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How Long Should You Quit Smoking Before Plastic Surgery?

asked 2 years ago by scared2death in new york, ny
Latest answer by Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Question viewed 3,683 times
Tags: smoking

I went to see my fifth plastic surgeon last week. She told me that I only needed one week without smoking a cigarette for her to operate on me. I found this odd because it seems like that wouldn't be enough time for the nicotine to be out of my system and my lungs cleared. Is that true?

5 answers to How Long Should You Quit Smoking Before Plastic Surgery?

+2

Quitting smoking before plastic surgery

The thing you need to understand is that the nicotine constricts the blood flow in the tissues and can cause the tissue to turn black and die and result in very prolonged healing, possible further surgeries and bad scars. This is especially true in cases where the skin is widely undermined such as in a facelift, breast lift, breast reduction or tummy tuck. You should stop for a full month before and another month after surgery if you are having one of these risky operations. Breast... more
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

How Smoking Retards Healing

Smoking has a deleterious effect on cutaneous blood vessels. The nicotine found in cigarettes increases the level of a pituitary hormone called vasopressin ( ADH or anti-diuretic hormone). Vasopressin in turn leads to peripheral vasoconstriction (tightened blood vessels) and probably localized dermal ischemia ( decreased blood flow into an area). This results in poorer and more prolonged healing. Nicotine has a short half-life, of about two hours. As a rule of thumb if you multiply... more
Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD

Virginia Beach Dermatologist
+1

How long should you stop smoking before surgery

Thanks for your question - As you've read from the other surgeons, smoking is a serious risks for complications. In addition to wound healing problems and possible tissue necrosis, you also risk anesthesia complications. Usually a month is enough time to begin to minimize your risk. Remember, this doesn't only mean stopping smoking but avoiding nicotine gum, the patch or other sources of nicotine which can contribute to problems. Also, be sure to have a plan for avoiding smoking during... more
Steven H. Williams, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+1

Quitting smoking - depends on cosmetic surgery procedure

It really depends on what you are having done. You don't really have to quit smoking at all but would be increasing risks for wound healing and possibly pulmonary and cardiac difficulties. Quitting smoking can actually be stressful in the short term. Of course, it would be best if you never smoked at all. If you smoke a couple of cigarettes on Friday after work, that's really no problem. If you have smoked 2 packs a day for 20 years, most studies suggest that 8 weeks off the cancer... more
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

We generally advise to stop smoking 4 weeks before surgery.

It really depends on the type of surgery you are having performed and the extent of tissue undermining. Removing a small facial mole is very different from a body lift surgery. That having been said, most studies have shown that there is significant benefits to stopping smoking 4 weeks or more before surgery.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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