Do you absolutely have to stop smoking before a Tummy Tuck?

Absolutely need to not smoke (or use nicotine gum/patch) 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after tummy tuck.The nicotine can make healing and skin necrosis a problem as well as much higher risk for blood clots.An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to discuss your options and expectations.

Hello and thank you for your question.  It is extremely important to not have any nicotine products for 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after a tummy tuck, as a minimum requirement.  Smoking limits the blood supply to your tissues and significantly increases complications such as skin necrosis and wound healing problems.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon