How to Stop Smoking Before Surgery

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How to Stop Smoking Before Surgery

Five Effective Ways to Stop Smoking Before Surgery

1. Psychological Treatment: Hypnosis, behavioral therapy, and psychotherapy are commonly used to help people quit smoking. Success varies from person to person, depending on individual commitment. See APS & Find a Psychologist.

2. Hypnosis to Stop Smoking – Clinical Hypnotherapy Sydney

3. Counseling and Self-Help Programs: These programs can help smokers explore lifestyle changes and better understand the negative effects of smoking.

4. Non-Nicotine Therapy: Medications that were initially developed as an antidepressant have shown promise in helping smokers quit. Consult your doctor for guidance.

5. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): NRT helps reduce withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, irritability, and restlessness. Various options include nicotine gum, nasal sprays, and patches. Always discuss the appropriate NRT options and dosages with your healthcare provider to find the best approach for you. You will still need to be free of nicotine prior to surgery.

For additional support contact the NSW Government’s QUITLINE

If you have questions about how smoking or vaping might impact your surgery, or if you need assistance with quitting, please feel free to reach out to Dr. Mark Kohout’s office. Your health and the success of your surgery are our top priorities.

How Smoking, Nicotine & Vaping Affects Surgery

Smokers are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing complications during and after surgery. In fact, most people are not considered suitable candidates for cosmetic surgery unless they have quit smoking for a substantial amount of time before and after the procedure.

Research has shown that smokers are far more likely to experience complications after surgery. For example, one study found that smokers were 12.5 times more likely to suffer from skin necrosis after a facelift compared to non-smokers (Rees et al., 1984).

Smoking during the post-operative period impairs wound healing by reducing oxygen supply to tissues. Additionally, disrupted collagen production can lead to wider, more prominent scars or even complete wound breakdown.

Some of the other potential side effects of smoking during the surgical process include:

Increased risk of infections
Fat cell necrosis (death of tissues)
Loss of skin, nipple, or abdominal tissue after procedures like breast lifts, facelifts, breast reductions, or abdominoplasty/tummy tucks
Life-threatening complications such as thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
Increased post-surgical pain
Implant rejection that may require additional surgery

Why You Should Stop Smoking & Vaping Nicotine

1. Smoking Affects Healing and Recovery

The negative effects of smoking on wound healing are well-documented. