Smoking before a Tummy tuck?

Smoking and tummy tucks don't mix... but that said if you stop with several days to go it is unlikely that the affect on blood supply will be significant.  Make sure to discuss your smoking with the anesthesiologist and your surgeon.Dr Rodger ShorttOakville Plastic SurgeonDirector of Cosmetic Surgery Training &Assistant Clinical Professor,McMaster Univiersity

Smoking brings a significant risk of cancer, stroke, heat attack, etc. From a Plastic Surgery standpoint it is a vasoconstrictor. Wound healing is all about getting oxygen and needed entities to the wound. It is well known that patients who smoke have a tremendous increase in their rate of serious complications, (infections, wounds falling apart, etc.). Nicotine is the main vasoconstrictor, so getting a patch or lozenge of nicotine won't help the vasoconstriction. Best to be off the tobacco/nicotine entirely before surgery. Please be honest with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Together you can make a plan to quit and proceed with surgery. The amount of time between quitting and surgery will depend on the Plastic Surgeon and the procedure.

Thank you for your question.  Smoking is known to increase surgical complications, but each surgeon will have their own guidelines on this issue.  I would recommend discussing this with your plastic surgeon because they can consider your smoking in the context of your overall health.

Thanks for your question. It's best to be honest with your surgeon and let him/her know. Together, you can make a decision. Tummy tuck has one of the highest complication rates in cosmetic surgery procedures, so anything that increases risks of wound healing problems is not good. Smoking increases risks of wound healing problems. If you do go forward with surgery you should be very strict for at least 2 weeks after surgery to not smoke. Best wishes. 

Blood supply relies on excellent oxygenation for healing after surgery. Smoking can lead to a multitude of problems including fat necrosis, scarring, infection, and skin loss!

Thank you for your question.I would recommend contacting your surgeon and discussing this matter with them.  Smoking can lead to wound healing and increase your risk for infection following any procedure.  Every surgeon has a different protocol for smoking cessation.  Usually in bigger procedures you should quit smoking at least 4 weeks prior and 4 weeks after the procedure.  Again, contact your surgeon and see how they wish to proceed.

It is never a good idea to be exposed to nicotine, even if through second hand smoke, in the 3-4 weeks prior to an elective procedure, especially breast or body surgeries where tension will be placed on the wound.  While you have smoked very little, I would make sure that your plastic surgeon is aware of what is going on so that you and your surgeon can make a plan that best suits you.  Best of luck with your upcoming (even if delayed) surgery!

smoking is never good and will interfere with your body's ability to heal quickly and well.  Risk of infection, wound healing problems goes up with you smoke

Call your surgeon's office and let them know exactly how many cigarettes you've had and see what they say. But you must not smoke after your surgery. It will seriously impede your healing process. Best, Dr. Nazarian

You should avoid smoking before surgery. Smoking may cause issues with wound healing and skin loss. You should discuss this with your surgeon and see how long you need to stop smoking before the procedure. I usually prefer that patients completely stop smoking for 4 weeks before an abdominoplasty.