I vape nicotine and smoke about 2 cigarettes a day. After my facelift I had a small pea-size area of necrotic tissue develop on the incision by my ear, probably due to poor circulation (thin skin and nicotine use) Luckily, it has healed. I'm curious as to the risk in the future if I choose to have a tummy tuck. Is the risk of necrosis less because skin around a tummy tuck incision is not as thin as the skin by my ear? How long do you have to quit using nicotine to improve circulation/healing?
December 4, 2020
Answer: The answer to your question 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.
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December 4, 2020
Answer: The answer to your question 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.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
December 2, 2020
Answer: Vaping Risks Associated w/Tummy Tuck 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!
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
December 2, 2020
Answer: Vaping Risks Associated w/Tummy Tuck 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!
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
