No Smoking Before and After Surgery: Understanding the Risks

Why Can a Patient Not Smoke Before Surgery?


Smoking, whether it's cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or any nicotine product, can significantly impact the outcome of your surgery. If you're planning to undergo any plastic surgery procedure, it's crucial to stay smoke-free for at least three weeks before your surgery. Let's delve into the reasons behind this strict rule.
The Importance of Not Smoking Before Plastic Surgery

Smoking restricts blood flow, reducing oxygen levels in the blood, which hinders the body's ability to heal. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, leading to decreased circulation and potentially causing complications during and after surgery. All procedures require optimal healing conditions, making smoking cessation vital for a successful outcome.

The Importance of Not Smoking After Your Surgery

Even after your surgery, it's crucial to continue abstaining from smoking. Smoking post-surgery can delay wound healing, increase the risk of infection, and compromise the results of your surgery. Smoking also negatively impacts collagen production, which is essential for skin healing and maintaining the aesthetic results of procedures.


What Can Happen If You Smoke Before and After Your Surgery?

If nicotine is detected in your system before surgery at Martin Plastic Surgery (we perform nicotine testing the day of surgery), the procedure will be postponed. Smoking before and after surgery can lead to complications such as poor wound healing, increased scarring, skin necrosis, and higher infection rates. To ensure the best possible outcome for your procedure, it's crucial to remain smoke-free throughout the entire process.