Will second hand smoke affect me prior to surgery?

Question

i am planning on having nose surgery and definately quitting smoking this week to allow myself time to be smoke free. My partner smokes. Will second hand smoke affect me prior to surgery? I am fearful of the risks and if its means i cant be around any one that smokes then i would appreciate more details. also, should i avoid the patch as well? assume anything that has nicotine would not be good prior to surgery? i think i have asked enough questions recently that covers my concerns. Ty...

Adam Bryce Weinfeld, MD · Answer

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.

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

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!

Juan Carlos Fuentes, MD · Answer

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.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

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

William Portuese, MD · Answer

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

Will second hand smoke affect me prior to surgery?

Answers (6)

Answer: Second hand smoke

Answer: Second hand smoke

Answer: Will secondhand smoke affect me prior to surgery

Answer: Will secondhand smoke affect me prior to surgery

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Will second hand smoke affect me prior to surgery?

Answers (6)

Answer: Second hand smoke

Answer: Second hand smoke

Answer: Will secondhand smoke affect me prior to surgery

Answer: Will secondhand smoke affect me prior to surgery

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.