Can I be on Chantix (stop smoking aid) at the time of my Lower Body Lift and Medial Thigh Lift Surgery?

Question

I started taking Chantix on 3/1 to help me stop smoking.  My  surgery will be on 5/25 and my surgeon won't do the surgery if I haven't been smoke free for 30 days.  Can I have surgery while taking Chantix?  My PCP has suggested that I stay on it for 30 days post surgery, with surgeon approval, to help get thru the stress/emotion of this procedure and not go back to my evil ways!  I will check with my surgeon, but I don't see him again for several weeks.  Thanks in advance for your advice.

Joseph Michaels, MD · Answer

Your surgeon will likely want you to continue. You should contact his/her office to make sure.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question about whether Chantix (varenicline) is safe to use before and after a lower body lift and medial thigh lift. First, congratulations on your commitment to quitting smoking — that’s a major step toward ensuring a smooth surgery and recovery.

To answer your question: Yes, you can typically continue using Chantix before and after surgery, as long as you are not actively smoking. Chantix is a prescription medication that works by blocking nicotine receptors in the brain, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It does not contain nicotine, so unlike nicotine patches, gum, or vaping, it will not constrict blood vessels or impair wound healing — which is the main reason plastic surgeons require patients to be nicotine-free before surgery.

Your surgeon’s requirement that you be completely smoke-free for 30 days prior to surgery is very important, especially for procedures like a lower body lift and medial thigh lift, which have long incisions and require optimal blood flow for healing. Smoking or any nicotine use can cause wound breakdown, skin necrosis, infection, and poor scarring — especially in areas with tight closures like the groin or buttocks.

As long as you stay off cigarettes, nicotine patches, gum, and vaping, Chantix should be safe to continue. In fact, your primary care doctor is right to recommend staying on it after surgery to help with stress and avoid relapse — quitting smoking around the time of surgery can be emotionally challenging, and Chantix may help you stay on track.

Of course, always follow up with your plastic surgeon before surgery to confirm they are comfortable with you staying on Chantix during the perioperative period. Every surgeon has their own protocols, but in most cases, Chantix is not a contraindication for surgery.

Wishing you a successful surgery and continued success staying smoke-free — both are investments in your long-term health and confidence!

Sincerely,
Dr. J. Timothy Katzen, MD, MBA, FASMBS, FICS
(Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons; Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery; Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and RealSelf Hall of Fame)

You're making all the right moves — quitting smoking, preparing for surgery, and using Chantix under supervision. Be proud of this step forward.

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

The concern with smoking is the nicotine in the smoke which causes constriction of the blood vessels and problems healing postoperatively.  The smoke itself can also lower oxygen content in the blood, which are the reasons why smoking cessation before surgery and even after is so important.  Since Chantix does not have nicotine in it, you should be fine to keep taking it, but do make sure you have your surgeon's blessing.  Best of luck with your surgery!

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

I prefer patients stay on Chantix if there's even a tiny chance they could resume smoking before surgery. Smoke is filled toxins and it is well known that complications like infections, tissue loss, and wound healing delays are double the risk in smokers. Let your plastic surgeon know about your Chantix and any other medications you're taking. Good luck with your body lift surgery!

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

This shouldn’t be a concern but its essential to notify your surgeon and seek their advice.

Can I be on Chantix (stop smoking aid) at the time of my Lower Body Lift and Medial Thigh Lift Surgery?

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Can I be on Chantix (stop smoking aid) at the time of my Lower Body Lift and Medial Thigh Lift Surgery?

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