Can I get breast lift surgery while on Chantix? (photo)

Question

I'm getting my implants removed Friday and am going to wait 6 months to a year before doing a lift (if needed). Is it possible to have a breast lift while on Chantix? I need to quit smoking which is another reason I'm waiting to have one. I want to be nicotine free for as long as possible so my nips don't fall off! I have attached a photo of my breasts prior to implants. Based on this photo what kind of lift do you suggest? (I will probably be slightly more saggy than this photo shows) Thanks in advance!

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

It is fine for you to be taking Chantix during surgery - there is no contraindication. I think it's great that you are doing this in 2 stages. You can see where you land after implant removal and make a solid decision on breastlift. Looking at your photos, it seems that you will do fine with a limited incision, either around the areola or a lollipop. Best of luck!

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question! The issue with nicotine is that it 
also acts as a vasoconstrictor, clamping down of blood vessels. Blood 
supply is always of great concern during any surgical procedure, but 
especially in such a procedure as a mastopexy where the viability of the
 nipple-areolar complex is obviously important. Since the vascularity to
 the area is already tenuous since it will be raised by cutting around 
the area, maximizing blood flow to the tissue is critical. Typically,

we recommend at least 6 weeks of smoking cessation prior to and at 
least 6 weeks after any surgical procedure. The longer, the better.  
Nicotine always increases the risk for infection, nipple necrosis, poor 
scarring, and 
wound complications, as well as other health consequences including blood clots.  The 
anesthesia risk is greater with general anesthesia as well as pulmonary 
issues/lung infections postoperatively.  I would 
discuss this with your surgeon prior to your procedure. Chantix should be fine, but simply quitting altogether is best.  Hope that this 
helps! Best wishes!

Jeremy Pyle, MD · Answer

Two things. 1. Great job quitting smoking.  2.  Perfectly reasonable idea to go in stages.  The biggest detriment to a staged procedure is in the cost of two operations. Recovery from either should not be dramatic.  The money you save without cigarettes will very likely, in time, pay for your second operation. Regarding type of lift, you appear to be a good candidate for a vertical or circumvertical breast lift. This rearranges the breast tissue, not just the skin, and limits the incision to around the areola and below the breast.Best,Dr. Pyle

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Always best to be nicotine free for any surgical procedure, especially a cosmetic operation. Best to discuss in detail with your surgeon..

Rick Rosen, MD · Answer

I would recommend you hold off and do the surgeries at the same time when off cigarettes. Smoking will hurt your wound healing from removal of the implants as well. You will probably need a lift, so why not use only one recovery period.

Can I get breast lift surgery while on Chantix? (photo)

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Answer: Can I get breast lift surgery while on Chantix?

Answer: Can I get breast lift surgery while on Chantix?

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Can I get breast lift surgery while on Chantix? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Can I get breast lift surgery while on Chantix?

Answer: Can I get breast lift surgery while on Chantix?

Answer: Breast lift and chantix

Answer: Breast lift and chantix

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.