Marijuana use before and after breast augmentation? Advice?

Question

I understand that smoking cigarettes is a strict no-go for pre/post surgery, but what about marijuana? I don’t smoke cigarettes, but I do smoke marijuana daily to aid my anxiety and depression. I’m nervous to quit smoking weed, as I know my anxiety will be more prevalent as my surgery approaches. Is there leniency for marijuana use when having a BA? Any help is appreciated!

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Marijuana use with prescription medication can increase the risks of overdose and other serious complications. I recommend you avoid marijuana and other street drugs as you recover. Good luck! Dr. Aldo

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you very much for your question, as it is a
common one. In general, women need to stop smoking 2-4 works before their
breast augmentation, and abstain for 2-4 weeks after their BA, as well.
However, each surgeon will have their own set of protocols and recommendations.
Smoking of any type can lead to a higher risk during surgery and anesthesia,
and increased chance for complications or delayed healing during the BA
recovery. I suggest candidly discussing your anxiety and marijuana use with
your breast augmentation surgeon, as he/she will be helpful in
finding a safe and effective plan to get you through this time

Clayton Crantford, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I would recommend stopping smoking prior to your breast augmentation surgery. Ask your surgeon for alternatives to managing your anxiety depression during this period. Best of luck.

Omar Lazos, MD · Answer

There is no clinical or scientific evidence in how marijuana use can affect the outcome in breast augmentation or any other aesthetic surgery... Obviously the components of cigarettes and marijuana are different and may have a different impact in the surgical scenario.

Nathan W. Patterson, MD, FACS · Answer

As you have probably seen in your other responses, marijuana use does not carry the same risk as cigarette smoking.  This is because cigarettes or at least tobacco cigarettes contain nicotine which is a powerful vasoconstrictor and generally increases chances for infection or wound healing problems postoperatively.  On the other hand, marijuana is still a form of smoking and therefore is an irritant to your lungs.  This could cause problems from an anesthesia standpoint such as airway irritation or even increased chances for bronchitis or pneumonia postoperatively.  In general, a breast augmentation is not a very risky surgery and so while smoking of any kind increases risks you may not be looking at a very high risk potential in any event.  I would recommend that you discussed this concern carefully with your plastic surgeon at your consultation or you are preoperative visit.  With an open dialogue you can almost certainly come to a reasonable conclusion which will satisfy you both.  Best of luck.  I think it will work out fine for you.

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Every surgeon has his or her own preferences.  I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

I generally like my patients to stop any smoking 4 weeks before surgery and 4 weeks after.  Smoking does increase the chances of capsular contracture.  Marijuana, although does not have nicotine, the smoke (carbon monoxide) itself can be damaging to the healing tissues.  If i have patients that smoke marijuana, I ask them to either stop for the time specified or switch over to edibles during that 8 week period.Every surgeon has their own pre and postoperative regimine, therefore I would recommend asking your surgeon.Hope that helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear kan_xo,every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. While we prefer patients to stop all smoking before and after surgery, it’s best to bring this up with your Surgeon regarding their own preferences. They may even prescribe you something to ease the anxiety leading up to your procedure. Good luck!

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I'm ok with my patients that need to smoke, but you need to check with your surgeon on their protocol. Smoke in general increases your risks with general inhalation anesthesia as you are aware. Either way make sure to discuss your usage with the anesthesia team.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Marijuana use before and after breast augmentation? Advice?

Answers (19)

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