I Am Planning on Having Vaser Lipo. I Am Taking Chantix. Do I Have to Quit That Medication Before?

Question

I am planning on having Vaser Lipo done on my stomach and lower back in 6 weeks. I know that I need to quit smoking 6 weeks prior to the surgery and I want to stay quit after. I have started taking Chantix to help with this. Do I need to be off of the Chantix before my surgery or can I continue to take it leading up to and after the procedure? I am concerned that if I stop the medication, it will be difficult for me to stay quit. Should I schedule the procedure for after the 3 months of Chantix?

Ronald A. Lohner, MD · Answer

Congrats on trying to back off on cigarette smoking prior to your surgery.  Drugs that diminish cravings are the best option around the time of surgery (ie, Chantix, Welbutrin).  More problematic from the standpoint of wound healing is nicotine or nicotine supplements found in nicotine gum, patches, etc....  These can provide higher doses of nicotine than those found in cigarette smoking.  Nicotine is most problematic from the standpoint of affecting blood flow in tissues and the resultant effects on wound healing.

Make your anesthesiologist aware that you are taking Chantrix.... I believe that will be a welcome alternative to active smoking.  Best of luck.

Joel L. Shanklin, MD · Answer

You do not need to discontinue the chantix before or after the surgery. I would encourage you to continue the full regimen to quit smoking as you will have a much better outcome from your surgery and be much healthier without the cigarettes.  Good luck with the vaser lipo

Naveen Somia, MBBS, PhD, FRACS · Answer

Its best you speak to your PS and Anaesthesiologist.

	Chantix interacts with some medications that may be used during your procedure. Your doctors will be able to decide that for you

I Am Planning on Having Vaser Lipo. I Am Taking Chantix. Do I Have to Quit That Medication Before?

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I Am Planning on Having Vaser Lipo. I Am Taking Chantix. Do I Have to Quit That Medication Before?

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