I didn't know I needed to give up smoking before breast surgery. Should I reschedule?

Question

I did not know i needed to quit smoking prior to cosmetic surgery because 5 years ago I had already quit. I am scheduled in 11 days for repeat breast augmentation but adding a mastopexy lift. Should I reschedule my appointment since I will only have 11 days nicotine free.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Most experts unanimously agree that smoking increases the rate of  breast augmentation surgical complications significantly. Just about all plastic surgeons strongly recommend  women  to stop smoking and all nicotine products well in advance of breast augmentation with breast implants.  Many plastic surgeons recommend stopping all tobacco products several months prior to surgery.Here is the reason why: the nicotine in cigarettes and other tobacco products (including Nicorette gum, patches, etc) is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it makes the Smoking is a significant multiplier of many potential complications following surgery and breast augmentation with implants are no exception. Nicotine from smoking causes blood vessels to vasoconstrict ( tighten up). Over time, these constricted arteries and capillaries deliver less blood to the breast tissue which is needed for normal healing. Smokers therefore have an increased incidence of higher likelihood of complications such as infection, and in particular capsular contracture (hardening and distortion of the implants). General complications of surgery such as blood clots, anesthetic problems such as pneumonia are also increased. A scientific article in the Archives of Internal Medicine indicated that, among all forms of surgery, quitting smoking eight weeks prior was never associated with an increased risk of complications.In young patients you will probably statistically avoid these complications, why tempt fate by increasing your odds that something bad will happen.On a long term basis, smoking also causes accelerated aging of the skin and loss of elasticity. Hopefully these reasons will help give you the will power and courage to stop smoking.

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

Smoking, a revision breast augmentation, and a Mastopexy (breast lift), can be a very dangerous combination.  Nicotine from cigarette smoking causes constriction of the small blood vessels, limiting the amount of collateral circulation (blood flow) to the tissues.  This can have a severe impact on the wound healing process.  I would recommend that you openly discuss the fact that you have been smoking with the Board Certified plastic surgeon that will be performing your surgery.  He/she can then give you an appropriate recommendation for rescheduling your upcoming breast augmentation and lift.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

I ask my patients to stop smoking two weeks before and after surgery. Please ask your chosen surgeon directly. Best of luck.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Smoking can cause healing problems post op. Generally, it is recommended that you quit smoking two weeks prior to breast augmentation surgery. Discuss this with your surgeon. He or she may want to postpone the surgery until you are off nicotine.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, please call your plastic surgeon immediately.  I am not sure what type of lift you are having, but in general you should quit smoking three before surgery. Good Luck

I didn't know I needed to give up smoking before breast surgery. Should I reschedule?

Answers (8)

Answer: Ask your surgeon

Answer: Ask your surgeon

Answer: Nicotine use

Answer: Nicotine use

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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I didn't know I needed to give up smoking before breast surgery. Should I reschedule?

Answers (8)

Answer: Ask your surgeon

Answer: Ask your surgeon

Answer: Nicotine use

Answer: Nicotine use

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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