Smoking Mercer says there is a much greater risk of complications in smokers, because nicotine greatly constricts blood vessels. Some surgery involves cutting and tying blood vessels, meaning efficient blood flow is essential. "I've done medical reports on patients who have had a tummy tuck and have said they have stopped smoking, but haven't," said Mercer. "As soon as they've got out of bed after the procedure they've gone outside and smoked cigarettes, and the bottom part of their tummy has gone black and fallen off, which means they've needed skin grafting." Yikes. Just a helpful reminder to set yourself up right for success.