Will second hand smoke affect me prior to surgery?

Any form of nicotine (including cigarettes, patches, gum, etc) can cause constriction of blood vessels which can slow healing and increase risk of complication.  Second hand smoke can also have affects on your healing so it is best to avoid that prior to surgery and for a few weeks after surgery as well.  Ask your partner not to smoke around you during this time frame to ensure you heal as best as possible.

Any sort of tobacco exposure around the time of your surgery will affect your wound healing and can contribute to poor scarring, slow healing, infections, and other complications. Nicotine patches are probably better than smoking, but also can lead to wound healing complications. There is research that suggests that having surgery is a strong motivating factor to stop smoking. I suggest you use your upcoming surgery as a great excuse for you (and those around you) to stop smoking for good. You can do it!

Second hand smoking it also affects the healing, the nicotine in the enviroment will affect the blood vessels and the blood supply will be decreased, increasing the risk for complications, specially skin necorsis. The nicotine patches also have the same effect, even e-cigarrettes will affect the blood supply to the skin. It is important to avoid the smoking or second hand smoking for at least 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after a surgery.

Second hand smoke can increase nicotine levels in your blood and thereby negatively affect your healing. Any nicotine (patch, vaping, cigarette, second hand smoke, gum) causes constriction of the microvasculature in your skin and reduces the blood flow to areas of healing. This increases your risk of wound healing complications such as infection, scarring, wound separation. It is best to avoid a smoky environment and all nicotine products prior and after surgery for several weeks. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MDBoard-Certified Plastic Surgeon@drjohnsonlee

First hand and secondhand smoke can be detrimental to the healing process and increases the risk for infection and necrosis.  Also best to stay off any nicotine patches for the same reason.  Always best to check with your operative surgeon

Dear playscree1, Second hand smoke will effect your healing and it is best to stay away from anyone who is smoking. If your partner can smoke outside that would be helpful for your healing. The patches will have the same effect as cigarettes or e-cigarettes as it is the nicotine that effects the blood supply to the skin. If you have the ability to have hyperbaric oxygen prior to surgery this may be helpful for your recovery. Consult with your surgeon for your preoperative instructions so he/she can guide you to the best recovery. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.