I smoked a few hits of weed last night for neck pain/spasms and my full Facelift with nose job is in 10 days. Any suggestion?

Question

I am not a heavy marijuana user. I smoke a few tokes 1-2x per week for neck pain and spasms. I was told not to smoke for 30 days but have seen where some docs say 2 weeks. I am in great health other than the neck problems. I would appreciate any thoughts.

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Evidence shows that even one cigarette per day can have deleterious effects on wound healing.So, fess up to your surgeon.  They might want to postpone your surgery.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

I understand your wish to relieve your neck pain, however oral medications could do this without the downsides of smoking marijuana and it's possible complications for surgery.  The small amount you did use is not likely to cause any issues, as long as you do not continue to use from now till 4 weeks after your surgery.  Be sure your surgeon is informed so a safe  surgery can be planned.

Andrea Marando, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The advice to my patients is not to smoke (anything)  for at least 6 weeks before and after surgery to minimize the issue of healing. I understand that the main reason why you did smoke marijuana was to release the neck pain and spasm, but I am sure that your surgeon is able to prescribe for you alternative medications to address the current problem. My suggestion would be not to risk a delayed healing after a facelift by smoking when there are drugs able to help you without affecting this delicate phase.Please do contact your surgeon and ask for his/her advice on this specific issue. I am sure you will not be disappointed.All the bestAndrea MarandoPlastic and Cosmetic SurgeonManchester, UK

Lee B. Daniel, MD · Answer

Although the few tokes you took shouldn’t adversely affect your facelift, it’s important to let your plastic surgeon know. It’s true that plastic surgeons vary in how long they say you should avoid smoking prior to surgery, with recommendations that range from 2 weeks to 1 month before the procedure. The reason for this is because smoking diminishes the blood’s ability to carry oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, which is an important component in healing. In the first few weeks as you heal from your facelift, seek an alternative to smoking marijuana for pain relief.

Kouros Azar, MD · Answer

Dear Alice,There is a reason why surgeons advise you not to smoke for 30 days prior to your surgery. It can adversely affect your body's ability to heal. My best advice would be for you to contact your plastic surgeon as he or she knows your case intimately. Kindly,Kouros Azar

I smoked a few hits of weed last night for neck pain/spasms and my full Facelift with nose job is in 10 days. Any suggestion?

Answers (5)