Is smoking after a breast augmentation detrimental to recovery?

Question

I have had my breast augmentation surgery 2 weeks ago from today. And I know this is detrimental to recovering but I couldn't help it due to stress so I have had 4 cigarettes in the stretch of one week, which is the second week from my surgery. I promised myself that after the 4th ciggarette, I will have no more until it heals. What are the complications that I could face by just having 4 cigarettes 2 weeks from my surgery?

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

It is extremely important that you avoid all nicotine use for 6 weeks after your breast augmentation to prevent a wound healing complication.  Please make sure to follow up closely with your surgeon so they can monitor for any signs of wound healing issues give. Your nicotine use.  Good luck!

Max Polo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is very well documented from published research that smoking cigarettes before and after surgery does adversely affect outcomes. The detrimental effect is primarily the result of nicotine causing powerful constriction of small blood vessels, thereby reducing blood flow at surgical wound margins. This interferes with healing which may be manifested as poor scarring, wounds opening and or wounds becoming infected. Data supports that these complications may best be avoided by completely avoiding smoking for 3-4 weeks before and 3-4 weeks after surgery. Hopefully your incisions were adequately healed 2 weeks after surgery, however you should not have any more cigarettes until at least 4 weeks after surgery and continue to follow up with your surgeon. Best of luck. Dr. Max Polo

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

Yes, even just one cigarette can cause wound healing complications so best to stop ASAP. Also, keep a close eye on your incisions and continue following up with your operating surgeon so he or she can monitor your progress. Good luck!

Rohit Jaiswal, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your recent surgery! 
Smoking is a big danger in pretty much every plastic surgery procedure. There are numerous studies showing smoking significantly increases the risks of complications. The main concern in breast augmentation patients would likely be problems with wound healing. 
Smoking leads to a constriction, or clamping down, of blood vessels which then impairs blood flow needed to get to the wound. Therefore, the wound can't get the necessary factors to heal properly. If the breast augmentation incision has problems healing, this could lead to problems such as an exposure of the implant and infection. Both of these could then require breast implant removal. 
It is advisable for all patients to stop smoking for at least 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after surgery (preferably permanently). Speak with your plastic surgeon to let him or her know you have resumed smoking, so assistance with quitting can be given if necessary. 
Best, 
Rohit Jaiswal, MD
Plastic Surgery 
Las Vegas, NV and Lake Havasu City, AZ

Lee B. Daniel, MD · Answer

Any amount of tobacco use can lead to complications during your breast augmentation recovery, including an impaired wound healing process, increased risk of infection and more pronounced scaring. For the best possible results, you really want to try to make it to the four-week mark without smoking. If you have concerns about the way your incisions are healing, don’t hesitate to give your plastic surgeon’s office a call. Wishing you the best of luck!

Is smoking after a breast augmentation detrimental to recovery?

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Answer: Smoking After Breast Augmentation

Answer: Try to avoid smoking for at least four weeks after breast augmentation.

Answer: Try to avoid smoking for at least four weeks after breast augmentation.

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Is smoking after a breast augmentation detrimental to recovery?

Answers (10)

Answer: Smoking After Breast Augmentation

Answer: Smoking After Breast Augmentation

Answer: Try to avoid smoking for at least four weeks after breast augmentation.

Answer: Try to avoid smoking for at least four weeks after breast augmentation.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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