Smoking and tummy tuck
I will not do a full tummy tuck on a smoker unless they quit smoking three weeks before and three weeks after to prevent wound healing complications. (Vishnu Rumalla, MD, Dallas Plastic Surgeon)
Smoking After A Tummy Tuck Is A Very Bad Idea!
I will not perform any flap surgery on a patient that smokes. This would include tummy tucks, facelifts and breast lifts to name a few.
You are at significant risk for wound healing problems including loss of skin which is very difficult to repair.
I ask that all patients undergoing any of the above surgeries refrain from any nicotine products for 2-4 weeks before surgery and 3-4 weeks after.
By that time, you are 5-8 weeks without smoking and hopefully you’ve “kicked the habit”. (Douglas L. Gervais, MD, Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon)
Smoking after tummy tuck is not OK
Tummy tuck and smoking definately causes problems which can be regretable for both you and your surgeon. We can get away with smoking for breast augmentation, however the risk for tummy tuck is no joke. Patches are no solution either. We recommend just give it up. (Peter E. Johnson, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)
Smoking and botox
I do not perform tummy tucks on smokers. The incidence of complications are too high. I require at least 6 weeks off of any nicotine product before proceeding. Nicotine causes vasospasm in the vessels which limits blood supply and can lead to skin not surviving. I strongly advise against it. (Rick Rosen, MD, Norwalk Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy Tucks & Smoking Are Bad Combination
Although smoking cessation is desirable prior to most operations, it is especially important with a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck is accompanied by the interuption of major parts of the blood supply to the abdomen, Smoking a single cigarette post-op could result in spasm to a collateral vessel and lead to loss of large areas of tissue. (John Whitt, MD, Louisville Plastic Surgeon)
Smoking is not good for healing.
I strongly recommend not smoking before and after tummy tuck for at least one month. I am sure you have heard that smoking is not good; it causes cancer as well as poor healing and bad skin. When you invest money and time for elective, cosmetic surgery, you want to minimize any potential complication. (Sugene Kim, MD, FACS, Houston Plastic Surgeon)