I vape 5mg and mommy makeover's in 4 weeks - ok if I quit now?

Any nicotine/tobacco can delay your wound healing and affect your results. I suggest having an open conversation with your surgeon. In my practice, I require my patients to be nicotine and recreational drug free for at least 4 weeks prior and 6 weeks after surgery for optimal results.

My practice rule is 4 weeks before and 6 weeks after. Smoking/vape increases risk of wound complications. For elective surgery, everything should be in order to reduce the risk of complications as much as possible.

It’s best to ask your surgeon. Your surgeon is more familiar with your situation and will be performing your procedure, therefore they should be notified about this so they can determine whether it’s safe to proceed.

Hi, Thank you for the question.
Regarding elective surgery and smoking or vaping, a cessation period of at least four weeks before surgery and after surgery has been recommended. Some physicians will do a nicotine test prior to surgery to ensure that the patient has been compliant and it is safe to proceed with surgery. Not only will smoking or vaping cessation help with reducing surgical complications and increasing the ability for wounds to heal, but it will also benefit patient’s overall well-being.
I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in Breast Reduction surgeries to further discuss your options, specific techniques, concerns and expectations. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzFellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Hi & thanks for your question!
Yes, you need to stop vaping now. Many issues can arise post operative from smoking or vaping. Best wihes!

Yes, everything matters in elective surgery. Smokes in any form (Tabaco, marijuana, vapes) will significantly affect and compromise healing of tissues after surgery. Complications like fat necrosis (death of fat tissue after transfer), wound necrosis, separation, infection, are multiple times increased in patients with this habit. In plastic surgery circle, it is generally recommended to stop smoking at least 6 weeks before elective procedure to decrease but not completely eliminate these complications. Hope this help.

Dear librabby,
every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for sharing your question. I would reach out to your surgeon as each office has their own policies regarding vaping and other smoking activities.

It is important that you discuss this with your surgeon as she/he is most familiar with your medical history and surgical plan. Ingesting nicotine in any form can increase risk of complications from surgery. This can include infection, necrosis, and wound healing issues. Your surgeon will advise you on what is recommended for you.

Safety should always be the primary concern in any procedure. The goal of all plastic surgeons that perform rhinoplasties is to improve the appearance with minimal side effects or problems. Smoking anything may increase the risks of complications with a surgical procedure like a rhinoplasty. This includes "vaping". Smokers have a significantly higher rate of delayed healing, infection, opening of the incisions, necrosis or loss of thel skin that is elevated and the underlying tissue, poor scarring, and anesthesia problems.

Be honest with your plastic surgeon who should be certified by the American Board of American Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) about your exposure to vaping and follow all of her or his instructions of when to stop. Remember that you are a participant in your own care.

Robert Singer, MD FACS

La Jolla, California