Nose job and smoking - should I cancel if I only stopped smoking four days before surgery?

Question

I'm 22 years old.. I have a surgery (nose job and breast lift) scheduled in 4 days and I can't stop smoking. I decided to quit today.. I smoked for past week (4 slim cigarettes~ a day). Will stopping now allow me to go for a surgery without dangerous complications or should I cancel my surgery??

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

In my practice, we advise patients to discontinue any smoking at least two weeks prior to surgery to aid in wound healing. Smoking nicotine products causes blood vessels to constrict, which can lead to deoxygenation of tissues. When tissues lack oxygen, necrosis and other wound complications can occur more frequently. I'd suggest being honest with your surgeon and asking for their professional opinion on the matter, as they know your health history. Best of luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Poppyqueen,
every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Pranav Jambula, MBBS, MS, MCh · Answer

Good Morning poppyqueen,
I hope this message finds you well. We always advise that in an ideal scenario our client / patient should not have smoked or ingested any form of alcohol or nicotine substances for a period of 4 to 6 weeks prior to surgery and around 6 months post surgery to achieve the best results. But , I know that is a lot to ask so at the very minimum a stoppage of smoking 2 weeks prior to surgery and a month post surgery is indicated. Since this is an elective procedure, doing all within your realm of control to achieve ideal aesthetic results is both your and my (as your surgeon) responsiblity. I would recommend a video consultation / in person consultation with a board certified Aesthetic Plastic surgeon to take this forward and thoroughly answer your query. 
Dr. Pranav Reddy JambulaIAAPS, ISAPS, APSI, APRAS, ASI MemberMBBS, MS, MCH, IAAPS Fellow

Rosa B. Lipin, MD · Answer

I would contact your surgeon and let them know that this is the case; they may cancel your case or reschedule, but the surgeon needs to know about this.
There are anesthesia risks of course, but also wound healing implications as well.

Nose job and smoking - should I cancel if I only stopped smoking four days before surgery?

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Answer: Smoking and Surgery

Answer: Smoking and Surgery

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Nose job and smoking - should I cancel if I only stopped smoking four days before surgery?

Answers (4)

Answer: Smoking and Surgery

Answer: Smoking and Surgery

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