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.

Plastic surgeons differ on the response to this question.  I recommend to my patients a minimum of 4 weeks without smoking prior to undergoing a tummy tuck.  Nicotine constricts blood vessels and prevents delivery of oxygen to the wound that requires good  blood flow to heal. You should always contact your plastic surgeon about pre and postoperative instructions and concerns. Surgery and the recovery period is a complex interaction of what was performed and how your body reacts.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Thanks for the question. I usually recommend to my patients to avoid 100% smoking one month before surgery and still without it for at least 2 months after the surgery to avoid unnecessary risks. Kind regards 

The short answer is yes. Nicotine impedes healing and could result in unnecessary complications from your surgery. We advise at least two months without smoking prior to surgery and no smoking after surgery until fully healed.

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

Most surgeons are going to insist that you stop smoking at least 4 weeks before your surgery. Smoking has been proven to increase the risk of complications with surgery, especially in regards to wound healing and skin health. The scientific evidence to support this is quite extensive and has shown that smoking causes a vasoconstriction of small blood vessels that impairs the body's ability to deliver oxygen to the tissues which is needed for normal healing. If you find a surgeon to proceed with a tummy tuck while you are smoking, you might end up healing just fine, but you certainly are putting yourself at a higher risk for complications than is necessary.

You should absolutely quit smoking and stop all nicotine products before surgery. In my practice, I suggest 4-6 weeks of no nicotine products and will not perform any elective surgery unless this rule is followed.

Thank you for your question. For tummy tucks especially, we highly recommend stopping smoking and all nicotine products a minimum of 4-6 weeks prior to and after surgery for your safety during surgery and for your recovery. Smoking increases your risks of complications both during surgery and during recovery.  Some of these complications can be significant. Make sure to comply with your surgeon's care instructions as he or she will have your best interest at hand.  Best of luck.

Yes, if my patients smoke and do not quit several weeks before surgery, then I will not perform a tummy tuck. The risks are too high.

Absolutely. No exceptions. All smoking should cease at least 2 weeks prior and after your surgery. Even a single episode of smoking can result in wound problems, infection, blood clots or death.
Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon and be sure to follow all of the instructions.