Five Days Smoke Free Before Body Lift?

Absolutely not!  If I were your surgeon, I would not perform this surgery on anyone who is actively smoking.  This is due to the well-known negative effects of smoking on pulmonary function, microvascular circulation, and venous thromboembolism.  I require patients who smoke and are considering major elective surgery involving large skin flaps (and your case is such a situation) to completely stop smoking at least 6 weeks.  Most other respected plastic surgeons would probably concur with these or similar recommendations.  You might be able to find a surgeon who would proceed with your case while you are an active smoker, but this surgeon does not have your best interests at heart and you should probably avoid them. 

Thank you for your question.

I do not think that 5 days of being smoke free is good enough.  In my practice, I suggest that patients are nicotine free for at least 4 weeks prior to this type of surgery.  Smoking increases your risk of wound healing problems after surgery and so the longer you can be off of nicotine, the better for your recovery.

I hope this helps.

I reccommend patients stop smoking at least three weeks before and three weeks after.  This includes no nicotine patches.  You are at greater risk for wound complications with five days of smoking cessation.  Does your surgeon know?