Is It OK To Be Exposed to Second Hand Smoke 10 Days Before Breast Reduction Surgery?

Question

An ex smoker for a month now, I have been exposed to 2 hours of second hand smoke & my Breast Reduction surgery is in 10 days. I read how dangerous it can be for healing. What can I do now? Should I postpone my surgery?

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question! The issue with nicotine is that it 
also acts as a vasoconstrictor, clamping down of blood vessels. Blood 
supply is always of great concern during any surgical procedure, but 
especially in such a procedure as a breast reduction where the viability of the
 nipple-areolar complex is obviously important. Since the vascularity to
 the area is already tenuous since it will be raised by cutting around 
the area, maximizing blood flow to the tissue is critical. Typically,

we recommend at least 6 weeks of smoking cessation prior to and at 
least 6 weeks after any surgical procedure. The longer, the better.  
Nicotine always increases the risk for infection, nipple necrosis, poor 
scarring, and 
wound complications, as well as other health consequences including blood clots.  The 
anesthesia risk is greater with general anesthesia as well as pulmonary 
issues/lung infections postoperatively.  I would 
discuss this with your surgeon prior to your procedure. Hope that this 
helps! Best wishes!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Brief exposure to secondhand smoke before a breast reduction is nothing to worry about. On balance, the negative effects of secondhand smoke are greatly overrated.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If you were just exposed briefly to second hand smoke, then it is doubtful that the second hand smoke would impact your surgery. Your long-term use of cigarettes is more critical.

Is It OK To Be Exposed to Second Hand Smoke 10 Days Before Breast Reduction Surgery?

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