Is ZERO nicotine vaping, ok before and after BA and TT?

Thank you for your question. Different people will have different opinions on the matter. The nicotine is the problem, so likely a no-nicotine alternative will not present the same set of problems. But the bottom line is we just do not have any way to know or regulate what goes into the vaping liquids and so no one can assure you they are going to be safe. The only safe thing to do is abstain.Hope this helps!

As you have already stated, the preference is to cease all nicotine containing products prior to surgery (as the vasoconstrictive effects will inhibit healing). The concern is that the "nicotine free" label is a bit of a black box. Due to it's novelty, there is very little understanding, currently, as to what this exactly consists of. There is a myriad of chemicals in these alternative vapors and their surgical effects remain unknown.I would defer to the recommendations of your surgeon. In my practice, all nicotine containing products need to be stopped 6-12 weeks pre-op (including purported 0 Nicotine products)As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

With all of your diligent research, you have not found a solid answer to your question.  And you may find that plastic surgeons differ in their opinions regarding your question. Rather than take a chance with its affect upon your body’s ability to heal, increased risk of blood clots, and reaction with medications, I would ditch ZERO nicotine vaping.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

it is not “dangerous” to do zero nicotine vape. But it is dangerous to inhale unknown oils and substances into your lungs. It is unknown what effects the materials can have on your delicate tissues that are recognized delivery mechanisms to your heart, liver,brain and kidneys. Bottom line?
Don’t vape, just the regular air is dangerous enough.

As you are aware, Nicotine in any form - cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, gum, or e-cigarettes is bad for wound healing and since good plastic surgery depends on having nicely healed wounds, nicotine and plastic surgery really don't go well together. I have had multiple patients use nicotine-free vaping solutions as a bridge to stop smoking before their surgery and while I always encourage them to stop all of it prior to surgery, some have confessed after the fact that they kept using them. I can't say personally that I have seen any difference, while smokers who say they stop but don't have a greatly increased incidence of problems in my experience.
However, please don't take this as an endorsement of vaping nicotine-free solutions before your surgery, because as you are finding out, no one really knows at this point and it is all conjecture. I also think that a lot of vaping stores may be selling solutions that if not outright containing nicotine when they are supposedly "nicotine-free" may have other chemicals in them with unknown effects on your surgery. A lot of what constitutes a a good surgical experience is purely in the feelings, and it's not a good feeling to have lingering doubts during your recovery that you are doing something you shouldn't be doing. It's just not worth the mental machinations - your mind should be focused on doing the things you are supposed to do in your recovery, not worrying about things you feel you shouldn't be doing. Regardless, best of luck and wishes for a good recovery in your upcoming procedures!

The liquids that are used for vaping are not regulated.  Because of that there is not a lot of information or reliable studies to point out if it is safe or not.  We do know from research that nicotine is an issue.  When no definitive recommendation can be given, it is better to err on the side of caution and avoid the risk until after you are healed.

Hello and thank you for your excellent question. Unless your vaping products are actually tested to contain zero percent nicotine, it is not safe. Many "nicotine free" vaping products actually contain significant, although lower than normal, amounts of nicotine (just like "decaffeinated coffee"). It is essential that you have an in-person consultation to develop a treatment plan that specifically addresses your personal surgical goals, and your body’s anatomy. Preoperative visualization and surgical simulation with the Crisalix system may help refine this plan. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!
Best,

Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeon

Texas “Top Doc”