I am getting a breast lift w/ implant, can I get surgery if I'm nicotine free for 4.5 months?

Question

I am getting a breast lift w/ implant in 4 months. However, I was vaping for a few years (if I could guess, the equivalent to one or two cigarettes a day?). Well I quit a couple of weeks ago (with no interest of starting again) to prepare for surgery day, will I have significantly reduced my risk of nipple necrosis? Im worried if I should push my surgery another 6 months.

Tommaso Addona, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
I recommend my patients stopping nicotine at least a month before surgery. Nicotine is known for restricting the blood supply which can lead to wound healing issues post-operatively. You will also likely be tested for nicotine on the day of surgery. Four months pre-operatively and continuing not to smoke after is more than enough in my opinion. You should speak with your surgeon to discuss your concerns.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

In the absence of other health issues it should be safe to proceed with the surgery after the time you have allotted.

George Bitar, MD · Answer

By quitting your smoking and vaping for 4 months, the contributions of nicotine (and other smoking chemicals) to your risk of nipple loss and wound healing are gone.  Keep in mind, you have to continue to refrain from smoking and vaping after surgery as well to ensure the best healing and decrease the risks of having problems afterwards.

Anna Steve, MD · Answer

The longer you can quit before undergoing surgery the better. Smoking and vaping both increase risks of complications significantly, particularly wound healing and problems with blood supply to the nipple.

Michael Dobryansky, MD, FACS · Answer

Good for you for quitting smoking! In general abstaining from nicotine for four weeks prior to surgery is adequate to reduce your risks. You should be fine.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

The risk of necrosis depends on other factors as well as smoking specifically how far the nipple needs to be moved and the technique used. Different surgeons will have different policies regarding your situation

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Tasteful529848,
every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. You should avoid using nicotine products prior to surgery. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Justin K. Williams, MD · Answer

4-6 weeks without Nicotine or tobacco of any kind should be enough to have the effects of theseMostly wear off. With that being said there is still always the risk of wound healing problems and nipple necrosis. Your plastic surgeon is likely to be conservative and you because of that anyway

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

If you are nicotine free for 4 months, you should do well. Your skin, however, will always have some damage from smoking.  Stay quit!

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

Hello,
Congratulations on quitting vaping.
Four months is enough time to quit vaping before surgery. It is not necessary to push your surgery back further than this.
All the best to you,
Dr. Nancy de Kleer

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