Do I need to stop smoking before plastic surgery?

Hello! Thank you for your question! The issue with nicotine 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 procedures as breast procedures and a tummy tuck where the viability of the nipple, belly button, and skin flaps are obviously important. Since the vascularity to the area is already tenuous with the dissection of the abdominal tissue as well as cutting around the areas, 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, skin flap necrosis, and wound complications, as well as other health consequences. There is an increase pulmonary risk with the anesthesia and postop lung infections. The most devastating consequence of infection, especially since the tissue is tightened, is increased. This along with wound healing and scarring. Some surgeons will refuse to operate on smokers and often check urine or blood levels prior. I would discuss this with your surgeon prior to your procedure. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

Thanks for your question!
You need to quit smoking before and after having surgery. If your surgeon wants you to stop 6 weeks prior to having surgery then you should, regardless what others tell you. Follow all your instructions and contact your surgeon with any questions or concerns. Best wishes!

Thank you for your question. It is crucial that you follow your plastic surgeons instructions. It is correct, stop smoking about 6 weeks before surgery. The longer the better. Smoking can cause procedure relates risks. Your safety is the most important thing. Smoking’s negative effect on the circulatory system and blood supply is well documented. Smokers who undergo any surgery have an increased risk of experiencing some form of oxygen shortage, developing blood clots, and contracting an infection. Dhaval M. Patel Double board certified Plastic surgeonHoffman Estates BarringtonOakbrook Chicago

Thank you for your question. Smoking before or after your surgery can increase your risk of developing complications including infection and wound healing problems. I tell my patients that it is ideal to stop a couple months ahead of surgery and then for a couple months after surgery. Please discuss with your surgeon what their guidelines are for your particular surgery.

When one smokes, or uses tobacco, there is vascular constriction. Nicotine is a major vasoconstrictor. There are others in tobacco as well. Good wound healing is all about getting enough blood supply to the area. The incision will also be put on some tension. Tension is the enemy of good wound healing, and coupled with decreased blood flow in smokers, finds the patient at higher risk of wound problems. Our office does not do facelifts on smokers. Breast reductions and tummy tucks are also on tension and the chance of them falling apart is many fold higher. Some respected colleagues still may do these, but usually the extent of the dissection is less. Please stop smoking, (for dozens of reasons). If the prospect of your procedure is a motivation to quit, then so be it.