How can Illegal drug use and cigarette smoking affect my recovery after mini tummy tuck surgery

I would not advise smoking so close to the operation date because it can cause delay in the recovery process... Dr. JSB

As has been noted previously on this question, and widely elsewhere, smoking cigarettes can have disastrous consequences in plastic surgery.  This is particularly so for procedures in which a "flap" is used - tissue that has had much of its blood supply disrupted and so depends on limited blood flow - such as a facelift, tummy tuck, breast reduction, etc.  In those cases, at their extremes, the diminished blood flow from cigarettes smoking can cause necrosis and flap loss.  This leads to defects, widened scars, contour irregularities (after a prolonged recovery) and generally unfavorable results.All of the surgeon's instructions for the pre and post-operative period should be followed strictly but among the top items is to avoid cigarette smoking in the peri-operative period.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of #RealSelf100@RealSelf