Does any of the pre operative tests in gynecomastia surgery show that I smoke?

Hi Prakhar892, Thank you for your questions regarding if any tests would show that you smoke before gynecomastia surgery.  Yes, there are blood and urine test to determine nicotine levels. Typically,  these tests or not routinely performed unless there is a concern for high nicotine levels. If you do smoke, do yourself a favor -- quit smoking. If you are considering gynecomastia surgery or any other plastic surgery and you do smoke, do not have plastic surgery. If you smoke and how gynecomastia surgery, your risks for complications significantly increase. The short list of risks associated with smoking include blood clots, poor wound healing, partial or complete nipple death, and pneumonia. Long-term effects of smoking include cancer most every organ. Smoking causes cancer in the lungs, kidneys, bladder, colon, esophagus, liver, pancreas, stomach, and cervix.  Don't ignore the facts.  Every year in the USA, about half a million people die due to smoking.  Every year in India, about one million people die due to smoking.  Please stop smoking. Live longer; stop smoking. I hope I have stressed the importance of not smoking, and especially before gynecomastia surgery.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.

A cotinine test detects the presence of nicotine metabolites in the urine. Some plastic surgeons refuse to perform elective cosmetic surgical procedures like gynecomastia correction in smokers. The reason for this is that there are multiple studies which consistently demonstrate a significantly increased risk of developing a complication. These complications include but are not limited to an increase in risk during anesthesia, poor healing, poor scars, wound breakdown, and wound infection. My advice is to be honest with your smoking history as part of the consultation includes an assessment of your risk in surgery. Being forthright with your medical history allows the plastic surgeon to know and take any necessary steps to minimize your risks for surgery beforehand. Furthermore, it allows your plasti surgeon to provide professional assistance in helping you quit.

Thank you for sharing your question.  There are urinary tests that can be performed that can measure the amount of tobacco metabolites present in your system, termed cotinine.  I would advise you to be honest with your surgeon and divulge to them if you are smoking, it is in your best interest.  

By your question I hope you are not planning to mislead your surgeon and smoke before surgery. There are over 250 toxins from smoking that can interfere with wound healing and can jeopardize your result. Smokers may develop pneumonia, have a stroke, cardiac arrest or a heart attack.I require that my patients quit smoking a minimum of 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after surgery. If you are having a difficult time quitting you should be honest with your surgeon who may be able to help you by prescribing a prescription such as Chantix. Surgeons number one goal is the safety of their patients. Good luck.

Great question. In general, pre-operative tests for gynecomastia surgery don’t directly show that you smoke, but some may indicate signs consistent with smoking. I will assume you are talking about smoking ciggarettes as opposed to marijuana. Here’s how it breaks down:
Common Pre-Op Tests:
For gynecomastia surgery, your surgeon may order:
• Blood work (CBC, coagulation profile, etc.)
• Chest X-ray or ECG (especially if you're over 40 or have health issues)
• Hormone panels
• Liver/kidney function tests
None of these will specifically say “this person smokes.”
Tests That Can Detect Smoking (if ordered):
1. Cotinine Test
o Cotinine is a byproduct of nicotine.
o Can be detected in blood, urine, or saliva.
o Some surgeons or anesthesiologists might test for it, especially if:
 You’re having a procedure with higher risk (like a lift or large skin excision).
 They’ve emphasized stopping smoking and want to confirm compliance.
2. Carbon Monoxide Breath Test
o Rare in pre-op settings, but it exists.
Why It Matters:
Even if it's not tested directly, surgeons strongly advise quitting smoking at least 4 weeks before and after surgery because:
• Smoking reduces oxygen delivery to tissues.
• Increases risks of complications (like poor wound healing, infections, necrosis).
• Can affect how your anesthesia is managed.