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If you’re considering any form of plastic surgery, you need to quit smoking beforehand to ensure optimal results and recovery. Nicotine can cause a variety of complications, so you should abstain from cigarettes, patches, chewing tobacco, and vaping.
To help you better understand how important it is to stop smoking before plastic surgery, our team of surgeons at Castrellon Aesthetic Surgery will explain the risks involved.
2 Reasons Why You Need to Stop Smoking Before Plastic Surgery
Smoking Can Increase the Risk of Plastic Surgery Complications
Nicotine can increase your risk of developing complications due to the limitations it places on your blood flow and supply.
How Does Nicotine Impact The Body’s Blood Supply?
Nicotine has some adverse side effects that will directly impact your body’s ability to undergo surgery and heal properly:
- It limits the blood flow to your organs, putting additional stress on your heart to pump more blood.
- It constricts your blood vessels, reducing the amount of oxygen in your cells and vital tissues.
- It increases the carbon monoxide in your blood, robbing the body of the oxygen it needs to heal your post-surgery wounds effectively.
Inadequate blood flow can increase your chances of:
- Developing blood clots during and after surgery.
- Experiencing a lack of oxygen.
- Contracting an infection during your procedure.
- Developing capsular contracture around breast implants.
Smoking Can Prolong or Prevent Proper Recovery
After your surgery, you’ll want to focus on resting and allowing your body to heal properly. Adequate blood flow and supply are crucial to your body’s healing process, and smoking can impede these functions, hindering your ability to recover.
If your body is unable to get enough blood flow to your surgical site, you will experience a prolonged healing period that can lead to other complications, such as:
- Infection.
- Increased pain and discomfort.
- An increased risk of a heart attack or stroke.
- Blood vessel damage.
- Tissue necrosis.
What is Tissue Necrosis?
Tissue necrosis is the irreversible premature death of cells and body tissues. When blood flow is cut off or significantly reduced to an area of the body, the tissue in that area will begin to die.
In the case of plastic surgery, you could lose a large portion of skin and tissue at your incision site. You may be required to have additional surgery to correct the damage, and in some cases, the tissue loss may be too severe to repair. If you’ve had implants, you may also be at risk of losing them if the tissue around them dies.
When Should You Quit Smoking Before a Plastic Surgery Procedure?
It’s vital that you stop smoking at least four to six weeks before your surgery to minimize your risk of developing complications.
Can You Smoke Again After Plastic Surgery?
It’s strongly advised that you do not smoke after your surgery. If you must smoke, it’s best to wait until your incisions have healed and you’ve received clearance from your surgeon.
Can a Smoker Still Get Plastic Surgery?
While smokers can get plastic surgery, it is more complicated. You may be required to stop smoking for a more extended period or may need to undergo additional testing before surgery.
We strongly recommend scheduling a consultation with your plastic surgeon to determine whether you’re a good candidate for your desired surgery.
At Castrellon Aesthetic Surgery in Miami, Florida, the health and safety of our patients are always our top priority. Send us a message today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
