Smoking 10/11 days post op after breast augmentation. Is this ok?

Question

I recently had a breast augmentation Periareolar incision and I was wondering if it would be okay to smokes 2-3 cigarettes 10/11 days post op. Could 2-3 cigarettes really cause any seriousness

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you so much for your question.  Smoking is a very bad idea post op.  Nicotine is a vaso-constrictor.  Wound healing is all about getting blood supply to the wound.  Smoking has been seen to increase; capsular scarring, wounds falling apart, infections, increasing revision rates.  It is just a bad idea.  You have put time and recourses into this project.  Please don't mess it up.  You have also not smoked for a while, keep up the good work and be a non-smoker.  Always best to tell your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon your concerns.  
Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Las Vegas Plastic Surgery

Lane Smith, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  As every surgeon has their own unique set of post operative instructions, it is always bets to first consult with your operating physician.  That being said, we advise our patients to wait a minimum of 3-4 weeks post surgery before exposing themselves to nicotine, smoking, etc. as smoking increases all of the risks associated with surgery such as but not limited to delayed wound healing, risk of infextion, risk of capsular contraucture, and possibility of additional surgical procedures.With kind regards,

Lane F. Smith, M.D.,
F.A.A.C.S., F.A.O.H.N.S., F.A.B.F.P.R.S.

Las Vegas Plastic
Surgeon

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I require my patients to cease smoking four weeks prior to surgery and for at least four weeks following surgery. Smokers have higher complication rates due to decreased blood flow to the skin. This often results in wound healing problems and possible tissue necrosis. Please discuss with your board certified plastic surgeon.

Keshav Magge, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question- and yes smoking is still bad for you.  The nicotine in the cigarettes causing the blood vessels that allow healing to become clamped down, impairing wound healing and increasing the chance of infection.   All the best,

Glenn M. Davis, MD, FACS · Answer

As some others have said, smoking
this soon after your breast augmentation can negatively affect your body’s
healing process and has the potential to cause complications. Even just a few
cigarettes, as you mention, is enough to cause problems. Typically, women are
urged not to smoke during the weeks leading up to, as well as at last 4 weeks
following their procedure. Following your plastic surgeon’s specific
instructions for recovery really is key to a safe and effective breast
augmentation. Best of luck!

Smoking 10/11 days post op after breast augmentation. Is this ok?

Answers (8)

Answer: Smoking

Answer: Smoking

Answer: Avoid smoking for a month after surgery.

Answer: Avoid smoking for a month after surgery.

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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Smoking 10/11 days post op after breast augmentation. Is this ok?

Answers (8)

Answer: Smoking

Answer: Smoking

Answer: Avoid smoking for a month after surgery.

Answer: Avoid smoking for a month after surgery.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.