Nicotine test for breast aug, tummy tuck and lipo

Question

I took a Corinne/nicotine test. -it detects metabolite in human urine cut off at 200ng/ml. It shows negative. Am I good for tummy tuck surgery?

Anita Patel, MD, FACS · Answer

That's the wrong question to be asking, and the wrong way to look at this. This is more about optimizing your chances for a successful outcome, than it is about passing a test. I ask patients to stop nicotine at least 4 weeks before surgery, if not 6, and plan to never resume. Breast implants and smoking do not mix. Smokers have a higher chance of capsular contracture than non-smokers, and can result in needing additional surgeries down the line. Also, nicotine temporarily constricts blood vessels, making it harder to heal any surgical site, and putting you at a greater risk overall. Smokers also have a higher incidence of deep venous thrombosis, which is a possible risk of tummy tuck surgery, and one that has the potential to be fatal. When you are ready to make as big of a change as a breast aug, tummy tuck, and lipo will give you, isn't it worth it to give yourself the gift of not smoking as well? Your skin will look better too. ;)

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

You should stop smoking at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to tummy tuck surgery.  The fact that the test doesn't detect metabolites means absolutely nothing about your risks for wound healing complications.  If you have smoked -- even a single cigarette -- within that time frame the data indicates that you are at higher risk for tissue necrosis and wound healing problems.

Karl William Schwarz, MD · Answer

I would think that if you have stopped smoking and your nicotine test is negative then you should be fine to safely undergo a tummy tuck.

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question .   It's very important to be nicotene free for at least 6 weeks prior to an elective surgery .  I test my patients at 6 weeks and 2 weeks prior to surgery, and at times on day of surgery.

Jeffrey H. Lee, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question.  Unfortunately nicotine levels are different than its effects on your tissue.  So for example, if you quit smoking 1 week ago, your urine test may be negative but the effects and impairments on wound healing may last a month or longer.  I recommend to my patients that they stop any nicotine exposure at least 1 month before surgery to minimize any risks of wound problems after surgery.  Best of luck!

Nicotine test for breast aug, tummy tuck and lipo

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Nicotine test for breast aug, tummy tuck and lipo

Answers (7)

Answer: Nicotene test

Answer: Nicotene test

Answer: Nicotine test

Answer: Nicotine test

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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