How long should I be off cigarettes before I can get a safe nose job?

Question:

I am a 35-year-old female and I have smoked cigarettes for the last 15 years. I want to get a nose job but I know that smoking disqualifies me from getting one. I am trying to motivate myself to quit smoking with a nose job. How long do I have to be smoke-free before I can get a nose job safely?

Answer:

You should refrain from smoking for at least four to six weeks prior to rhinoplasty surgery and for the same amount of time after surgery. Smoking increases swelling of the nasal cavities and may reduce the body’s circulation. Nicotine found in cigarettes is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it constricts the flow of blood through blood vessels. Swelling and poor circulation will delay your healing time.

Your surgeon will inform you of any medications you should abstain from before and after the surgery, and will recommend avoiding alcohol consumption prior to and following surgery. These precautions are taken to shorten the healing process and promote better results. Thank you for the question and good luck.