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

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

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.

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!

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!

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

Thank you for your question, GaDawgInSF. It is very important that the surgeon is informed of any medication that the patient is using at the time of surgery.
The decision to take Chantix at the time of your surgery will be determined by your surgeon and your health conditions at the time of your surgery, in any case, remember that it is very important that at the time of your surgery your lungs are completely free of toxins for a better healing and recovery.

Thank you for your question. I have had patients taking Chantix for smoking cessation at the time of surgery. You are correct that this, and all medications, should be reviewed with your plastic surgeon and primary care physician before surgery. Maintaining your smoke-free status will really help with your wound healing, as well as making your anesthetic experience better. Best of luck.

I can offer some general information. It's important to consult with your surgeon to discuss your specific situation, medical history, and the use of medications like Chantix (varenicline) in the context of your lower body lift and medial thigh lift surgery.Chantix is a prescription medication designed to help people quit smoking by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It works by targeting nicotine receptors in the brain. Before any surgery, it's crucial to inform your surgeon about all medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as they can impact the surgical process and your recovery.Here are some considerations:1. Consultation with Healthcare Professionals:• Schedule a consultation with both your plastic surgeon and the healthcare professional prescribing Chantix. They can evaluate your overall health, discuss potential interactions, and provide guidance on whether it's safe to continue Chantix leading up to and after surgery.2. Timing of Medication:• Your surgeon may provide specific instructions regarding when to stop taking Chantix before the surgery. It's essential to follow their guidance to minimize any potential risks.3. Impact on Healing:• Some medications, including those affecting the cardiovascular and circulatory systems, may have implications for surgical healing. Your surgeon will consider these factors when planning your surgery.4. Individual Health Factors:• Your overall health, medical history, and the specific details of your surgery will influence the decision about the use of Chantix around the time of your lower body lift and medial thigh lift.Always prioritize open communication with your plastic surgeon to ensure they have a complete understanding of your health and any medications you are taking. This will enable them to provide you with the recommendations and optimize your safety during the surgical process and recovery.