I do not smoke cigarettes but I do smoke marijuana. Could this have caused the dead tissue under my nipple?

Thank you for your question.Yes, any type of smoking can cause tissue death.Multiple studies have shown that the by products of smoking (doesn't matter what type)cause vasospasm (the shut down of blood to tissue) especially in the postoperative period. Thus blood, antibiotics, oxygen, nutrients  and healing factors can't get to the tissue edges and a consequence is tissue loss and poor scar production. Smoking post operatively has  been shown to be much worse than preoperatively. This even pertains to second hand smoke.Everybody  tissue is more or less susceptible to the affects of smoking. Regrettably, once you have had this problem you are much more susceptible happening again.I suggest that stop ALL types of smoking NOW (preferably for ever) but a least until all your wounds are are completely healed.I suggest you talk with your surgeon directly about all of this.Best wishes for a hopefully uneventful recovery.

Hello! Thank you for your question! The issue with nicotine or any inhalant is that it
also acts as a vasoconstrictor, clamping down of blood vessels. Blood
supply is always of great concern during any surgical procedure, but
especially in such a procedure as a mastopexy where the viability of the
nipple-areolar complex is obviously important. Since the vascularity to
the area is already tenuous since it will be raised by cutting around
the area, maximizing blood flow to the tissue is critical. Typically,

we recommend at least 6 weeks of smoking cessation prior to and at
least 6 weeks after any surgical procedure. The longer, the better.
Nicotine always increases the risk for infection, nipple necrosis, poor
scarring, and
wound complications, as well as other health consequences including blood clots. The
anesthesia risk is greater with general anesthesia as well as pulmonary
issues/lung infections postoperatively. I would
discuss this with your surgeon prior to your procedure. Tissue/skin necrosis as well as ingfections are risks for any breast reduction procedure.  Hope that this
helps! Best wishes!

Hello,Thank you for your question, and attached images.The problem with smoking and wound healing is profound.  When inhaling the products created from the combustion of either tobacco, or other, you are taking in carcinogenic chemicals, and carbon monoxide to name a few.The carbon monoxide attaches to the red blood cells permanently, and does not allow oxygen delivery by that red blood cell to the tissue.  The tissue that is healing from surgery is highly metabolic and needs profuse oxygenation; more than uninjured tissue.  Additionally, the nicotine absorbed if tobacco is used, causes vasoconstriction of the blood vessels- this also limits oxygen delivery by the restricted blood flow to the tissue.I hope this helps.Thank you,S.P. Maggi, MD, FACSdrmaggi.comAustin Plastic Surgery Center