Vaping before/after breast augmentation...what's your suggestion? (photos)

Question

I've viewed many videos regarding patient's being advised not to smoke cigarettes before or after breast augmentation and/or other surgeries. I have yet to find anything regarding the use of vape pens (nicotine and propylene glycol). Please advise.

R. McIntyre Bridges, MD · Answer

I know it is tough to stop but you need at least 3 weeks without vaping to improve you risk with the operation. You want the best possible outcome including the appearance of the scar.  The trick for any operation is to stack everything in your favor to have the best outcome.  The surgeon is going to do his part but you will need to do yours for the best outcome your body can allow.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

You want to avoid any kind of smoke and nicotine whether from a vape pen, cigarette, hookah or pipe both before and after your surgery. It will adversely affect your body's ability to heal. My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Jeremy B. White, MD · Answer

If you are electing to undergo breast augmentation or any cosmetic surgery procedure, you probably want to obtain the best results and the best scars that you can get. Nicotine is known to decrease the body's ability to heal and thus carries the potential to inhibit your ability to scar well. While this is more dangerous for procedures that involve large flaps, like abdominoplasty and facelift surgery, I would not recommend vaping or smoking any nicotine products for a few weeks prior to any cosmetic surgery.

John Dean, MD · Answer

I see no reason to avoid vaping or any other kind of nicotine around breast augmentation surgery.  Nicotine does cause vasoconstriction and can cause healing problems in surgeries where flaps are raised, such as face lifts, tummy tucks and breast lifts.  This is not a concern, to me, with breast augmentation.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

TOTALLY against because the nicotine causes vasodilation of the capillaries thus could lead to hematoma formation!

Russell G. Hendrick, Jr., MD · Answer

I tell my patients that nicotine is nicotine whether it is smoked, dipped, chewed, patch, or vaping.  All of it should be avoid before and after surgery to decrease the risk of complications.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Please avoid all forms of nicotine at least 2 weeks prior and 2 weeks after surgery. Nicotine in any form is harmful and can increase your risks of poor healing. Also, please avoid vaping prior to surgery to minimize the inflammation to your lungs prior to general anesthesia.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Vaping can be just is damaging to your blood supply to your wounds as cigarettes.  Recommendations to cease smoking before surgery and after surgery includes Vaping and use of any nicotine-containing products such as come or pads.  Please notify your plastic surgeon.

Vaping before/after breast augmentation...what's your suggestion? (photos)

Answers (8)

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