Will chewing tobacco instead of smoking it in the pre-hair transplant period have a bad effect on surgery?

Question

Jyoti Gupta, MD · Answer

Any nicotine intake either in form of tobacco or cigarettes, will definitely have a negative impact on your transplant results. There are more chances of graft failure and poor wound healing if you are a consumer of nicotine (current or past). 
You can discuss your case with your surgeon to have a tailored approach. You can undergo low density transplant in first session and can undergo a second session after 6-9 months to increase the density. This can prevent any complications stated above.

Karl Hekimian, MD · Answer

Nicotine in any form (smoking, vaping, chewing, patches, gum etc) causes blood vessels to contract, decreasing circulation to the skin and can cause healing problems.  If possible it's best to avoid nicotine before and after surgery, and be sure that yous surgeon knows you use nicotine as this may alter how aggressive he/she can safely be.

Cory Torgerson, MD, PhD, FRCSC - Account Suspended · Answer

It is not recommended that you take any nicotine following any type of surgical procedure because it restricts the blood flow. Good blood flow is very important during the healing process and also for the success rate of the grafts.

Oleg Antonov, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

The use of any nicotine containing substance will cause vasoconstriction of microcirculation and restrict blood flow and affect growth and development of follicles. This says nothing about how oncological problems and the chemotherapy treatments causing alopecia totalis. Star this new year with good habits.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

The use of tobacco with any hair transplant in any manner where the tobacco is absorbed by your body, is never a good idea when you have a hair transplant

Will chewing tobacco instead of smoking it in the pre-hair transplant period have a bad effect on surgery?

Answers (5)

Answer: Nicotine pre-op restriction

Answer: Nicotine pre-op restriction

Answer: Chewing tobacco

Answer: Chewing tobacco

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Everything you need to know about Hair Transplant

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Will chewing tobacco instead of smoking it in the pre-hair transplant period have a bad effect on surgery?

Answers (5)

Answer: Nicotine pre-op restriction

Answer: Nicotine pre-op restriction

Answer: Chewing tobacco

Answer: Chewing tobacco

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hair Transplant

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