Will I get dead nipple from smoking after gynecomastia surgery?

Question

i had the surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago. My doc said dont smoke for at least 3 weeks. I messed up and had one cigarette after 2 weeks and 4 days. what percentage of people who get dead nipple are within the first week post op? I assume it lowers everyday after surgery?? Im healing at a decent pace Although I still have bruising and slight pain. My swelling has all but disappeared. Whats the chances 1 cig will make my nipple fall off 19 days after surgery?

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. I suggest you should meet your Board Certified Surgeon to talk this situation. Because it's better to wait 3-4 weeks because your operation area trying to get healed. Then after yes, you can do smoke and drink. I wish you all the best.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

The male breast is composed of glandular tissue and fatty tissue. An excess in either type of tissue can cause the chest to take on the look of gynecomastia. Gynecomastia can affect #men of all different body types. There are different types of #gynecomastia.Several common factors can cause gynecomastia including excessive levels of #estrogen, natural #hormone changes, use of recreational drugs or alcohol, medications and their associated side effects, and, various health conditions. Also, there are different types of #gynecomastia. Therefore, weight gain, steroid use,recreational drug use and have hormonal conditions can contribute to a return of gynecomastia regardless of previous surgical removal and treatments. It's important to implement healthy lifestyle choices to not only prolong your surgical results, but most importantly, to reduce your risk of illness and disease which will impact your health.

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

Smoking is a problem when there are big incisions and big habits.  Bad combination.  A few cigarettes a couple weeks before a gynecomastia surgery should not impair wound healing.

Karthik Ram, MRCS, DNB · Answer

One cigarette isn't going to kill your nipple especially after two and a half weeks. Generally consumption of tobacco related products decrease tissue blood flow and hence the healing power of all damaged and Susceptible tissues (in your case nipple & skin). The risk reduces drastically a few days (1 week) after procedure.But if there is one habit that I ask my clients to quit then it is always smoking!!!

William Andrade, MD · Answer

I can't provide the exact answer to your question (risk your nipple will fall off 19 days after surgery if you smoke).  Suffice it to say that smoking is known to increase your risk of wound healing complications and it's best to stop before and after surgery.  I recommend stopping for a minimum of one month before and after surgery, but the risk of complications will drop even lower if you can stop for a longer time.

Will I get dead nipple from smoking after gynecomastia surgery?

Answers (5)