Will smoking after my BBL cause any complications?

Question

Today is my 11th day post op after my surgery. I recently had my bbl surgery on the jan 9th and I recently picked up smoking again on the jan 16-19. Will anything happen to bbl? I stopped smoking two weeks before my surgery, and also 7 days after my surgery. But the last 4 days I've smoked... Will my butt go away? I don't feel any pain, I completely feel that I'm 85% much better than from day 1 of my surgery. I can do things on my own. Will my last 4 days effect my bbl? Please help

Salvador Pantoja, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, after surgery it's best if you wait at least a month o two after the surgery for you to resume smoking, since smoking can lead to complications such as fat necrosis, lack of oxygen through fat cells, and loosing fat cells as well.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Please tell your surgeon that you've smoked if you suffer from a complication, such as infection or delayed wound recovery.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
Smoking before or after your surgery can increase your risk of developing complications, including infection and wound healing problems. I recommend my patients that it is ideal to stop at least 6 weeks before surgery and then 6 weeks more after surgery.
If you have any concerns, please follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

Ron Hazani, MD, FACS · Answer

Smoking interferes with healing after surgery and reduces the supply of oxygenated blood to the fat cells. Consult your surgeon regarding post op instructions since each surgeon has a slightly different protocol.

Douglas J. Mackenzie, MD · Answer

Although we would like all of our patients to refrain from smoking for a month or so before surgery and a month or so after, there are some procedures where it really is critical.  These include facelifts, tummy tucks, and fat injections.  The survival of that fat is very precarious in the first few weeks after surgery, requiring the body's blood supply to nourish the delicate fat cells.  Even smoking one cigarette (or breathing second hand smoke) can cause a measurable decrease in capillary bloodflow.  Stop smoking immediately, hopefully you'll get lucky with little or no damage done.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Smoking interferes with the healing, even one cigarette will interfere, If you develop a complication or the fat does not take, then do not blame your plastic surgeon

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Smoking cigarettes during the early post-op period will not be good for survival of the fat which relies on good oxygenated blood to survive.

John E. Nees, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Nicotine is a potent blood vessel constrictor and as such may limit blood flow to healing tissues, at best leading to delayed healing, and at worst leading to tissue death. We strongly recommend smoking cessation at least 4 weeks before and for at least 4 weeks after surgery to prevent healing complications. Some individuals get away without problems...others don't.Admit your error to your plastic surgeon.Best wishes.

Will smoking after my BBL cause any complications?

Answers (8)