Alcohol Consumption and Smoking After A Rhinoplasty Operation

Smoking and alcohol consumption will not make a straight nose a crooked or do not exactly have a direct effect on the results of a rhinoplasty surgery. However, smoking and drinking may adversely affect healing and therefore indirectly affect the results.

Smokers are at a higher risk of rare, major complications during and after surgery. Rhinoplasty surgery is a quite safe procedure for healthy patients, but smokers are more at risk for a cardiac arrest, heart attack, stroke, and complications from anesthesia. Smoking increases inflammation and reduces the number of white blood cells, which are factors that increase these risks.

Smoking do not only adversely affect the operation itself, also the healing process afterwards as well. Smoking shrinks blood vessels, reduces blood circulation, and prevents oxygen from circulating efficiently in the body. This may lead to a delayed, poor recovery. It may also cause swelling, necrosi, and increased risk of infection. Smokers may be more prone to developing more scar tissue after a rhinoplasty surgery.

Although it is not as dangerous as smoking after a rhinoplasty surgery, alcohol consumption during the recovery period can be very dangerous and may affect healing for many reasons. Alcohol may interfere with the drugs you should use. Because of its blood thinning effects, it can prevent proper healing and increase the risk of bleeding. It can also cause the body to retain fluids and thus increase swelling. As people who have rhinoplasty surgeries are impatient to see their final results immediately, intensive alcohol consumption after surgery may cause prolonged swelling.

Depending on your individual medical history and health conditions, there may be additional reasons to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol before and after your rhinoplasty surgery. You should discuss this with your doctor in detail. At least for the minimum periods that your doctor recommends, you should limit your smoking and alcohol intake before and after your surgery. For those who have a hard time quitting smoking, a rhinoplasty surgery can be a nice excuse and motivation.