Cotinine test before surgery - how sensitive are the tests? Will I pass?

Hi Creative52724,
The urine cotinine is pretty sensitive...I have had patients test positive when they live with an in-house or in-car smoker, despite not smoking themselves.
The test is for your own benefit...it helps you and your surgeon to understand your nicotine exposure. This is important and relevant because nicotine in any form (smoking, chewing, patches, gum) is the single worst thing you can do for wound healing--especially after a totally elective operation.
Nicotine constricts the small blood vessels that are essential for healing, and patients with nicotine in their system are much, much more likely to have postoperative wound healing problems than non-nicotine patients.
I'd suggest having an honest conversation with your surgeon, and confirming he/she is on board with tummy tuck five weeks after smoking cessation.
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

Congratulations on quitting smoking! I encourage you to speak with your surgeon on the length of time required for smoking cessation prior to surgery as opinions vary. From the information given you should be okay with regard to the test, but your safety is the number one priority. Nicotine can be problematic during recovery leading to difficulty healing, infection, and potential tissue necrosis.

Dear Creative952724,
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