13 days before breast augmentation and I'm still smoking. Will there be complications?

Most experts unanimously agree that smoking increases the rate of breast augmentation surgical complications significantly. Just about all plastic surgeons strongly recommend women to stop smoking and all nicotine products well in advance of breast augmentation with breast implants. Many plastic surgeons recommend stopping all tobacco products several months prior to surgery.Here is the reason why: the nicotine in cigarettes and other tobacco products (including Nicorette gum, patches, etc) is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it makes the Smoking is a significant multiplier of many potential complications following surgery and breast augmentation with implants are no exception. Nicotine from smoking causes blood vessels to vasoconstrict ( tighten up). Over time, these constricted arteries and capillaries deliver less blood to the breast tissue which is needed for normal healing. Smokers therefore have an increased incidence of higher likelihood of complications such as infection, and in particular capsular contracture (hardening and distortion of the implants). General complications of surgery such as blood clots, anesthetic problems such as pneumonia are also increased. A scientific article in the Archives of Internal Medicine indicated that, among all forms of surgery, quitting smoking eight weeks prior was never associated with an increased risk of complications.In young patients you will probably statistically avoid these complications, why tempt fate by increasing your odds that something bad will happen.On a long term basis, smoking also causes accelerated aging of the skin and loss of elasticity. Hopefully these reasons will help give you the will power and courage to stop smoking.

Thank you for your question. Smoking before or after your surgery can increase your risk of developing complications including infection and wound healing problems. I tell my patients that it is ideal to stop a couple months ahead of surgery and then for a couple months after surgery. Please discuss with your surgeon what their guidelines are for your particular surgery.

Smoking around the time of plastic surgery is never advisable.  A minimum of 2 weeks is necessary to protect yourself from potential complications of smoking such as poor wound healing.

Thank you for your question.  You need to discuss this your operating surgeon.  It is not worth it to take a risk with this or any procedure due to your smoking.  I would advise that you quit now and talk with your surgeon how you will move forward with your scheduled procedure.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Thank you for your question.  It is impossible to predict the effects that smoking could contribute to your specific surgery, but it would be advisable to speak with your surgeon about your inability to stop.  As this is an elective procedure, minimizing risk is of greatest concern.  Smoking can not only affect your healing potential, but also your respiratory system with anesthesia. I ask my patients to stop smoking for at least one month before, and for one month after, their operation to reduce the possibility of issues.  Hope this helps

Smoking increases the risk of complications under anesthesia and can slow down your recovery and healing time after surgery.  While the risks are low for breast augmentation patients, its best to cease smoking as soon as possible and keep your surgeon and anaesthetist informed about your progress.

Hello, Thank you for your question.Here are some advices regarding precautions for you befoe getting a breast augmentation surgery.Before having a plastic surgery, there are some precautions which are should be followed by patients. First of all, medications including aspirin and supplements has to be bannded from 2weeks before the surgery. Second of all, smoking and drinking can not be allowed to do to prevent from being infected and inflammted.If you do smoking and drinking alcohol, then it can cause the problem with recovery process. Lastly, I highly recommend you that speak with your surgeon about this issue before the operation for your surgery. Thank You

Smoking decreases your healing.After your operation, you need your healing to be turbo charged and 110%, nothing less.You may be lucky and go through with no problems, but it is a gamble.You should speak with your PS

Hello. You shouldn't take a chance with your health or your surgery. Smoking can be a game-changer and a beautiful result can be ruined by wound complications. Postpone your surgery and be safe. Dr. B

It actually takes about 4 - 6 months for a smoker, who has quit smoking, to be able to heal and recover as well as someone who has never smoked.  most doctors have their own recommendations.  The closer you smoke to the surgery date, the harder it will be for your lungs to recover and your wounds to heal.  And Nicotine is the biggest culprit in wound healing problems.  Therefore, nicotine patches and gum are just as bad for wound healing as smoking is.  Let your surgeon know!