The Risks of Smoking Before and After Cosmetic Surgery


Written by Emel Gerdaneri.

For Smokers, Understanding the Implications of Smoking Before and After Surgery

Doctors always emphasize the importance of abstaining from nicotine before and after any surgery. All cosmetic surgical procedures carry some degree of risk, so it's crucial for both patients and doctors to take all precautions to minimize potential issues.

If you smoke, here's what you need to know before and after your surgery.

What Risks Do Smokers Face?

smokeFirst and foremost, good lung health is crucial for anesthesia. Smoking complicates the process of lowering blood pressure during surgery, making it difficult to achieve controlled hypotension, particularly in nasal surgeries.

This can result in unnecessary bleeding and post-surgical swelling. Nicotine narrows blood vessels, hindering microcirculation and blood flow, which is detrimental to the healing process. Smoking can lead to slower healing, increased scarring, and more severe tissue necrosis.

Smokers are more likely to experience weak wound healing, making it essential to adhere to pre and post-operative smoking restrictions outlined by your doctor.

Are E-Cigarettes Harmful?

When excess skin is removed during surgery, blood flow is already compromised. Adding smoking to the equation further restricts blood flow, complicating the healing process.

Nicotine is the culprit, meaning that not only smokers but also users of e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or nicotine patches are at risk.

Should Only General Anesthesia Patients Quit Smoking?

Smokers are more sensitive to general anesthesia and may experience issues with inhaled gases and medications. Most nasal surgeries typically require general anesthesia.

Chronic smokers are more likely to have underlying heart conditions, increasing the risk of complications from anesthesia and surgery.

Given the correlation between nicotine and poor wound healing, it's advisable to quit smoking before any type of surgery, regardless of the anesthesia method used.

How Long Before Surgery Should You Quit Smoking?

stop smokingDoctors have provided varying answers, ranging from at least two weeks to six weeks before and after surgery. It's best to consult your surgeon for guidance on the specific procedure you'll undergo.

Why Is It Essential to Avoid Smoking During Recovery, and When Can I Resume?

Reduced microcirculation exacerbates the risk during the recovery period. Surgery itself disrupts skin blood flow, and it takes at least 72 hours for new blood vessels to form.

Smoking inhibits this process, making wound healing more challenging. Smoking also hinders collagen production, a crucial component for proper skin healing.

The first four to six weeks after surgery is the time when new collagen is produced, and smoking can negatively impact this process. It's best to never start smoking, but if you do, it's recommended to quit at least three weeks before and at least six weeks after surgery.

Which Procedures Are Most Affected by Smoking?

The highest risk from smoking occurs with surgeries that involve significant skin tightening and removal. Procedures like breast lifts, tummy tucks, post-bariatric body contouring, and facelifts put significant pressure on the skin and blood circulation.

Smokers should avoid smoking before and after these surgeries to minimize the risk of complications.

What About Hookahs?

Research on hookahs isn't as comprehensive as traditional smoking, but they all alter lung oxygen absorption pathways.

The primary concern is wound healing, and hookahs contain nicotine like other tobacco products, posing similar risks.

If you're planning surgery and are a smoker, hookah user, or use any tobacco product, the best course of action is to quit as early as possible.


Written on 03/12/2021

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Last Update: 07/03/2024

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