Tummy tuck and smoking?

Dear hayleyst,
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

Smoking can have a number of negative effects on your health, and if you are considering a tummy tuck, it is important to be aware of how smoking can impact your surgery and recovery.

Smokers are at a higher risk for complications during and after surgery, including infection, poor wound healing, and increased pain. Additionally, smokers may have a longer recovery period and may not see as much of a results from their surgery as non-smokers.

If you are a smoker, it is important to quit at least six weeks before your surgery. This will help to reduce your risk of complications and ensure that you get the most out of your surgery.

Thank you for your question. Smoking is known to interfere with healing after surgery. It constricts the blood vessels and can cause some issues. I typically recommend no smoking 6 weeks before and after surgery. Each surgeon will have their own protocol they wish their patients to follow and I would suggest speaking with them directly and following their directions. Best of luck to you.

Hello and thank you for your question. The answer to your question is yes, smoking of any form prior to and after surgery can impact wound healing. In my practice, I require my patients to be nicotine/drug free 4 weeks before and 6 weeks after surgery. This will ensure optimal postoperative results. Good luck.

Some of the chemical compounds in the tobacco smoke can be removed from the body in a few hours. Thus, smoking cessation just a few hours or days before surgery can result in significant reduction of complications. However, for the patient to return to more normal respiratory and immune system function, smoking cessation should occur at least a month prior to surgery. Second hand smoke can also be detrimental to your health.

This is a great question. Having two cigarettes two weeks before surgery will not dramatically increase your surgical risks. Regarding your mother, smoking out her window helps, but the best option would be to smoke outside completely. There is no question that second hand smoke should be avoided as well.
Dann Leonard, MD

Thank you for your question. Smoking just one cigarette decreases the body's ability to deliver necessary nutrients for healing after surgery. Smokers are 14 times more likely to have infection and skin necrosis. I recommend quit smoking 30 days before surgery and staying away from nicotine 30 days after surgery, however the ideal is to give up completely.

Hi, thanks for the question. You have done wonderfully well to quit smoking for 9 weeks and that will undoubtedly make a positive difference to your recovery period. I wouldn't beat yourself up about a couple of cigarettes, the important thing is that you don't relapse again before or after your procedure.
Passive smoking is probably more of an issue for you and you should try and avoid being near passive smoke as much as possible. Good luck with your procedure

Congratulating on quitting smoking! The two cigarettes you had two weeks prior to your surgery should not impact you as long as you do not have any more. I encourage you to discuss it with your surgeon. It is important that you have open and honest communication for optimal results.

Hello, thanks for your question. Don't worry. Having two cigarettes will no affect your healing process. Congrats on quitting smoking! Consult your doctor. Good luck!