Smoked once ahead of breast lift. If my nicotine test shows all clear, can I go ahead?

Question

Hello, I’m havin Surgery DetailsBreast Implant Removal & Re-augmentation with Mastopexy and Open Caps Surgery. I’m a non smoker, but smoked 5 puffs of a 2% nicotine vape on a night out (23 days) before the procedure. I plan to take a nicotine test 3 days before surgery. If it shows all clear can I go ahead?

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

If you are not a long-term smoker, or nicotine user and you’ve only had these few puffs of nicotine vapor, there should be no issues with your wound healing after your surgery and you should be able to proceed with a clear mind.  Best wishes.

Amir Sadr, MD, MSc (Plast), FEBOPRAS · Answer

Dear Powerful600985
Thanks for your question. You would be absolutely fine to go ahead with your surgery ask planned. Smoking mainly cause issues if you do it regularly around the time of surgery. So even if somebody is a smoker, many surgeons are happy to proceed if they stop smoking 4-6 weeks before until 6 weeks after surgery. 5 puffs 23 days before surgery in my opinion would not put you in any extra risk so do not worry too much. Your surgeon can also reassure you if you mention this to him/her as well. I hop you find this helpful and good luck with your surgery !

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi Powerful600985,
I tell patients that nicotine is the single worst thing you can do for a healing surgical incision. Nicotine will reliably squeeze down small blood vessels--the same blood vessels which need to dilate in order to bring blood and healing cells to the surgical site.
Even one cigarette or nicotine vape can squeeze down blood vessels for several hours. 
I would be honest with your surgeon, because you are having an extensive surgery involving implants and a lift. It's better to reschedule, as opposed to risking open wounds and a possible exposed implant.
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci MD MSBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Powerful600985,
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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You need to discuss this with your surgeon since your surgeon is the one involved. Personally, I would postpone your surgery. Nonsmokers do not smoke, so you are a smoker.

Mark Eberbach, MD · Answer

I'm a bit tough in this answer.

First, as you state yourself, you are a smoker!  Don't fool yourself. Vaping is smoking.

Any nicotine exposure increases your risk of problems with wound healing.

Having said that the risks are reduced with a 3 week hiatus.

Good luck.

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
As you are not a chronic smoker and only took 2 puffs of a 2% nicotine vape (low concentration), I don't think it should be a problem. Obviously you wish the best peripheral circulation in this circumstance. If the test proves negative, the residual concentration of nicotine is too low to chemically detect.
Best wishes...

Smoked once ahead of breast lift. If my nicotine test shows all clear, can I go ahead?

Answers (7)

More Breast Lift Questions

Fungal rash under my breasts & my surgery is in 6 days - will surgeon perform my procedure? (Photo)

Can I ask my prospective surgeon for more before and after photos or can surgeons only share photos that are on their website?

Is it important that a surgeon has worked on someone with my skin tone? Will results be different? Skin type V.

Is this areola skin in my vertical incision? Is this fixable? (Photo)

What is my best treatment option now for fuller breasts & better nipple position? (Photo)

Donut lift scarring, 3 years post op. Do I have options? (photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS