Breast Lift: Q&A
Ask a QuestionIs It Safe to Having Cosmetic Surgery if You Smoke Rarely?
By the time I will have a tummy tuck/breast lift, I will be almost smoke-free for a month. I smoke 1-2 cigarettes per WEEK. Are my risks similar to that of a non-smoker since I smoke so rarely, or am I still at an increased risk? I'm most concerned with necrosis...
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16 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
steffi2618
in Chicago, IL
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Smoking and Elective Cosmetic Surgery
Remember this is elective cosmetic surgery. In addition to medical risk, there is a financial risk. You want to minimize both of these. Wound complications can add weeks to months of recovery time. With a combined breast lift and tummy tuck, i would take every precaution to minimize your chance of wound healing issues. I would recommend having time on your side and waiting a full 6 weeks before surgery and at least 1 month after surgery. ...
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Smoking and cosmetic surgery Mastopexy
Smoking increass of having complications with any type of surgery. Smoking causes vascular constriction which decreases the blood supply to tissues including skin flaps in the heart. Smoking also causes long-term damage to the blood vessels.
When you stop smoking for 3 or 4 weeks prior to surgery you can get a reversal of the vessel constriction. The long-term damage cigarettes cause will still be present. Smoking a single cigarette will cause the blood vessels constriction and decreased...
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Safety in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery #mommymakeover, #tummytuck, #breastlift, #breastaugmentation
Dear Steffi2618
For optimal results in surgery- it is best not to smoke..... and !!!! for your skin and health it is best not to smoke! Smoking does not preclude you from being a surgical candidate but it does increase your risk of recovery delay and compications!
With Warm Regards,
Trevor M Born MD
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Smoking does not fit well with many Plastic Surgeries
Tummy Tucks, Breast Lifts, Facelifts and smoking are MISFITS.
Even an ex-smoker has higher risks compared to a non-smoker.
Personally, I am comfortable operating after 4 weeks of TOTAL ABSTAINANCE from smoking. However, I am not opposed to a longer smoke free period. However, risks are always higher even in an ex-smoker compared to a non smoker for all of above surgeries.
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Smoking
Any smoking increases the risks during surgery, however the more you smoke the greater the risk.
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Smoking Causes Complications with Wound Healing
The nicotine in cigarettes cause small vessels to go into spasm. Many plastic surgical procedures rely on capillary fill to deliver oxygenated blood to the healing area. Decreased blood supply can cause poor healing, wound infection and in worse case scenario, tissue loss. The longer you are off nicotine (including nicotine patches), the safer the surgery. If you have only recently stopped smolking and your surgeon and you choose to go ahead with surgery, it may be necessary to alter...
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Stop smoking completely
All surgical procedures have risks and no reputable experienced plastic surgeon Will tell you that you cannot have complications. Smoking at any level increases the risk of wound healing problems. You are down to 1-2 cigarettes per day and paying a significant amount of money for cosmetic surgery. You want the best result as does your surgeon. Go the extra step and stop smoking for a month before and after surgery. You Will be glad you did.
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Smoking and surgery risks
Smoking any number of cigartettes carries a higher risk of skin necrosis. Stopping smoking is said to help, the risk remain. I agress with everthing said here especially about stopping smoking 4-6 weeks prior to surgery. And it would be even better if you do not smoke after surgery. Good luck
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Smoking and cosmetic surgery
Smoking in any form is no good for wound healing and can cause multiple problems and complications in surgery.
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Smoking Risks and Cosmetic Surgery
Smoking is the single most important thing to NOT do before your surgery. The reason is that it impairs your body's ability to deliver oxygen to your tissues, which is what they need to heal. That is where the risk of necrosis or tissue death comes into play. Any "big" surgeries such as tummy tuck, breast lift or face lifts have a higher risk for this if you are a smoker - and you are having two of these! Stopping for 4 weeks prior to surgery has been shown to be beneficial...
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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.
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