How many days should you be free of second-hand smoke before it's safe to have breast reduction?

Question

One of the doctors here said if you're exposed to second-hand smoke you should not have breast reduction. How long should I stay away from smokers before having surgery? Does it also depend on how much or how often you're actually exposed to smoke and is the same risk present when living in polluted areas?

Ellen A. Janetzke, MD · Answer

For people who actually smoke, data shows that abstaining 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after surgery decreases your risk significantly for complications. When it is "only" second hand probably slightly less time would be sufficient. I would error on the cautious side and stay away as long as possible before and after surgery.

Payman Danielpour, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately data on secondhand smoke is not very available however I would recommend three weeks if it all possible so the detrimental effects are out of your system.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Your question can be answered in many ways. Nicotine in the blood stream. Regardless of how it got there (smoking, chewing, water pipe, patch, gum or second hand) is associated with prolonged spasm and a fall in blood vessel circulation which can lead to tissue death, loss of tissues and the wound busting open resulting in very ugly scars. So, if you knew that such horrendous wound healing complications are possible,e with nicotine intake ?? How many weeks of nicotine abstinence before and after surgery would YOU be willing to put yourself through to greatly lower these risks??We ask for 4-6 weeks and are willing to lose patients to other surgeons who take risks with shorter nicotine free periods. We do it for your safety since it's much easier to operate than to risk offending you by educating you on the very real smoking risks. Good LuckPeter Aldea MDMemphis, TN

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.
Yes, avoidance of secondhand smoke (and all forms of nicotine) is necessary prior to undergoing breast reduction (or any other plastic surgical procedure that involves “flaps”  such as tummy tuck and face lifting surgery). 
Nicotine is a powerful constrictor of blood vessels,  decreasing blood flow to the “flaps” used during these procedures. This decrease blood flow could potentially lead to wound healing problems and/or tissue necrosis. Your plastic surgeon will likely have specific recommendations for you; in my practice, I would ask that you stay away from secondhand smoke for at least 4 weeks prior to surgery.  Best wishes with your upcoming operation.

Manuel Marte, MD · Answer

Excellent and very important question. The short answer is: at least 14 days is what I recommend to my patients. Good luck lady!                                                                          Dr. Manuel Marte.

How many days should you be free of second-hand smoke before it's safe to have breast reduction?

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Answer: How many days should you be free of second-hand smoke before it's safe to have breast reduction?

Answer: How many days should you be free of second-hand smoke before it's safe to have breast reduction?

Answer: How many days should you be free of second-hand smoke before it's safe to have breast reduction?

Answer: How many days should you be free of second-hand smoke before it's safe to have breast reduction?

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How many days should you be free of second-hand smoke before it's safe to have breast reduction?

Answers (5)

Answer: How many days should you be free of second-hand smoke before it's safe to have breast reduction?

Answer: How many days should you be free of second-hand smoke before it's safe to have breast reduction?

Answer: How many days should you be free of second-hand smoke before it's safe to have breast reduction?

Answer: How many days should you be free of second-hand smoke before it's safe to have breast reduction?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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