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

Thank you for the question.  There are some surgeries that patients can not smoke with and other surgeries you do not have to stop smoking for as long as the patient understands they are at a higher risk for complications.  Schedule a consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your concern and the smoking.  Best Wishes

Thank you for your question.  As you can tell from the answers and other questions in this forum, smoking causes major disadvantages to your healing, your results, and your general health.  Most plastic surgery patients are desiring to look better, feel better, and make positive changes in their lifestyle for good.  I am hoping that you are one of those.  While it is true that you may not have significant problems with a liposuction procedure, why take the chance?  Use this opportunity to create a body that you will be proud of and a healthy life.  Best of luck!Cheers,Brad Remington, MD

You will always do better after surgery if you quit smoking but there are more complications with skin tightening procedures such as breast lifts and reductions and tummy tucks. As much as I hate to say it, you probably won't have much trouble after liposuction. There may be some pulmonary congestion from the anesthesia though.

Thanks for your question, Lat78.
Most - if not all - plastic surgeons would absolutely require you to quit smoking before any type of plastic surgery. That’s because nicotine in cigarettes acts as a vasoconstrictor, narrowing down your blood vessels, making it harder for blood to pass through. Lack of blood supply can lead to delayed healing and increased risk for other complications like infection and tissue necrosis.
You should ask your reputable and board-certified plastic surgeon if he’s willing to do liposuction even if you haven’t quit smoking for at least six weeks before surgery.
Best of luck!

Liposuction can be performed on patients who smoke. You are at a slightly increased risk for complications from anesthesia and surgery, but overall smoking is not as problematic when doing liposuction compared to something like a tummy tuck or breast lift where circulation to the skin is compromised. And there are many smoking cessation programs offered by hospitals around the country- don't try to do it alone. Good luck.