Is quitting smoking three weeks prior to Liposuction / fat transfer to breasts long enough?

Question

I am having surgery in three weeks, I am having fat transfer to my breasts.... I have quit smoking... Will three weeks be enough time so the most of the fat cell don't die?

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Smoking before or after your surgery can increase your risk of developing complications including infection and wound healing problems.  I tell my patients that it is ideal to stop a couple months ahead of surgery and then for a couple months after surgery. Please discuss with your surgeon what their guidelines are for your particular surgery.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Most experts unanimously agree that smoking increases the rate of  breast augmentation surgical complications significantly. Just about all plastic surgeons strongly recommend  women  to stop smoking and all nicotine products well in advance of breast augmentation with breast implants.  Many plastic surgeons recommend stopping all tobacco products several months prior to surgery.Here is the reason why: the nicotine in cigarettes and other tobacco products (including Nicorette gum, patches, etc) is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it makes the Smoking is a significant multiplier of many potential complications following surgery and breast augmentation with implants are no exception. Nicotine from smoking causes blood vessels to vasoconstrict ( tighten up). Over time, these constricted arteries and capillaries deliver less blood to the breast tissue which is needed for normal healing. Smokers therefore have an increased incidence of higher likelihood of complications such as infection, and in particular capsular contracture (hardening and distortion of the implants). General complications of surgery such as blood clots, anesthetic problems such as pneumonia are also increased. A scientific article in the Archives of Internal Medicine indicated that, among all forms of surgery, quitting smoking eight weeks prior was never associated with an increased risk of complications.In young patients you will probably statistically avoid these complications, why tempt fate by increasing your odds that something bad will happen.On a long term basis, smoking also causes accelerated aging of the skin and loss of elasticity. Hopefully these reasons will help give you the will power and courage to stop smoking.

Jose Perez-Gurri, MD, FACS · Answer

THis is dependent on your surgeon. We all have rules of thumb and formulas that have worked for years. Three week cesation should be sufficient. All smokers will have an increased risk of poor healing. Stopping smoking three or ten weeks before will not affect the possible problems in healing. Understand that after decades of smoking the microvasculature that feeds blood supply and oxygen to the tissues has been greatly affected. However, by stopping smoking prior to your surgery, you will decrease the cahnces of having pulmonary comoplications in the post-op period. Good luck

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Every surgeon has his/her on recommendations concerning when to stop smoking.  I recommend 2 months because lung function begins to improve at that point which is important for anesthesia.  Healing capacity would certainly be improved in that same time frame.

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

Yes, should be sufficient. In our practice- we also order Chest X-ray before surgery. Good luck with your surgery!

Is quitting smoking three weeks prior to Liposuction / fat transfer to breasts long enough?

Answers (10)

Answer: Smoking

Answer: Smoking

Answer: Is quitting smoking three weeks prior to Liposuction / fat transfer to breasts long enough?

Answer: Is quitting smoking three weeks prior to Liposuction / fat transfer to breasts long enough?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Fat Transfer

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

Is quitting smoking three weeks prior to Liposuction / fat transfer to breasts long enough?

Answers (10)

Answer: Smoking

Answer: Smoking

Answer: Is quitting smoking three weeks prior to Liposuction / fat transfer to breasts long enough?

Answer: Is quitting smoking three weeks prior to Liposuction / fat transfer to breasts long enough?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Fat Transfer

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