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!