Smoking and lipo: What if you can’t quit smoking?

Although smoking does increase the risk of healing problems and infection, it can be safely done in patients who smoke.

Thank you for your question. Patients who are currently smoking or use tobacco or nicotine products are at a greater risk for significant surgical complications of skin dying, delayed healing and additional scaring. Additionally, smoking may have a significant negative effect on anesthesia and recovery from anesthesia, with coughing and possibly increased bleeding. I tell my patients to refrain from smoking weeks before surgery and until I state it is safe to do so. Best,Dr. Newall 

Smoking reduces circulation to the skin and impedes healing. It is best to avoid smoking, second hand smoke and cigarette replacements, such as nicotine patches or gum, in the peri-operative period. While you should ideally stop smoking for 2 weeks before and after your surgical procedure, YOU MUST NOT SMOKE FOR A MINIMUM OF 24 HOURS BEFORE AND 24 HOURS AFTER SURGERY.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA