Is edible marijuana ok to use leading up to breast augmentation?

Question

I understand smoking wether it be cigarettes or marijuana is not ok before surgery. I am a daily pot smoker(no nicotine) so I wanted to know if it was ok to consume edibles instead to make it easier to not smoke. Also I don't mean days before or of the surgery I mean some of the weeks leading up to it. My ba is in 5 weeks. Also I have been using pot for years, does the drug test check for thc in general or only active thc in the blood? Thank you in advance!

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hi & thanks for your question!
You need to stop all smoking cigarettes and marijuana prior to surgery, including edibles. Contact your surgeon for his/her guidelines on this. Best wishes!

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It would be best to speak with your surgeon to find out their opinion on the matter, since each surgeon has their own pre-operative guidelines. There is a good chance that you will be asked to refrain from taking any type of substance containing marijuana for a period before surgery.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear tazzer1,
every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative 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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You will need to cease marijuana use several weeks before your surgery as well as after.  This includes smoking or edibles as it's the THC that is the concern. This is for your safety.  Please be honest with your surgeon and medical team and not hope the test doesn't pick up on prior use.  I've included a video specifically on this topic that I hope you find helpful.

Jose Suarez, MD · Answer

Have a nice day! Here’s Dr. Jose Suarez hoping to answer all your doubts. Psychoactive substances cannot be consumed before a surgical procedure.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

No, edible marijuana needs to be stopped as well because your body has to deal with all the drugs for surgery and post operative time.  I would suggest considering getting help for your daily habit. It does cause damage.

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Marijuana does not contain nicotine, a vasoconstrictor in tobacco which may cause vascular harm and tissue loss if surgery is performed. However, the potential respiratory problems at surgery resulting from the inhalation of a chemical irritant are a concern. Smoking ANYTHING should cease 4 weeks prior to the procedure. 
Drug testing for marijuana:
1. urine...heavy user....remains positive for 4-6 weeks...the most common test performed
2. hair...remains positive for 90 days
3. blood...remains positive for 36 hours
We do not routinely perform drug tests prior to surgery.....one exception: we test smokers for nicotine levels which, if elevated,  may impair the operative result
Too much of a good thing isn't good...Beware of marijuana addiction...it is real!
Best wishes...

Is edible marijuana ok to use leading up to breast augmentation?

Answers (7)