Does vaping carry the same risk as smoking in regard to the healing process and skin recovery issues (e.g., necrosis)?

Hello thank you for your question. Smoking/nicotine hinders the healing process and could cause complications. You should completely stop smoking 3 weeks before and for 3 weeks after surgery. Best wishes!

Thank you for your question. Yes, vaping can cause similar issues as smoking does. It constricts the blood vessels leading to potential healing issues. I typically recommend patients to stop smoking and vaping of any sort for minimally 6 weeks before surgery and 6 weeks after. I would speak to your surgeon and follow their recommendation. Best of luck to you.

You’ll most likely need to stop vaping before and after surgery for a recommended period of time, although you should speak with your surgeon for their opinion. Nicotine is still delivered to your system whether you vape or smoke, increasing surgical risks and complications.

Hello, Yes. Most vape products contain nicotine. Nicotine is the key ingredient in microvascular disruption which is what leads to skin necrosis and wound healing problems. Please inform your surgeon if you vape, use hookah, or any other substance at your pre-op apt. It is for your safety more than anyone else's.

Thank you for your question. Typically, vapes contain a percentage of nicotine similar to cigarettes. It is important to discontinue any type of nicotine use prior to surgery. The most common types of complications include: wound infection, cardiopulmonary complications, vasoconstriction, and tissue necrosis (as you stated). I advise patients to discontinue smoking at least 3 months prior to surgery in order to avoid any complications. It is important you mention this to your surgeon as each individual practice has their own protocol. I hope this helps and best of luck to you!

Hi there, thank you for your question. Vaping is carrying the same risk as smoking for recovery process unfortunately. If you had necrotic tissue development before, you have a high chance to get it again at your surgery. That's why; the best option is to stop smoking for ever but, if you cannot do it, you should stop smoking / vaping at least 1 month before and after the surgery.

It is the nicotine in cigarettes and vapes that is the problem. It causes vasoconstriction which decreases the blood circulation to the skin. Any procedure that creates skin flaps, such as facelift and tummy tuck operations, are at increased risk of skin necrosis in patients who are still using nicotine products (including patches). I require that my patients are nicotine free for three weeks both before and after those types of procedures.

I recommend to my patients a minimum of 4 weeks without nicotine (smoking or vaping) prior to undergoing a tummy tuck. Nicotine constricts blood vessels and prevents delivery of oxygen to the wound that requires good blood flow to heal. You should realize the negative consequences of smoking including flap death, fat death, and wound healing issues. Surgery and the recovery period is a complex interaction of what was performed and how your body reacts.

Hi thanks for your question. Yes, vaping does carry the same risks with regards to recovery following any kind of surgery. Ideally you should stop smoking at least a month prior to your surgery, and you won't be able to smoke for at least one month following your surgery. I recommend that you discuss these and any other concerns that you may have with your plastic surgeon.

Nicotine constricts blood vessels limiting blood flow and oxygen to a wound, regardless of how the nicotine gets into your system. Procedures such as facelifts, tummy tucks, and breast lifts involve manipulation of the skin and tissues in a way that strains the blood flow, and nicotine adds to the stress. Don't take a chance.