How long after my breast reduction can I smoke cigarettes?

Question

im just curious... I want to start back up again, I had maybe 7 so far... hoping nothing bad will happen! please help. I smoked 17 days post op and now im 18 days out.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

You will find different opinions on smoking and healing after surgery. You should check with your surgeon. For my patients I require that they stop smoking for a minimum of two weeks before and two weeks after surgery, but longer of course is better. Smoking is very addictive and I understand how difficult it is to stop. I prescribe Chantix to some of my patients to help them quit permanently. Good luck!

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Your question is very important to your healing and future. First, CONGRATULATIONS for your choice to #QUIT #SMOKING during your surgery and recovery!  If you have stopped smoking for your surgery, you need to just quit and DO NOT return to smoking. Smoking can affect your healing process. If you decide to return to smoking, which is not helpful to your general health, you can generally do so after 6 weeks. You will need to discuss this with your plastic surgeon to receive clearance to resume this activity. Best wishes to you.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Surely you don't expect a doctor to tell you its ok to resume smoking after quitting! Having said that, depending on how things have healed there should be low risk to the surgical result at 6 weeks.

Nathan Kludt, MD · Answer

The simple answer to this is: NEVER. If you were able to quit prior to surgery and immediately postop you need to attempt to refrain from starting again for the numerous health reasons. Regarding postoperative healing your tissues need a healthy blood supply to heal appropriately. Every time you take a puff on a cigarette your blood vessels constrict, which will ultimately delay your healing process and make you more prone to having a healing complication. Best of luck on quitting smoking. Dr. Kludt

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

You shouldn't be smoking in terms of your health or your result. I would ask your PS for his/her advice on this as every PS has a different policy. At the end of the day it will be your choice - your PS can only advise!

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