Has anyone smoked cigarettes before and after breast augmentation?

Question

im booked in to get breast augmentation in 12 weeks.i have been told to quit smoking 2 weeks pre op and 2 weeks post op.. I smoke around 5 smokes per day and the thought of having to give up smoking is really hard to get in my head! I know I won't smoke in the weeks im not aloud because of the complications obviously but I want to see if anyone did smoke and Is there away around it? I don't know anyone with breast implants so I have no one to talk to..I'm trying to give up now and having a real hard time.

Damien Grinsell MBBS, FRACS (Plast) · Answer

Hi. As everyone has told you it is just not worth it to continue to smoke. There are some operations which smoking would put you into a very high risk group eg breast reduction, tummy tuck facelift etc and some which are lower risk like breast augmentation, blepharoplasty etc. The main complications we are worried about in the short term are infection and wound breakdown and both of these are very low.  The problem is that if you take a chance then it may mean that you may need to have one or both of the implants removed with added expense and detriment to your health. This can be devastating. Regards

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hi & thank you for your question. It is best to stop smoking 3 weeks prior to surgery and for 3 weeks after. Smoking can interfere with the healing process and complications can occur.The goal is for you to have the best possible result. Best of luck!

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Smoking will seriously interfere with your healing, your recovery and your results. This is not an idle threat. It is a fact. If you can not give up cigarettes for the recommended time (and for my patients, it's 4 weeks before and 4 weeks post), then don't have the surgery. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

Smoking increases the risks of complications, and you need to follow your Surgeon's advice, and do everything on your end to make sure your recovery is going smoothly. You can view the attached video re/this topic

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I ask my patients to stop smoking for a month before and after any procedure in order to minimize risks.  These risks are not only related to your breast augmentation but also to your lungs and respiratory system for surgery.  Do your best to stop and speak to your surgeon about your concerns. The two of you should be able to work on a plan to decrease complications.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

I would recommend that follow your surgeon's instructions.  Smoking does increase the risk of complications after breast surgery.  I generally ask patients to stop a couple months before and after surgery to further reduce this risk.  You will find many patients who 'got away with it' but you will find others where smoking did compromise their results.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

Please don't smoke.  Smoking impairs wound healing.  I require my patients to stop smoking 8 weeks prior to surgery and 8 weeks after to achieve the optimal result.

The best way to assess and give
true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified
plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Nana N. Mizuguchi, MD, FACS · Answer

I work in a tobacco state so I encourage my smokers to refrain from smoking before and after surgery.  Not all can comply.  In reality, most do perfectly fine without any issues.Best Wishes,Nana Mizuguchi

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

You are advised to cease smoking to minimise the risk of complications which increase dramatically when you smoke such as infection and wound breakdown.  These issues could result in prolonged hospitalisation, surgery and further financial expense.  The worst case scenario would be removal of implants if you have develop a severe infection.  Best to avoid smoking in the lead up to surgery and during your recovery.  If you can't achieve this, then its vital to be honest with your surgeon.

Carlos Burnett, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for sharing your concerns with us.  We truly discourage smoking in the period before and after surgery because your complications could be multiplied. Seek counseling and assistance from a health care professional regarding your smoking.  Be well, stay healthy. Dr. B

Has anyone smoked cigarettes before and after breast augmentation?

Answers (16)

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