Why It Is Important to Stop Smoking Before Your Plastic Surgery Procedures
If you are considering plastic surgery, there’s several important steps you need to take to optimise not only your results but also your recovery, one of these steps is quitting smoking. While you may have heard that smoking can negatively impact your health in many ways, Sydney Plastic Surgeon, Dr Mark Kohout tells us about its effects on surgical procedures, particularly plastic surgery, that are often underestimated.
The Impact of Smoking on Plastic Surgery Outcomes
Smoking has a profound effect on your body’s ability to heal and recover from surgical procedures. When you undergo plastic surgery, your body needs to be in prime condition to optimise results. Unfortunately, smoking interferes with this process in several ways.
Effects on the Healing Process
Smoking significantly impairs your body’s ability to heal wounds. The chemicals in cigarettes, particularly nicotine, cause blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow to the surgical site. This decreased blood flow means that less oxygen and fewer nutrients reach the areas that need to heal, leading to slower recovery and increased risk of complications.
Smoking Increases Your Risk of Complications
Smokers are at a higher risk of developing post-operative complications compared to non-smokers. These complications can include:
- Infection:Â Smoking weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections at the surgical site.
- Necrosis:Â In severe cases, the lack of blood supply can lead to tissue death (necrosis), particularly in procedures involving skin flaps or grafts.
- Blood clots:Â Smoking increases the risk of developing dangerous blood clots, which can lead to serious health issues.
- Anaesthesia complications:Â Smokers may experience difficulties with anaesthesia, including respiratory problems during and after surgery.
Smoking Impacts Your Surgical Results and Longevity
Beyond the immediate health risks, smoking can also negatively impact the aesthetic outcome of your plastic surgery. The damage caused by smoking can lead to:
- Poor scarring:Â Smokers often develop wider, more noticeable scars due to delayed healing.
- Premature ageing:Â Continued smoking after facial procedures can accelerate the ageing process, potentially undoing the results of your surgery.
- Reduced longevity of results:Â The overall quality and longevity of your surgical results may be compromised if you continue to smoke.
When to Quit Smoking before Surgery
To maximise the benefits of quitting and reduce surgical risks, you should stop smoking well in advance of your procedure.
Ideally, you should quit smoking at least 6-8 weeks before your scheduled surgery date. This timeframe allows your body to begin recovering from the effects of long-term smoking and significantly reduces your risk of complications.
Benefits of Quitting at Different Stages:
- 8 weeks before surgery:Â Your lung function begins to increase and your body’s ability to heal wounds increases.
- 4 weeks before surgery:Â Blood flow increases, and your immune system starts to strengthen.
- 2 weeks before surgery:Â Carbon monoxide levels in your blood drop to those of a non-smoker.
- 1 week before surgery:Â Nicotine is eliminated from your system, further increasing blood flow.
You should know that it’s never too late to quit. Even if you’re unable to stop smoking for the full recommended period, any reduction in smoking can be beneficial. However, the longer you can abstain before surgery, the better your outcomes are likely to be.
Health Benefits of Quitting Smoking beyond Surgery
While the primary focus here is on the health benefits of quitting smoking for your plastic surgery, it’s worth noting that stopping smoking has many other health advantages that extend far beyond your surgical procedure.
âž” Short-term advantages:
- Within 20 minutes of your last cigarette, your heart rate and blood pressure begin to drop.
- After 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood returns to normal.
- Within 2-12 weeks, your circulation and lung function increases.
- Between 1-9 months, coughing and shortness of breath decrease.
âž” Long-term Health advantages:
- After 1 year, your risk of coronary heart disease is about half that of a smoker.
- After 5 years, your risk of stroke is reduced to that of a non-smoker.
- After 10 years, your risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker.
- After 15 years, your risk of coronary heart disease is that of a non-smoker.
By quitting smoking, not only are you increasing your surgical outcomes, but you’re also making a significant investment in your overall health and well-being.
Can I use nicotine patches or gum during the pre-surgery period instead of smoking?
While nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) are generally helpful for quitting smoking, it’s best to avoid them in the weeks leading up to your surgery. Nicotine, even from NRT, can still affect blood flow and healing. Consult your plastic surgeon for specific advice on using NRT before your procedure.
