I'm considering a lower blepharoplasty, but I chew nicotine gum. Is this a problem?

Hello, thank you for your question. It’s great to hear that you’re in good overall health, however nicotine use (off any form) can significantly increase your risk for post-op surgical complications. Nicotine leads to increase vasoconstriction and platelet adhesiveness which then can cause decrease blood flow and wound healing issues. Nicotine use also leads to about a 6x increase risk of wound infections. I would recommend stopping all nicotine products for at least 4 weeks prior to and following surgery to help mitigate these risks. Hope this helps!
Adam Bauermeister, MD

It is always advisable to stop all nicotine, cigarettes and vaping before surgery since these products impair wound healing

Nicotine is a not a contraindication for lower lid surgery. Nicotine products do slow the healing process to some degree but you would not put you at significant risk for lower blepharoplasty. Best to talk to your surgeon about all mediations prior to surgery.

The answer is that it is not ideal, but still feasible to perform the surgery. You would not be a candidate for a facelift while using nicotine gum, because nicotine is a vasoconstrictor and can cause adverse scarring. You might expect to have more swelling and slightly delayed healing. Definitely notify your Surgeon.

It would probably be best to stay off the nicotine gum, at least a few days before and after a lower blepharoplasty procedure to ensure optimum healing. Nicotine restricts blood vessels and blood supply to tissues.

Each plastic surgeon will have their own criteria and protocols.
Nicotine use can increase complication rates during surgical recovery.
Do use of nicotine or tobacco products, has a greater impact on certain procedures compared to others.Generally speaking lower eyelid, blepharoplasty has a lower complication rate from the use of nicotine, compared to high risk operations, which typically include facelift, tummy tuck, breast lift, and breast reduction.
I suggest having a few in person, consultations at which point you can ask each provider what their thoughts are.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD