I have a tummy tuck scheduled in a few days. In the past 2 month i have smoked @3-5 cigarettes. I have been smoking for years but only @1(maybe 2) a day. I've stopped for the most part but have smoked a few in the last 2 months. Should i reschedule my surgery because of that or will I be ok? My general health is very good but have concern! Thank you!!
Answer: Smoking and tummy tucks don't mix 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
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Answer: Smoking and tummy tucks don't mix 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
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Answer: Smoking before a tummy tuck 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.
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Answer: Smoking before a tummy tuck 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.
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November 15, 2015
Answer: Smoking before tummy tuck 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.
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November 15, 2015
Answer: Smoking before tummy tuck 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.
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November 12, 2015
Answer: Asking for trouble 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!
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November 12, 2015
Answer: Asking for trouble 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!
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April 5, 2017
Answer: Smoking before a tummy tuck Thank you for your question. Any amount of nicotine (smoking, gum, e-cigarettes, second hand smoke, etc) is detrimental to the healing process, most especially for an extensive incision like a tummy tuck. As you have only smoked a very low number of cigarettes, your risk would be low, but still much more than if you had never smoked. Absolutely avoid any kind of nicotine exposure after your surgery in order to avoid serious complications (wound separation, infection, etc). You should most certainly have a candid conversation with your plastic surgeon about your smoking and come to a mutual decision as to whether to proceed with your surgery or not. Best wishes!
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April 5, 2017
Answer: Smoking before a tummy tuck Thank you for your question. Any amount of nicotine (smoking, gum, e-cigarettes, second hand smoke, etc) is detrimental to the healing process, most especially for an extensive incision like a tummy tuck. As you have only smoked a very low number of cigarettes, your risk would be low, but still much more than if you had never smoked. Absolutely avoid any kind of nicotine exposure after your surgery in order to avoid serious complications (wound separation, infection, etc). You should most certainly have a candid conversation with your plastic surgeon about your smoking and come to a mutual decision as to whether to proceed with your surgery or not. Best wishes!
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