision sites
- Skin necrosis (death of skin cells)
- Excessive scarring
- Obstruction of the airway
- Poor surgical results or asymmetry of the nose
A 2019 analysis of cosmetic surgery patients, published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal, found that smoking is an independent risk factor for major surgical site infections following aesthetic surgery.
Impaired blood flow
The nicotine in cigarettes can remain in the body for up to two weeks, continuing to constrict blood vessels even after you’ve stopped smoking. This prolonged effect can significantly impact the crucial early stages of healing following rhinoplasty.
Respiratory issues
Smoking irritates the respiratory system, leading to coughing and other issues that may strain the healing nose unnecessarily.
ENT surgeon Mr Annakan Navaratnam always ensures that rhinoplasty improves the nose’s function and form. Quitting permanently is critical for your long-term health and your nasal function, as smoking contributes to chronic nasal congestion, inflammation, and impaired airflow and exposes the sinus passages to the cocktail of harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke.
Optimising your rhinoplasty recovery
Annakan recommends that his patients stop smoking at least two weeks before and after the procedure. Ideally, you should quite as far in advance of surgery as possible.
It’s not just cigarettes that pose a risk. Patients should also stop vaping, chewing tobacco and nicotine gum or patches, as well as avoid exposure to second-hand smoke which can still negatively impact your recovery.
Smoking can also potentially ruin the results of your rhinoplasty. The poor healing caused by smoking can lead to changes in the overall look of the nose following the recovery period. This means that the carefully crafted results Annakan is aiming for might not be achieved if you continue to smoke during recovery.
For more advice on optimising your rhinoplasty recovery process, call +44 (0)203 627 2918 to arrange a consultation.
