We advise every plastic surgery patient to stop smoking at least four weeks before and after their procedure, as it can have a serious effect on your body’s ability to heal. You should also plan on avoiding all nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, nicotine gum, and chewing tobacco, all of which can impact your plastic surgery results and recovery.
Double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Matthew H. Steele and our team will help you take the necessary steps prior to surgery to ensure you get the best outcome. Understanding how smoking can hinder your plastic surgery recovery is an important step to take as you prepare for your procedure.
How Does Nicotine Affect the Body?
Nicotine causes vasoconstriction of blood vessels, which leads to reduced blood flow. This results in less oxygen and increases the risk of necrosis (death) of tissue. If you smoke or use other nicotine products, you will have a higher likelihood of complications, including:
- A lengthier recovery process
- Infection during recovery
- Increased pain during recovery
- More noticeable scars
- Blood clots, stroke, or heart attack
- Open wounds
We want you to achieve the best possible results, and we want to ensure that nothing slows your recovery, which is why it is important to stop smoking or using nicotine products before and after your plastic surgery. You should also be honest about your nicotine habits during your consultation, so Dr. Steele can have the most accurate information and craft the treatment plan that will work best for you.
Learn More About How Smoking and Nicotine Will Affect Your Surgery
If you are interested in plastic surgery and you smoke, you will need to quit in order to move forward. Dr. Steele will provide specific information about how long you should avoid nicotine, which may range from three to six weeks before surgery, and three to six weeks while you recover. Quitting nicotine will help you heal faster, avoid complications, minimize scars, and protect your overall results. You will invest extensive time, money, and energy into your plastic surgery, and you do not want smoking or other forms of nicotine consumption to slow your recovery and results.
For more information about how smoking can hinder your plastic surgery recovery and other lifestyle choices you should avoid during this time, get in touch with Dr. Steele today.