Can anyone tell me if a nicotine test would be done at a pre op for BA or on the morning of surgery?

Question

I’ve had my pre op and didn’t get one , would one be done going in for surgery ?

Steve Merten, FRACS - Account Suspended · Answer

This is not a routine test done before surgery. If your surgeon advised you to stop smoking, we generally trust our patients to be honest with themselves and us about important issues like smoking.
Regards, Dr Steve Merten, Sydney

James H. Rogers, MD · Answer

Many surgeons and facilities , including my practice, do test for nicotine preoperatively. This may be done routinely, or only in selective cases. Some procedures I will not perform if patients are still smoking, although augmentation is not one. Smokers are at higher risks for anesthetic complications, however. You should follow your surgeons guidlines on this, and tell them if you are currently smoking.

Rudolf C. Thompson, MD · Answer

I routinely use the urine cotinine (nicotine) test prior to any procedure that includes resecting large amounts of tissue and skin and closure under tension (tummy tuck, breast reduction or lift, facelift). I usually perform this test at the patient's pre-op visit, which usually takes place two weeks prior to the procedure. I do not routinely perform this test for routine breast augmentation cases where I am making a small incision and not closing the incision under tension. I recommend checking with your board certified plastic surgeon regarding his or her specific protocol. Good luck with your procedure!

Bryson G. Richards, MD · Answer

I do not check a nicotine test prior to breast augmentation surgery. You would need to check with your surgeon if they plan to check one.I hope this helps.- Dr. Bryson Richards

Ralph R. Garramone, MD · Answer

This is not a test I perform prior to surgery.  I would be up front with your surgeon regarding smoking, medications and your prior surgery.  Best of luck.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I have never done a pre op nicotine test on any of my 6500 breast augmentation patients, nor do I feel the need to. Always a good idea to check with your surgeon's protocol.
Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Brad Denney, MD · Answer

In my practice, nicotine tests are done preop and not the day of surgery. This is so there are no delays in the surgery schedule while waiting on test results. I require nicotine cessation 4 weeks before and surgery.

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS · Answer

It is up to your surgeon.  If you are smoking you are putting yourself at risk of poor wound healing, infection and implant loss.  You should be nicotine free (including patches) for 3 weeks prior to surgery.  If you are not smoking, there's no need for a nicotine test.

Jeanette Padgett, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Not every plastic surgeon requires a nicotine test before breast augmentation surgery.  It is best to quit all forms of nicotine consumption at least a month prior to any surgery.  Contact your plastic surgeon for more specific information on a nicotine test for your situation.  Best wishes.

Mark T. Boschert, MD · Answer

it can be done, for breast augmentation I generally do not. However, the bigger issue is that you should be honest with your surgeon! Really, your surgeon has your best interest in mind. Why would you lie?

Can anyone tell me if a nicotine test would be done at a pre op for BA or on the morning of surgery?

Answers (19)

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