Should I have stopped smoking before my tummy tuck?

In an ideal world you should have definitely stopped smoking at least 4 weeks prior to surgery, most surgeons would advise 6 weeks.  If you had stopped you should not smoke for at least 4-6 weeks post operatively either.  It is proven that smoking interferes with wound healing in particular.Even though you have been smoking I would still recommend you quit until you have recovered.  There is still benefit in stopping now and will give you the best chance to heal without complications.All the best with your recovery.Kind regards,Dean

I have my patients stop smoking 4 to 6 weeks prior to the operation. If they cannot do this, I will either not offer them for surgery, or perhaps I would alter the surgery and not perform liposuction of the abdominal wall. For you, it would still be beneficial to avoid smoking in the early healing, say about six weeks. You should talk to your plastic surgeon about this.