Fat injected to face and lips. Will smoking cause the fat cells to die?

Question

Hi, I hade fat injected on my face and lips 7 days ago and so far I'm not happy with the results. I'm also a smoker.. will smoking cause the fat cells to die and will my face go back to normal again?

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear Tingev,My recommendation for all of my patients post any procedure is to stop smoking for at least 3 months after the procedure. Smoking decreases the amount of oxygen delivered to the cells by constricting the vessels and therefore can cause cell death to the transferred fat. Please discuss your concerns with your doctor. Best regards,Nima Shemirani

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Smoking may negatively impact your results. I recommend following up with your Doctor about their protocol regarding smoking after your procedure. Keep in mind, you may have swelling after fat transfer and will resolve in 3-6 months. Prednisone, icing, ibuprofen and venus legacy treatments can give improvement. I recommend prp and sculptra (depending on treated area) after your procedure to help improve results. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear tingev,I would not recommend you to start smoking 7 days after the surgery. Smoking will cause decrease in oxygen supply which transferred fat cells need to stay alive. If you smoke, you risk death of transferred fat cells.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Marguerite E. Aitken, MD, FACS · Answer

Smoking and plastic surgery do not work well together.  There is a strong likelihood that the transferred fat will not survive if you continue to smoke.  The first 2-4 weeks are crucial to the survival of these tiny cells.  If you want your results to be as full as possible, I would recommend you quit cold turkey.  My patients who smoke even occasionally are often quite thin and have great outcomes with facial fat transfer, but they agree to quit prior to the procedure.  Good luck!

Scott J. Engel, MD, FACS · Answer

Smoking and plastic surgery are not a good combination. Each cigarette (or anything with nicotine--gum, e-cig, patch) constricts blood vessels and starves the new fat cells of blood and nutrients. You are wasting your money on your surgery if you smoke. I know its not a easy thing to say, but it is best to completely stop smoking if you want a good result. It probably already caused some damage, but do yourself a favor and stop now and salvage as much as you can. Good luck. You can do it!!

Curtis Perry, MD · Answer

Smoking will definitely cause newly transferred fat cells to die. To be safe I recommend no smoking for three months after the procedure. I also recommend  my patients to stop smoking completely if they are truly interested in their appearance and health.

Walton Montegut, MD · Answer

Good Question.  Smoking in general is not a good habit and has many deleterious affects on the body.  Smoking does decrease oxygenation of the tissues of the body and affects small vessel flow which is oxygen delivery.  Therefore, oxygen delivery may be decreased to the area where fat is being transferred.  However, I have performed fat transfer on many patients who smoke.  The fat has survived with no problems and has permanent results.  The fat cells achieve a circulation and survive in the tissue with no problems.  The procedure is technique dependent for permanent results, therefore, the surgeon must be meticulous in technique for long term survival.  This includes fat transferred to anywhere, face, buttocks or breasts as well.  I hope this helps.  Good luck

Fat injected to face and lips. Will smoking cause the fat cells to die?

Answers (7)

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