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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

With a mastopexy and implant exchange you are definitely at risk with the cigarette smoking.  Typically 2 weeks is enough to clear the carbon monoxide from your blood.  If you stop and have your blood carboxyhemoglobin measured at normal, you will have reduced risk.

I recommend smoking cessation at least 4 weeks pre- and post-operatively.  I think it's especially important for patients undergoing breast augmentation.  A wound infection in the presence of a foreign body (breast implant) may require implant removal.  Also, smoking may compromise the blood supply of the nipple and skin flaps during mastopexy. I recommend discussing this with your surgeon, but the safest option (likely resulting in the best aesthetic outcome) is to delay your surgery.Best, Stephanie Power MD, FRCSC

My rule is 3-4 weeks nicotine free that includes second hand smoke because the body doesn't know who is smoking the cigarette. The plastic Surgery Society has a position paper that I give to all patients which delineates the risk associated with smoking. You are spending a lot of money for a great surgery to give yourself a great result. Why not do everything you can on your part to ensure nice breasts with no complications.I hope this helpsGood LuckStephen M. Davis, MD, FACSGreen Hills Plastic Surgery