Is 0 nicotine vaping ok before Tummy Tuck?

Question

I Cold turkey stopped smoking 6/21/17 for my TT in SEPT. but I'm using a 0 nicotine vape to help. A lot of the smoking habit is not just the nicotine addiction it's the whole process. So the vape keeps my hands busy when I have a craving. It's hard to understand unless you are a smoker!:-) I bought nic urine test to make sure there was no nicotine in the oil I'm using and I passed 5 so I'm 100% sure I'm nic free. Is there any other reason why vaping 0 nic would cause a prob with surgery? Thanks!!

Alexander Zuriarrain, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.
In order to decrease the chances of having a complication associated with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), cessation of all types of smoking is highly recommended. It is important for patients to understand that abdominoplasty carries in of itself a 30% risk of a complication. Adding any type of factors such as a BMI > 32, smoking, diabetes, and other medical conditions will further increase the risk substantially.
In terms of the use of a vaping device, nobody truly knows the contents of the liquid used in these devices and it is not worth taking the chance of having a complication that could end in hospitalization and a very costly process.
As a fully trained plastic surgeon, I always want to minimize my patients risks of having a complication after surgery. No one wants to undergo a completely elective, aesthetic operation, and end up having a complication. Therefore, I would recommend to discontinue all types of smoking a minimum of four weeks before and four weeks after any plastic surgical procedure.
Hope this helps answer your question. All the best!
Alex Zuriarrain, MD, Plastic Surgery

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I personally would not have a problem with this although this is an issue that is debatable in our profession. You should carefully follow the advice of your surgeon.

Roxanne Sylora, MD · Answer

We always counsel our patients that it is best to be off all substances if possible (except prescribed meds) to better predict how your body responds during and after surgery.  Although your vape may be nicotine free, we don't really know what other chemicals or substances are in there which may affect how your body responds to anesthesia or to healing.  We ask our patients to get off nicotine or smoking at least 1 month before surgery and 2 months afterwards.  For supplements, etc, we ask them to be off at least 2 weeks before.Congrats on the cold turkey with cigarettes--that's quite an accomplishment!  Best of luck on the rest of your journey!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and I hope your procedure goes well.  In general nicotine is the most offensive ingredient limiting blood flow to healing tissues but all smoking results in a decreased ability for blood to carry oxygen. I would inform your surgeon to garner their advice but would try and remove all smoking and vaping at this point.  Best wishes.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Plastic surgeons differ on the response to this question.  I recommend to my patients a minimum of 4 weeks without nicotine prior to and after undergoing a tummy tuck.  Nicotine constricts blood vessels and prevents delivery of oxygen to the wound that requires good  blood flow to heal. Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Is 0 nicotine vaping ok before Tummy Tuck?

Answers (10)

Answer: Is 0 nicotine vaping okay before TT?

Answer: Is 0 nicotine vaping okay before TT?

Answer: Nicotine vaping before TT

Answer: Nicotine vaping before TT

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Is 0 nicotine vaping ok before Tummy Tuck?

Answers (10)

Answer: Is 0 nicotine vaping okay before TT?

Answer: Is 0 nicotine vaping okay before TT?

Answer: Nicotine vaping before TT

Answer: Nicotine vaping before TT

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.