When can I start smoking after tummy tuck?

Hi there-
Even though it sounds like you have done well for the first two weeks since your tummy tuck, I would not want you to believe that you are "out of the woods" with regards to the risks posed to your recovery and outcome by nicotine.
Please note that I have phrased the above very deliberately, because it is the nicotine, and not the smoke that is dangerous to you in this situation. Nicotine causes the small blood vessels throughout your body to constrict, limiting blood flow, and compromising healing- and for this reason, gums and patches are just as dangerous to your result and healing as a cigarette is.
Also, human wounds heal in exponential fashion for the first 6 weeks, so in the big scheme of things, you are really not very far along in the process. Any smoking at all might cause compromise of your healing, which could result in your needing to pack bandages in the wound for months, or worse, it could cause the death (necrosis) of some of the skin near the incision, which might take even longer to heal and leave you with a scar you will wish you could have prevented. Indeed, these risks are the reason many plastic surgeons won't consider doing a tummy tuck on a smoker.
While I'm glad that you have done well so far, I recommend you put any thoughts of cigarettes out of your mind for at least another few weeks. You've made a big investment in your body and appearance, and I know you wouldn't want to jeopardize that investment for the short term pleasure of the cigarette.
Hang in there, be strong, and DON'T SMOKE!

Thank you for your question regarding when you can start smoking again after your tummy tuck. It’s great to hear that you’re feeling well at 2 weeks post-op, but when it comes to smoking, it’s important to be cautious.

Smoking can significantly affect the healing process after surgery. It restricts blood flow, which is crucial for wound healing, and it increases the risk of complications such as poor wound healing, infection, tissue necrosis, and scarring. Nicotine, in particular, affects the small blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the skin and tissues, which are essential for recovery after a tummy tuck.

Most plastic surgeons recommend avoiding smoking for at least 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Even though you feel fine now, smoking too soon could still hinder the healing process, especially for the internal tissues and muscles that were repaired during your tummy tuck.

If possible, I encourage you to avoid smoking for as long as possible after surgery to ensure the best healing and results. If you're considering smoking again, please consult with your plastic surgeon first to make sure it's safe based on your individual healing progress.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Thanks for the question. You should wait 1-2 months because your operation area trying to get healed. Then after yes you can do smoke and drink. I wish you all the best.

Each surgeon has their own instructions on smoking after surgery. Please follow your surgeon’s as they're more familiar with your situation.

Smoking can play a big factor in inhibiting the body's healing process. It is strictly advised to try and eliminate smoking ( especially cigarettes), four weeks prior to surgery as well as for at least four weeks post surgery. Smoking will cause major damage to the blood vessels which will then decrease the amount of blood flow to any wounds you have. Smoking also will decrease the amount of oxygen in your blood. To avoid risk of infections, complications and prolonged healing process, you should speak to your healthcare provider about options to help you quit smoking. A lot of Cosmetic Surgeons may even deny doing surgery if you do not quit.

I would wait to start smoking again until 4-6 weeks after your surgery. Smoking constricts your blood vessels which decreases the circulation to the surgical area. This can lead to delayed wound healing or even wound dehiscence. Smoking also increases your chances of developing a blood clot following surgery.

Thank you for your question. It is not a good idea to smoke while you are recovering. Smoking may slow down the recovery process and any wound healing. Nicotine causes the blood vessels to constrict which means they decrease in their size and blood flow thorough them drops off. Nicotine can also make the blood clot more easily which can further clog small blood vessels and capillaries. These effects are extremely serious because they decrease the blood supply to the tissues, can result in wounds not healing, and can result in some devastating complications. It is best to quit smoking while you are recovering. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double board certified Plastic surgeon Hoffman Estates Barrington Oakbrook Chicago

Why start up again?  Smoking brings a significant risk of cancer, stroke, heat attack, etc. From a Plastic Surgery standpoint it is a vasoconstrictor. Wound healing is all about getting oxygen and needed entities to the wound. It is well known that patient who smoke have a tremendous increase in their rate of serious complications, (infections, wounds falling apart, etc.). Nicotine is the main vasoconstrictor, so getting a patch or lozenge of nicotine won't help the vasoconstriction. Best to be off the tobacco/nicotine entirely before surgery. Please be honest with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Together you can make a plan to quit and proceed with surgery. The amount of time between quitting and surgery will depend on the Plastic Surgeon and the procedure.

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 a procedure as a tummy tuck where the viability of the 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 belly button, 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. I would discuss this with your surgeon prior to your procedure. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

Excellent points by Dr Soto...I would just add that both nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarettes work against you in terms of getting the thin, inconspicuous scar you want. After spending so much money you'd be well served to wait several months if you can hold out.