How long before TT surgery should I quit vaping?

Thank you for your question! For my patients having any procedure, I recommend that they stop any form of nicotine use and vaping for 4 weeks prior to surgery, and 6 weeks post surgery. Best of luck!

Dear StinaMarie76,every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. 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

This question is best answered by your surgeon as opinions may vary. Generally you will want to stop all forms of tobacco including vaping, cigarettes, gum, patches, Zyn, etc. several weeks both before and after your surgery. Nicotine in any form acts to constrict blood vessels. This can lead to poor wound healing, infection, and even necrosis. In addition, vaping without nicotine should also be stopped as well as any marijuana use. I've included a video I hope you find helpful.

I recommend to my patients to stop smoking or using any nicotine products including vape pens or patches for at least 4 weeks before and after surgery to minimize the risk of complications. The rules may be different depending on the surgeon so make sure to ask the surgeon in-person what he or she requires before they perform your surgery. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
@drjohnsonlee

Every plastic surgeon has their own preoperative and postoperative protocols. The longer you can quit before the surgery the better, but I would recommend a minimum of 4 weeks before and two weeks after. Because a tummy tuck is an elective procedure their is no reason to push it and take unnecessary risk. You have the ability to plan in advance to ensure that you and your doctor have done everything you can to minimize their risk of complications and optimize your outcomes.  

No nicotine in any form with tummy tuck.  You have a high risk of skin necrosis, infection and blood clots in the legs if you have nicotine in your system.   Speak directly with your surgeon to get his/her instruction with this.   Glad you asked the question, but you should follow your surgeon's instructions.  Good luck!!

The "doctor answer" is you should stop forever. We require a minimum of two weeks of completely stopping before surgery and for two weeks after. Six weeks is better.

One of the risks of vaping is the fact that the chemicals contained in each formula can vary highly. I've recently become aware of the recently popular product called "Juul" which is being investigated for having inordinately high levels of nicotine contained within it. Your plastic surgeon should discuss your vaping product with the anesthesiologist or anesthetist who will be putting you to sleep to determine the period of time necessary for you to be off for your safety. My general advice would be the longer that you discontinue the vaping, the safer your anesthesia and recovery will be.Discuss this with your surgeon's office for best advice specific to your surgery.Jon A. Perlman, M.D., FACSDiplomate, American Board of Plastic SurgeryAssociate Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery Geffen/UCLA Medical CenterExtreme Makeover, ABC TV plastic surgeonBeverly Hills, Ca.