Smoking tummy tuck
There is no specified time for quitting smoking prior to surgery. The effects from smoking on the tissues are long term and you remain at a higher risk even with cessation prior to surgery. The care with surgical technique can not be underestimated and good post op monitoring is important. (Trevor M. Born, MD, Toronto Plastic Surgeon)
Smoking and Plastic Surgery
Smoking before plastic surgery is not a good combination. You are having an elective procedure and you want everything to be in your favor for a good outcome. Smoking interferes with blood supply to the skin and wound healing. If you have quit about a month before surgery then you will probably be okay – however the effects from smoking are long term and nothing is for certain.
Smoking tummy tuck picture
However, you have to be honest with your self and with your surgeon. There is no doubt that smokers have more complications after plastic surgery. (David Shafer, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)
Complications from smoking tummy tuck
You should be okay. There are long-term effects suchas peripheral vascular disease and emphysema. and then there are acute effects like vasoconstriction from the nicotine.
Risks are associated with lung problems or the blood flow issues from nicotine. Youdo not seem to have smoked enough for it to be a long-term concern and stopping the nicotine two weeks prior to surgery is probably adequate.
Smoking tummy tuck image
However check with your surgeon. Also, remember that complications can occur in non-smokers as well. (Robin T.W. Yuan, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)
Possible complications from smoking before tummy tuck?
Having reduced your nicotine intake to zero for about 6 weeks prior to your surgical procedure will reduce the possible complications from nicotine but it’s not totally risk free. Chances are that your vessels may be still compromised so I would recommend less aggressive undermining and not to perform liposuction of the central portion of the flap at the same time as the tummy tuck. (Joel B. Singer, MD, Old Greenwich Plastic Surgeon)
Smoking, nicotine and plastic surgery complications
Smoking tummy tuck photo
Being entirely away from all nicotine including second hand smoke for a full month before and another month after surgery will take your risk down – but not to zero. But at least you are doing all you can do. (Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)
Smoking and Nicotine Use Increases Your Chance of Healing Problems
Although a month off nicotine (in any form) is probably sufficient, remaining off nicotine while you heal after surgery is also important for the first few weeks too. There is no agreed upon time frame on exactly how long to quit smoking before plastic surgery, but at least one study done i Sweden shows the complication rates dropping when patients stopped 4 weeks prior to general and orthopedic surgery. (John LoMonaco, MD, FACS, Houston Plastic Surgeon)
