Smoking, alcohol and lipo

Question

If I'm only getting liposuction do I still need to stop two weeks before surgery? If so can I use a vapor pen in the meanwhile? And what's the protocol for alcohol use as well?

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. I advise my patients stop drinking alcohol, coffee  5-7 days before their liposuction operation also you should stop taking any medications such as  Aspirin and Vitamins. Therefore you should consult with your surgeon for a reminder form before surgery. I wish you all the best.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Most plastic surgeons ask their patients to stop smoking about two weeks before elective surgery. I doubt the smoking will have any significant effect on liposuction but it does tell your surgeon about your level of commitment. Drinking modestly before after liposuction should have no effect.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Smoking cessation should typically be undertaken several weeks prior to surgery (3 wks at minimum). This strategy has the dual benefit of reducing or completely mitigating the deleterious effects of smoking/nicotine, as well as ensuring that a post operative patient will be able to maintain while recovering.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

In general smoking should be stopped before and after surgery because it slows healing. However, it is not as crucial in surgery like liposuction where there is no skin undermining and dissection. But do yourself a favor and use your impending surgery as an excuse to quit smoking because in the long run, you will look and feel better! Good luck!

Steven L. Ringler, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Smoking is generally stopped two weeks prior to surgery for patients having procedures that involve skin flaps, such as; tummy tuck, breast lift, or facelift.  Smoking does increase your risk for anesthetic related complications, such as pneumonia.  Interestingly, patients who smoke have less post operative nausea following general anesthetic, but it is still better overall to stop smoking before surgery. I generally recommend patients use a patch or gum substitute for cigarettes if they are unable to quit smoking prior to surgery.  Alcohol should be avoided 24 hours prior to and after surgery, and while you are using a narcotic medication for pain.  For your particular situation, talk to your own physician about their recommendation for best results.  Good luck to you.

Carlos Burnett, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your decision for elective cosmetic surgery. For your safety, and to  optimize your results, you should refrain from drinking alcohol or smoking  for a minimum of four weeks prior to your surgical procedure. Enjoy the benefits.

Ivor B. Kaplan, MD · Answer

When you are having elective cosmetic surgery you have the advantage of preparing your self so that the procedure, recovery and results are maximized.      I would want you to refrain from smoking and alcohol for 2 weeks prior as well as avoiding anyaspirin products, fish and flax seed oil.     It's an investment inyourself make the most of it.   Best of luck

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

A vapor pen and smoking both should be stopped several weeks before surgery. Both can compromise wound healing. Best to review with your surgeon.

Deborah Ekstrom, MD · Answer

Nicotine, regardless of how it gets into your system increases the chance of infection by supressing your immune system and constricts your blood vessels which delays healing.When you are breathing smoke into your lungs you put tar down inside your lungs (think sooty chimney) creating damage to the delicate air sacs and tubes that carry air to the sacs.  Smoking also paralyzes the small hair like structures that sweep the mucus out of your lungs. When you have general anesthesia that mucous settles even more, putting your at risk for bronchitis or pneumonia.For healing purposes, 3 weeks off nicotine (all forms) is enough time to get improvement, but for your lung secretion status, even longer is better, at leaqst 6 weeks.Alcohol should not be drunk for 48 hours before anestheia and should never be mixed with pain meds after surgery, of course.Sounds like you are on a self improvement kick.  Could you consider a more healthful lifestyle in the process? (Your primary doctor very likely would be delighted to help you find a strategy to be free of nicotine and careful about limiting the calorie intake from alcohol to maintain and enhance your results from liposuction).All the best!

Smoking, alcohol and lipo

Answers (9)

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