I know smoking is bad for a FUE hair transplant, but is it the nicotine or the actual smoke that is most harmful?

Question

My question is about FUE specifically, but I suspect the answer will apply to all surgeries. Cigarettes are bad for hair transplants, but is it mostly the nicotine, OR the actual combustion and additives that are most harmfull? Are e-cigarettes (which do not contain chemicals like lead, or produce Carbon Monoxide) a safer alternative to cigarettes? Or is the main negative the nicotine itself, which is still in e-cigarettes? I know NEITHER are healthy, but are e-cigarettes a lesser of two evils?

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Smoking is not generally recommended after surgery.  If you are concerned it is best to check with your doctor or quit smoking.Nicotine itself is not the issue.

Ben Talei, MD · Answer

Smoking decreases blood flow to the scalp by constricting blood vessels. This means that less oxygen is delivered to the scalp because of the higher level of carbon monoxide in the blood. This may have an impact of obtaining optimal results following a hair transplant. While many smokers do get a successful outcome it is never recommended to smoke following any sort of procedure.To answer your question nicotine affects the oxygen level but from an overall perspective Ecigs are believed to be safer than cigarettes.However you should avoid smoking altogether for general health reasons.

Cory Torgerson, MD, PhD, FRCSC - Account Suspended · Answer

In a hair transplant, the vascular restrictive properties of tobacco as well as many other ingredients in cigarettes can lead to blood flow issues that can cause a diminished supply of blood to the newly transplanted grafts. Hair follicles need good blood flow to grow new hairs.
It is best to quit smoking entirely . . . for many reasons. But if possible, it is very important to not smoke for at least a few days before surgery as well as the first two weeks after a hair transplant. This will give the grafts enough time to heal properly. It is also important for the patient to be aware of the possible risks associated with smoking and the possibility of less than ideal results for a hair transplant.

Michael Meshkin, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

smoking constricts the blood vessels and therefore there is less blood supply to the transplanted hair. It both effects the growth rate and the result.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Both the nixotine and the tars from cigarettes are harmful to the blood supply ti the scalp. e-Cigs are better especially if you have a low nicotine content in them

I know smoking is bad for a FUE hair transplant, but is it the nicotine or the actual smoke that is most harmful?

Answers (5)

Answer: Smoking before hair transplant surgery

Answer: Smoking before hair transplant surgery

Answer: Smokine

Answer: Smokine

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Everything you need to know about FUE Hair Transplant

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I know smoking is bad for a FUE hair transplant, but is it the nicotine or the actual smoke that is most harmful?

Answers (5)

Answer: Smoking before hair transplant surgery

Answer: Smoking before hair transplant surgery

Answer: Smokine

Answer: Smokine

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about FUE Hair Transplant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.