How does second-hand smoke exposure affect my surgical risks?
While not as harmful as direct smoking, significant exposure to second-hand smoke can still impact your surgical outcomes. It’s best to avoid second-hand smoke as much as possible in the weeks before and after your surgery. This might mean asking family members to smoke outside or avoiding smoky environments.
Will my surgeon test for nicotine before the surgery?
Some plastic surgeons do perform nicotine tests before surgery, especially for high-risk procedures. These tests can detect nicotine and its metabolites in your system, even if you’ve only smoked recently. Be honest with your surgeon about your smoking habits.
If I’ve been a heavy smoker for years, is it still beneficial to quit just before surgery?
Absolutely! While long-term smoking does cause cumulative damage, quitting at any point before surgery is beneficial. Your body begins to heal and functions increase almost immediately after you stop smoking. Even quitting 24-48 hours before surgery can have positive effects on your surgical outcomes.
Plastic Surgery Procedures and Smoking Risks
While smoking affects all types of surgery, certain plastic surgery procedures are particularly susceptible to smoking-related complications. Here are some procedures and the specific risks associated with smoking:
âž” Impact of Smoking on a Facelift and Neck Lift
These procedures involve manipulating the skin and underlying tissues of the face and neck. Smoking can lead to:
- Poor wound healing along incision lines, resulting in more visible scars
- Increased risk of skin necrosis, especially behind the ears where blood supply is already limited
- Accelerated ageing of the skin, potentially undoing the effects of the surgery
âž” Impact of Smoking on Breast Surgery
Whether you’re increasing or decreasing your breast size, smoking poses significant risks:
- Higher chance of infection around breast implants
- Delayed healing of incisions, leading to wider, more noticeable scars
- Increased risk of capsular contracture (hardening of scar tissue around implants)
- In breast reduction, potential loss of nipple sensation or even tissue death
âž” Impact of Smoking on Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
This procedure involves a large incision and significant tissue manipulation, making it particularly vulnerable to smoking-related complications:
- Increased risk of infection due to the extensiveness of the surgery.
- Higher chance of developing a seroma (fluid collection) or haematoma (blood collection)
- Greater risk of skin necrosis, especially around the belly button area.
- Delayed wound healing, potentially leading to wound separation (dehiscence).
âž” Impact of Smoking on Liposuction Surgery
While less invasive than some other procedures, liposuction is not immune to the effects of smoking:
- Increased bruising and swelling due to compromised blood flow
- Slower healing of small incision sites
- Potentially uneven results due to poor skin elasticity
Effects of Smoking on Surgery and Surgical Complications
Here are some details you should know to better understand why smoking is so detrimental to surgical outcomes:
1. Nicotine’s Effect on Blood FlowÂ
Nicotine, one of the primary components of cigarettes, is a powerful vasoconstrictor. This means it causes blood vessels to narrow, reducing blood flow throughout your body. In the context of surgery, this decreased blood flow can:
- Limit the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to healing tissues
- Impair the removal of waste products from surgical sites
- Increase the risk of tissue death in areas with already compromised blood supply
2 Impact on Oxygen Levels
Smoking doesn’t just reduce blood flow; it also affects the oxygen-carrying capacity of your blood:
- Carbon monoxide, a by-product of smoking, binds to haemoglobin more readily than oxygen, reducing the amount of oxygen your blood can carry.
- This decrease in oxygen supply can significantly impair wound healing and increase the risk of infection.
3. Delayed Wound Healing
The reduced blood flow and decreased oxygen levels lead to delayed wound healing:
- Collagen production, essential for wound healing, is impaired in smokers.
- The skin’s ability to fight off bacteria is compromised, increasing the risk of infection.
- The formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), crucial for healing, is hindered.
Myths and Facts about Smoking and Surgery
There are many misconceptions about smoking and surgery:
Myth:Â “I can just cut down on smoking instead of quitting completely.”
Fact:Â While reducing your smoking is better than not changing at all, it’s not enough to significantly reduce your surgical risks. Even a few cigarettes a day can impact your healing and increase complications.
