Should I postpone my procedure if I have smoked 3 weeks before hand?

Smoking can significantly impact the outcome of surgical procedures due to its effects on circulation, healing, and the body's ability to recover. While it's ideal to avoid smoking for a more extended period before surgery, three weeks without smoking can still have some positive impact on your body's ability to heal.

However, it's crucial to inform your surgeon about your recent smoking history. Smoking even three weeks before surgery can still affect blood circulation and the body's ability to heal optimally. Your surgeon might advise postponing the procedure to allow more time for your body to recover from the effects of smoking.

Postponing the surgery might reduce the risks associated with smoking and surgery, potentially leading to better outcomes and a smoother recovery. Always prioritize your health, and follow your surgeon's recommendations regarding smoking cessation before the procedure. They will provide guidance based on your specific circumstances to ensure the best possible outcome.

My practice rules are 4 weeks prior and 6 weeks after. Smoking increases your risk of wound complications. No one wants a wound complication after any surgery - much less after aesthetic surgery. I would postpone.

Hi & thanks for your question!
Stop smoking now and you should be good for surgery. I have my patients quit 3 weeks prior and 3 weeks post surgery. Best of luck!

The best person to ask is your surgeon, since each surgeon has their own pre-op instructions. Please notify them for your safety.

Hi, Thank you for the question.
I would encourage you to postpone your surgery for the safest and most predictable results.
A smoking history is also a known risk factor for increased complications with surgery, because nicotine and other toxins in tobacco products can cause damage and constriction of blood vessels. This can in turn decrease the blood supply to healing tissue and increase the risk of wound breakdown, skin loss, healing complications and nipple loss (partial of full-thickness nipple necrosis).
Regarding elective surgery and smoking, a cessation period of at least four to six weeks before surgery and after surgery has been recommended. Some physicians will do a nicotine test prior to surgery to ensure that the patient has been compliant and it is safe to proceed with surgery. Not only will smoking cessation help with reducing surgical complications and increasing the ability for wounds to heal, but it will also benefit patient’s overall well-being.
I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to further discuss your options, specific techniques, concerns and expectations. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzFellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Sorry to hear about your breakup. You should let your surgeon know about this and let him/her decide whether to postpone your surgery or not. I wish you the best of luck. Vasileios Vasilakis, MD. Double board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon, Houston. TX.

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry to hear of your recent personal issues. I would reach out to your surgeon's office to discuss next steps as each office will have different protocols. I would find it necessary to postpone your case as the risk of complications is too great.

Dear Gregarious477981,
it is important to stop smoking prior to surgery in order to reduce the risk of complications. Every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

I'm sorry to hear of the emotional stress you've been experiencing. Your question is best answered by your surgeon. She/He is most familiar with your medical history and your surgical plan. Nicotine can increase risk of complications from surgery. These can include infection, necrosis, and poor wound healing. Your surgeon will advise you what is recommended for you.

Hello and thank you for your question. I do not recommend that you continue to read through Google. You will get too many different answers that may not necessarily apply to you. The best thing is to ask your plastic surgeon and they will give you their recommendation.

Best wishes!