Tummy Tuck: Q&A

Ask a Question

I Smoked 2 Ciggerettes and Had 2 Beers 9 Days After Surgery. Am I in Trouble?

10 Doctor Answers | Asked by bobby1234 in Tucson, AZ
+1

Tummy tuck and post op smoking and drinking

Hi, If you are not in trouble with a loss of tissue at 9 days, then you are probably able to get away with the small amount of smoking but cigarette or any other form of nicotine products are definitely a no no for tummy tuck patients. Smoking constricts the vessels trying to heal the redraped tissue and since it is comprimised by the dissection under the flap, it already is challanged for a sufficient blood supply to have it survive. Why challange it? ... more
+1

Tummy Tuck - I Smoked 2 Ciggerettes and Had 2 Beers 9 Days After Surgery. Am I in Trouble?

Most likely you'll be fine - but it's not a good idea. And you should touch base with your plastic surgeon, just to be sure. Smoking tobacco (in fact, any use of tobacco products) is, of course, dangerous from many standpoints, and certainly with respect to plastic surgery including tummy tucks. This has to do with the harmful effects of tobacco on the blood flow to the flap, which is critical for healing. Use of tobacco in this manner significantly increases... more
+1

Drinking and smoking after surgery.

Don't beat yourself up! Just try and do better in the immediate post op period. If a problem develops, see your doctor. We will help you through the problem. I appreciate your candidness.

You might also like...

Real Stories

TT July 1st - Counting Down the Days - San Diego, CA

I'm 57, I have 5 grown children and 12 grandchildren to date - Dr Pousti did my BA and...

Before + After Photos

View 4303 Tummy Tuck photos
+1

Drinking and smoking after a tummy tuck

Well, you just spent a lot of money on a surgery you likely have been thinking about for a long time, and although I don't think you have caused any significant damage, you need to think about the potential repercussions of your actions. Impulse control can be difficult after surgery, but in order to get the best possible result after spending all of that money, you need to be more conscientious with your post-operative care.
+1

Smoking and drinking in postop period

No, it wasn't a good idea to drink those beers and especially to smoke those cigarettes in the immediate postopo period. Smoking and the effects of nicotine can negatively influence wound healing so, if your scar isn't to your liking, I'm sorry to say that you will assume the responsibility for it. I emphasize the negative effects of smoking in the prep consultation and hope that patients who spend significant amounts of money on cosmetic surgery will not undermine the result by... more
+1

Smoking and drinking so soon after a tummy tuck not a wise decision

It was definitely not a wise decision to smoke so soon after your surgery - and drink alcohol as well. You should follow the instructions of your surgeon to help minimize postoperative complications and not compromise the healing process. Smoking can impair healing resulting in loss (death) of some tissue. Even 2 cigarettes can do this ... so be more prudent!
+1

Smoking after surgery

Hello, Smoking after surgery can have a negative effect on healing. I would refrain from additinoal smoking as well as drinking alcohol. Stay well hydrated and follow your surgeons instructions. All the best, Dr Repta
+1

2 cigarettes and 2 beers 9 days after tummy tuck is both stupid and disrespectful.

You can cause damage to your incompletely-healed tummy skin or umbilicus with even 1 cigarette or even inhaling second-hand smoke! If the skin didn't die you were just plain lucky, because this can happen even in patients who use NO tobacco or nicotine products, though it is rare. In a smoker (yes, even 1 cigarette), the risk of skin death rises to as high as 15-20%. Not an exaggeration! Just because you drove fast without a seat belt and didn't kill yourself doesn't make it... more
+1

Post tummy tuck smoking and drinking

Thank you for the unusual question. No I do not think you have caused any harm with 2 cigarettes and a few beers. However, I would suggest you abstain from nicotine products for at least another month (preferably forever). I would suggest compliance with your plastic surgeon's recommendations in general. I hope this helps.
+1

Cigarettes and surgery

Hopefully you did no damage. However it is possible that you can cause necrosis even 3 weeks or later after a tummy tuck by smoking even a single cigarette. Listen to your doctor and do not smoke at all till your surgeon says you can.
Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (0)

Ask a Question

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.

Welcome Back

Sign in with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Forgot your password?

Don't have an account? Create one now.

Join RealSelf

Join with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Please enter a valid email address
 Did you mean ?

By creating an account, you are indicating that you have read and accept the RealSelf Terms of Use.

Already a member? Sign In.

Retrieve your password

Enter your username or email address and we will send you a link to login.

Check your email

Check your email. We've sent you a link to reset your password.

Ok