Rhinoplasty is typically performed to change the shape of the nose or to enhance breathing. As one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures, rhinoplasty is also performed to correct nasal fractures and to repair deviated septums.
Before undergoing your rhinoplasty in the Chicago Loop, your surgeon will recommend that you quit smoking. Here are some reasons why quitting smoking is so important before cosmetic nasal surgery.
Impairs Circulation
Cigarette smoking may impair blood circulation because it can damage your capillaries, or tiny blood vessels. It is important that you have good circulation while recovering from your rhinoplasty in the Chicago Loop because poor circulation can delay healing.
Poor circulation may even raise your risk for a postoperative infection as a result of poor tissue perfusion and the toxins in cigarette smoke. If you are unable to quit smoking, talk to your plastic surgeon at your preoperative appointment. He or she can recommend ways to help you quit so that you’ll enjoy a speedy recovery.
Breathing Problems
Before your plastic surgeon starts your rhinoplasty procedure, the anesthesiologist will administer a general anesthetic, which means that you will be asleep during your procedure. When you wake up, you will be instructed to cough and breathe deeply.
Cigarette smoking may impair your ability to take deep breaths, which may raise your risk for pneumonia. If you are unable to quit smoking before your procedure, at least try cutting down before your nasal surgery.
For more information about rhinoplasty, call the office of Neil Fine, MD, FACS or visit Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery, S.C.
