Can I smoke marijuana before a breast lift with implants?

Question

I'm scheduled for a breast lift with implants in 2 weeks. Was told that I couldnt smoke cigarettes - which is fine bc I am not a cig smoker. I do however enjoy smoking pot & find it's anti-anxiety effects to be very helpful, esp in calming nerves for upcoming surgery! I know cigs cause all sorts of complications-I didn't even think to ask the pot question! I'm not sure if it would be OK since it doesn't have all the chemicals &is used medicinally. Or is it the very act of smoking itself ?

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Most experts unanimously agree that smoking increases the rate of  breast augmentation surgical complications significantly. Just about all plastic surgeons strongly recommend  women  to stop smoking and all nicotine products well in advance of breast augmentation with breast implants.  Many plastic surgeons recommend stopping all tobacco products several months prior to surgery.Here is the reason why: the nicotine in cigarettes and other tobacco products (including Nicorette gum, patches, etc) is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it makes the Smoking is a significant multiplier of many potential complications following surgery and breast augmentation with implants are no exception. Nicotine from smoking causes blood vessels to vasoconstrict ( tighten up). Over time, these constricted arteries and capillaries deliver less blood to the breast tissue which is needed for normal healing. Smokers therefore have an increased incidence of higher likelihood of complications such as infection, and in particular capsular contracture (hardening and distortion of the implants). General complications of surgery such as blood clots, anesthetic problems such as pneumonia are also increased. A scientific article in the Archives of Internal Medicine indicated that, among all forms of surgery, quitting smoking eight weeks prior was never associated with an increased risk of complications.In young patients you will probably statistically avoid these complications, why tempt fate by increasing your odds that something bad will happen.On a long term basis, smoking also causes accelerated aging of the skin and loss of elasticity. Hopefully these reasons will help give you the will power and courage to stop smoking.

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Having personally had a marijuana-using patient who had a significant wound healing complication after her surgery, I would tell you, "No, don't smoke anything."  We recommend being smoke free for 2 months prior.

Brian Joseph, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question .  Before any breast lift procedure,  it is  advised to stop smoking  anything.  Smoking can decrease blood supply and cause devastating  healing  problems.  I suggest you discuss this further  with your surgeon.  If your surgery  is soon and you have been smoking , it may be necessary  to postpone your procedure.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  In general all smoking prior to surgery can impair your wound healing ability, but in a number of different ways.  It is true that the active ingredient in cigarettes is nicotine, which narrows your blood vessels and limits the amount of blood reaching your incisions. Though marijuana's active ingredient is THC, many times marijuana is mixed with tobacco, and subsequently nicotine.  Secondly, marijuana can interfere with some of the medications used to put you to sleep for surgery, so it is important to stop in order to minimize these risks.  Lastly, smoking of any kind also increases your coughing, which temporarily increases your blood pressure and heart rate potentially causing bleeding after surgery.  Talk to your surgeon and anesthesiologist honestly about your usage, they can help you make the best decision.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear, thanks for your question and provided information as well. I recommend you to quit smoking 3 to 4 weeks before your procedure. You can get skin necrossis if you smoke. You will not have the amount of oxygen needed to your skin and body to heal.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Guys you need to really ask your chosen surgeon that question, don't you? If my patient I would prefer you NOT!

Can I smoke marijuana before a breast lift with implants?

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