Myth:Â “E-cigarettes or vaping are safe alternatives during the pre-surgical period.”
Fact:Â E-cigarettes and vaping products still contain nicotine, which is the primary culprit in smoking-related surgical complications. These alternatives are not considered safe for pre-surgical use.
Myth:Â “I can start smoking again as soon as my incisions have healed.”
Fact:Â While your external incisions may appear healed, internal healing continues for weeks or months after surgery. Resuming smoking too soon can still negatively impact your results and overall health.
Myth:Â “The risks of smoking aren’t that serious for minor procedures.”
Fact:Â Even minor procedures can be affected by smoking. Any surgery that involves creating incisions or manipulating tissues can be compromised by the effects of smoking.
Resources to Help You Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking is a challenging but achievable goal. Fortunately, Sydney offers numerous resources to support you in your journey to become smoke-free:
Call The QUIT Line – 13 7848
âž” Mobile Apps and Online Resources
Technology can be a powerful tool in your quit journey:
- My QuitBuddy:Â A free app developed by the Australian Government to help you quit smoking
- QuitNow:Â An online resource with tools, tips, and a supportive community
- Smoke Free:Â An app that tracks your progress and provides daily support
âž” Nicotine Replacement Therapies
Available over the counter in Sydney pharmacies, these can help manage cravings:
- Nicotine patches
- Nicotine gum
- Nicotine lozenges
Remember, everyone’s journey to quitting is different. Don’t be discouraged if one method doesn’t work for you – keep trying different approaches until you find what works best for your situation.
Tips for Successfully Quitting Smoking before Surgery
Quitting smoking is a big challenge, but with the right strategies, you can succeed. Here are some tips to help you quit smoking before your plastic surgery:
âž” Setting a Quit Date
Choose a specific date to stop smoking completely. This should ideally be at least 6-8 weeks before your surgery date. Mark this date on your calendar and commit to it.
âž” Developing Coping Strategies
Identify your smoking triggers and plan how to handle them:
- If you smoke when stressed, learn relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
- If you smoke after meals, plan a different post-meal activity like taking a short walk.
- Keep your hands busy with stress balls, fidget toys, or other small objects.
âž” Seeking Support from Friends and Family
Let your loved ones know about your decision to quit and how they can support you:
- Ask them to provide encouragement and understanding during difficult moments.
- If you live with smokers, request that they not smoke around you or keep cigarettes out of sight.
- Consider finding a “quit buddy” – someone who’s also trying to stop smoking or has successfully quit in the past.
Additional Tips
- Stay hydrated:Â Drinking plenty of water can help manage cravings and flush nicotine out of your system.
- Exercise regularly:Â Physical activity can reduce stress and help manage weight gain often associated with quitting smoking.
- Use positive affirmations:Â Remind yourself daily of why you’re quitting and the benefits you’ll gain.
- Reward yourself:Â Set milestones and treat yourself when you reach them (with non-smoking related rewards).
- Be prepared for setbacks:Â If you slip up, don’t consider it a failure. Learn from the experience and recommit to your goal.
You should know that quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, not just for your upcoming plastic surgery, but for your long-term well-being. While it may be challenging, the advantages and affects to your health far outweigh the temporary discomfort of quitting.
By taking this important step to stop smoking before your plastic surgery, you’re not only increasing the likelihood of a successful procedure with optimal results, but you’re also making a considerable investment in your overall health.
Further Reading about Surgery with Sydney Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Mark Kohout
- Dr Mark Kohout Procedure Page on Face Lift Surgery
- Dr Mark Kohout Procedure Page on Breast Enlargement Sydney Surgery
- Dr Mark Kohout Procedure Page on Abdominoplasty Tummy Tuck Surgery
- Dr Mark Kohout Procedure Page on Liposuction
Medical References for Smoking and Plastic Surgery
- How nicotine sabotages plastic surgery | ASPS
- Cigarette smoking and face lift: conservative versus wide underminingÂ
- Nicotine in plastic surgery : a review
- Preoperative Risk Factors and Complication Rates of Breast Augmentation With Fat Grafting
- Smoking as a risk factor for breast reduction How nicotine sabotages plastic surgery | ASPS
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