Nicotine pouches and Liposuction - is one week pre-op long enough to stop?

Dear Versatile471913,
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

Nicotine use, including through nicotine pouches, can have adverse effects on wound healing and increase the risk of complications following liposuction and other surgical procedures. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reduces blood flow to tissues, and impairs oxygen delivery, which can compromise the healing process and increase the risk of tissue damage, infection, and other complications.
While ideally, it's recommended to abstain from nicotine use for a more extended period before surgery to minimize these risks, such as four to six weeks or longer, one week of nicotine cessation may still be beneficial. However, it's essential to discuss your specific situation with your plastic surgeon, as they can provide recommendations based on factors such as your overall health, medical history, and the extent of your nicotine use.
Here are some considerations regarding nicotine use and liposuction:
1. Consult with Your Surgeon: Inform your plastic surgeon about your nicotine use during the pre-operative consultation. They can assess your individual risk factors and provide guidance on the optimal timing for nicotine cessation before surgery.
2. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): If you're having difficulty quitting nicotine entirely, consider discussing the use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) with your healthcare provider. NRT products such as nicotine patches or gum may help manage nicotine withdrawal symptoms while reducing the risk of complications associated with smoking or nicotine use.
3. Commit to Nicotine Cessation: Make a commitment to abstain from all forms of nicotine, including nicotine pouches, for at least one week before liposuction surgery. This timeframe may help reduce some of the adverse effects of nicotine on wound healing and decrease the risk of complications.
4. Follow Preoperative Instructions: Follow your plastic surgeon's preoperative instructions closely, including any recommendations regarding nicotine cessation, dietary restrictions, medication management, and other preparatory measures.
5. Be Honest and Transparent: Be honest with your plastic surgeon about your nicotine use, as it's essential for them to have accurate information to provide you with the best possible care and optimize your surgical outcomes.
Ultimately, while one week of nicotine cessation may be beneficial, longer periods of abstinence are generally preferred to minimize the risk of complications and promote optimal healing after liposuction surgery. Your plastic surgeon can provide guidance and support to help you prepare for surgery and achieve the best possible results.