I currently vape, have upcoming breast mastopexy + Aug Oct 18,2023- questions About nicotine

Question

I currently have surgery scheduled for October 18. I quit smoking cigarettes about six years ago and started vaping with a nicotine vape. The vape brand that I use offers a zero nicotine vape. Since I know that necrosis can happen with smoking. I am 100% committed to not vaping until I am fully healed. How soon do I need to quit and will I be able to vape non-nicotine right after surgery? Thanks!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You will need to stop vaping several weeks before your surgery.  The recommended length of time varies by surgeon, but the longer the better.  You will want to wait until you are healed from surgery before vaping again.  Your surgeon will let you know when you are cleared to begin non-nicotine vaping.  Nicotine causes constriction of blood vessels which can lead to poor wound healing, infection, and necrosis.

Donald Groves, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Given the elective nature of your surgery, and the detrimental effects of nicotine when it comes to wound healing (the vasoconstriction results in an increased risk of wound breakdown, skin necrosis, infection, etc), most plastic surgeons would recommend avoiding ALL nicotine products (including vaping and nicotine gum) for AT LEAST 6 weeks prior to AND 6 weeks after surgery. Some will also routinely test for nicotine prior to proceeding with surgery. To be safe, even if it says non-nicotine, I would still avoid it for this period to minimize any avoidable risk (after all, caffeine free sodas still have a tiny amount of caffeine). I hope this helps!
Best,
Dr. Donald Groves
Plastic Surgeon

Katie Durnen, MD · Answer

In my practice I prefer for patients to be nicotine-free 6 weeks prior to surgery and 6 weeks after. I usually get urine cotinine testing at pre-op visit to ensure there are no further nicotine metabolites in the system! Vapes are unregulated and thus even vapes advertised as nicotine-free can be problematic in that some of them do include nicotine (evidenced on positive cotinine testing some of my patients). I would recommend avoiding all vapes 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after for best healing.

Suleyman Tas, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Congrats on quitting cigarettes! Preparing for surgery involves minimizing risks. Quit nicotine products (including vaping) at least 4 weeks before surgery. Nicotine affects healing. Switching to non-nicotine vape can still impact blood flow and healing. To ensure optimal recovery, it's best to refrain from all vaping during the healing process. Prioritize your health by following your surgeon's advice for a smooth and successful recovery.

Yily De Los Santos, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Smoking (any kind of smoking) hinders the ability to heal properly, you should quit as soon as possible. I ask my patients to stop smoking at least 2 months before surgery and hopefully forever after.

Being completely healthy is the priority before surgery.

I currently vape, have upcoming breast mastopexy + Aug Oct 18,2023- questions About nicotine

Answers (8)

Answer: Preparing for Surgery and Vaping Considerations

Answer: Preparing for Surgery and Vaping Considerations

Answer: Smoking and Surgery

Answer: Smoking and Surgery

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I currently vape, have upcoming breast mastopexy + Aug Oct 18,2023- questions About nicotine

Answers (8)

Answer: Preparing for Surgery and Vaping Considerations

Answer: Preparing for Surgery and Vaping Considerations

Answer: Smoking and Surgery

Answer: Smoking and Surgery

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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