Ask a Surgeon - Nose Reshaping - I am ashamed to ask this but I need to know if any prior drug use from a long...

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I am ashamed to ask this but I need to know if any prior drug use from a long time...

Q:

I am ashamed to ask this but I need to know if any prior drug use from a long time ago (through the nose) would have any effect on having a rhinoplasty done.

A:

Some of the substances that are "snorted" can damage the septum of the nose (the structure that separates the left and right sides of our nose, internally) and in such situations this needs to be addressed during the rhinoplasty procedure. If no such damage exists, then rhinoplasty should be no different than in a patient who has no history of such drug ingestion. In general, patients who have suffered damage to the septum will have both intermittent bleeding and breathing problems related to the septal damage. This will be an easy diagnosis to make as such damage is easily visible to the surgeon when he or she examines you during your office visit.

Lawrence B. Colen, M.D. - View Other Answers by this Doctor

Norfolk, VA

Practice Website

A:

Possibly--especially of you are speaking about cocaine, which can affect nasal support and circulation to the skin and lining. Be candid with your surgeon so that he or she can advise you accurately and prepare a safe surgical plan.