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How Long Before Surgery Should I Stop Nicotine Replacement Therapy?

asked 8 months ago by Don2worrybhappy in Navarre, FL
Latest answer by Brooke R. Seckel, MD
Question viewed 424 times
Tags: preparation, smoking, timing

I quit smoking almost a year a go. Recently, I've been going through stress and had the urge to smoke again. Instead of smoking, I started back on NRT. I use the Nicorette lozenges, about 3-4/day. How soon before surgery should I stop?

12 answers to How Long Before Surgery Should I Stop Nicotine Replacement Therapy?

+3

Stop Smoking and NRT 8 weeks before Mommy Makeover

Generally Plastic Surgeons recommend stopping all forms of Nicotine 5 weeks before surgery. However Mommy Makeover is a "Multiple Procedure" operation which carries increased post operative risks and I prefer that all forms of Nicotine be stopped 8 weeks before Mommy Makeover Surgery. I also recommend doing blood tests to check for Nicotine metabolites in the blood before surgery. The Mommy Makeover typically includes a Tummy Tuck, and Breast surgery either Breast... more
Brooke R. Seckel, MD

Boston Plastic Surgeon

www.drseckel.com

+2

NRT and Mommy Makeover Surgery

Since you asked the question, you must be aware that smoking increases the risk of some complications for surgery including wound healing. Congratulations on quitting almost a year ago! Available evidence does not support a detrimental effect of NRT in surgical patients, especially when compared with the consequences of continued smoking. However, I advise my patients not to take anything other than vitamins prior to surgery. I like to see them avoid anything unnecessary for two weeks... more
Miguel Delgado, Jr., MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.dr-delgado.com

+1

Nicotin

It is best to stop all nicotine containing products and cigarettes 4 weeks prior to elective cosmetic surgery.
Michael Hueneke, MD

Nashville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Nicotine and surgery

Hello, Its a hard question to answer with any level of certainty since there does not appear to be very good evidence to tell us that a certain time frame is ideal. I would discuss this with each patient individually and let them know that the ideal would be to stop some reasonable time before surgery, perhaps a month or so but that smoking itself is likely much worse for healing. All the best, Dr Repta
Remus Repta, MD

Phoenix Plastic Surgeon

www.aaaplasticsurgery.com

+1

Nicorette and surgery

The negative effects of nicotine, which is spasm of the blood vessels and poor healing are the same whether the nicotine comes from a gum, a patch or a cigarette. The actual cigarette has some additional issues with your lungs and coughing, but the effects on the blood vessels is related to nicotine. I would suggest one month before and after all nicotine products.
Julio Garcia, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

lvcosmeticsurgery.com

+1

Surgery and nicotine replacement therapy

The answer to your question is surgeon-specific because there is not indisputable evidence to give an exact time when to stop nicotine replacement therapy. Many surgeons would say no nicotine-containing products for 3 weeks before and none for 3 weeks after undergoing an elective cosmetic surgical procedure. Some would say longer amounts of time. Ask you doctor what he/she recommends. I hope this helps.
J. Jason Wendel, MD

Nashville Plastic Surgeon

www.mc.vanderbilt.edu

+1

Smoking & Surgery

I tell my patients no nicotine for 4-6 weeks before AND after surgery. It can delay the healing process. Congratulations on quitting smoking!
Michael A. Fiorillo, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Nicotine and surgery

Congratulations on quitting smoking. Nicotine, in any form, can increase healing problems related to surgery, as it can compromise skin circulation. This is particularly true for tummy tucks and facelifts. You should therefore be off all nicotine products, including Nicorette, for at least 4 weeks prior to, and after surgery.
Arnold S. Breitbart, MD

Long Island Plastic Surgeon
+1

NRT and plastic surgery

In general, I ask my patients to avoid all nicotine products for at least 3 weeks and preferably 4-6 weeks before and after surgery. Some good alternatives are Chantix and electronic cigarettes. The detrimental effects of the nicotine is also worse for some procedures than for others. You should speak to your PS and see what he or she recommends. Congratulations on quitting smoking.
Laurence Weider, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Stop Nicotine Before Surgery

Thank you for the question. I ask my patients to be off nicotine products for one month prior to surgery. Best wishes.
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

+1

Smoking and surgery

Smoking delays healing and can cause tissue necrosis. This is due to nicotine. Therefore I ask all my patient to stop smoking or any nicotine supplement for atleast 3 weeks before surgery and 3 weeks after surgery. If you can not do not do the surgery. If it is elective cosmetic surgery
Samir Shureih, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Nicotine replacement before tummy tuck

I recommend being off for 3 weeks both before and after surgery. Try Chantix. It works great.
Ronald Schuster, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

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