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

November 28, 2020
Asked By:Jkhenley5 in Omaha, NE

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?

Answers (14)

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December 7, 2020

Answer: Tummy Tuck

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Scott C. Lindsay, DOBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
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December 7, 2020

Answer: Tummy Tuck

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Scott C. Lindsay, DOBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
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December 16, 2020

Answer: Smoking and vaping during surgery

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Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
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December 16, 2020

Answer: Smoking and vaping during surgery

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Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
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December 7, 2020

Answer: Same effect

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Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSCCertified Plastic Surgeon
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December 7, 2020

Answer: Same effect

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Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSCCertified Plastic Surgeon
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December 4, 2020

Answer: The answer to your question

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David Shokrian, MDBoard Eligible Plastic Surgeon
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December 4, 2020

Answer: The answer to your question

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David Shokrian, MDBoard Eligible Plastic Surgeon
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December 2, 2020

Answer: Vaping Risks Associated w/Tummy Tuck

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Kevin G. Rose, MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
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December 2, 2020

Answer: Vaping Risks Associated w/Tummy Tuck

2 people found this helpful
Kevin G. Rose, MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
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