Smoking/Vaser lipo. Will this be a major problem for Vaser lipo under local?

Question

hi i have surgery in a weeks time....i have smoked for 10 years and have about 6 a day i have cut down the past few weeks and started none from today........will this be a major problem for vaser lipo under local i dont want my surgery cancelled but dont want high risk either...ive been silly really

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

For your guidance, the following are reasons why smoking can cause complications:it reduces the amount of oxygen that is available to your cells and smokers won't heal as well after surgerysmokers are more likely to experience anesthesia complications and develop infections after surgerysmokers tend to have longer hospital stays, higher risk of readmission, are more likely to be admitted to an intensive care unit and have an increased risk of dying while in the hospitalIt is recommended to stop smoking at least 2 weeks before and after your surgery. Such short-term smoking cessation will have a positive effect on the outcome of your procedure and decrease your risk of complications. E-cigarettes or vaping is no different and should be stopped at least 4 weeks before and after surgery. It is best to consult your plastic surgeon regarding this concern so schedule of procedure can be adjusted. Best of luck!#RealSelf100

Julio Clavijo-Alvarez, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your future procedure and thanks
for sharing your question. I can appreciate your concern.
Remember that this is elective surgery. This means that you
get to choose the best time to obtain the best result. Every single study in
the literature has published increased complications among patients that smoke
first or second hand, prior and after a plastic surgery procedure. 
Every single time that I have had a complication or a less
than ideal outcome, has being in patients that did not listened to the NO
SMOKING recommendation. Many people are lucky and have no problems, but the
ones that have the problem are usually regretful.

Cancel and reschedule, Do not risk the
outcome.

Finally, make sure that your doctor is
aware of your process. He should be able to guide you best in your care.

Wishing you the best in your journey

Edwin Ishoo, MD · Answer

Continued smoking can have a significant negative impact on your healing. I would recommend being honest with your surgeon and making a decision with him about your surgery. In my practice, if the patient tested positive for nicotine the morning of the procedure, the surgery would generally be cancelled based on prior discussions and consent agreements. I also find that patients who still had nicotine in their system, were much more sensitive to pain and more difficult to anesthetize with local analgesia.

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

Smoking can compromise blood supply to the skin and tissues and can potentially compromise any surgery, including Vaser liposuction.  If you can stop smoking now and not smoke for the two weeks following your procedure, even this short period of smoking cessation can help reduce risk.  Check with your surgeon for their recommendation.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.

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