Medical marijuana before tummy tuck?

Question

Hello, I’m having a tummy tuck with muscle repair in a week but I’ve been smoking once a day medical marijuna but I stop smoking 9 days before my tummy tuck. There’s any deadly risk or really bad complication that I should worry about?

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @andrea900, thank you for your question. It is always important to take into consideration the opinion of the specialist who is performing the surgery, since not all surgical techniques are the same. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Andrea900,

Your query about the use of medical marijuana prior to a tummy tuck is indeed significant. It's crucial to discuss all medication use, including marijuana, with your surgeon and anesthesiologist.

Marijuana use can influence the effects of anesthesia and potentially interfere with postoperative healing. It can alter your cardiovascular system, affecting heart rate and blood pressure, which are considerations during anesthesia. Additionally, any form of smoking can impact oxygen levels in the blood, which are essential for wound healing and recovery.

Ceasing marijuana use nine days before surgery is a positive step, as it allows your body some time to adjust. Remember to be transparent with your plastic surgeon about your medical history and habits for the safest, most effective treatment approach.

Thank you for your question. Good luck with your tummy tuck and muscle repair procedure.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear andrea900,
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

This subject needs to be discussed with your surgeon as opinions vary.  Your surgeon should be aware of any medication you take including prescription, over the counter, recreational, and supplements.  This is for your safety, which is always the number one priority.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

No, especially, but please let your physician know, and stay off during the time you are taking any pain medication.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

It sounds like you’re having pre-surgery anxiety which is pretty normal.
Heavy cigarette smoking is associated with very high complication rates and this procedure and some plastic surgeons Will not perform at tummy tucks on active smokers.
Smoking marijuana does not have the same effect as smoking cigarettes but each plastic surgeon will have their own policies. I suggest you discuss with your provider if you have specific concerns.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Jose A. Munoz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!Fortunately, marijuana does not contain nicotine, a chemical in tobacco which causes blood vessels to shrink, limiting the blood supply and nutrition to surgically manipulated tissues. Marijuana smoke will ultimately increase your risk of later lung disease and cancer, but it should not prove dangerous during or after an abdominoplasty.Best wishes...

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