Intake of Nicotine after hair transplant?

Question

Hello Doctor, I recently had hair transplant surgery and I smoke 6 cigarettes per day (0.4 mg nicotine per cigarette, 6 cigarettes - 2.4mg). Will this effect the transplanted area? Will this compromise the growth of grafts? I am confused, hope your answer solves my problem.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

In general smoking is not recommended or beneficial after surgery.  It is best to follow up with your doctor if you are having issues with smoking.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Thank you for posting your question. Cigarette cessation is highly advisable if it's possible to cut down. The new grafts need oxygen and blood flow, which the nicotine cuts down on. Results will still come in, but in our practice we have noticed hair growth being delayed by several weeks to months.

Alba Reyes, MD · Answer

Smoking during the first phase of the post operative process is not very helpful for the healing process and the bloodflow to the scalp. We recommend clients not to smoke in the first 10 days after surgery

Satya Kumar Saraswat, MBBS, MS, MCh · Answer

Generally it is assumed that a patient should avoid smoking as smoking decreases blood flow, which can hamper the take (survival) of the grafts. But it has never been proved. Personally i have seen very good growth in patients who have continued with their smoking post operatively despite of clear instructions.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

It has been shown that smoking cigarettes (nicotine intake) reduces the blood flow to the scalp which is then considered negative for hair transplant growth. No one knows for sure that this is real, but it makes sense. see post below

Intake of Nicotine after hair transplant?

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Answers (5)

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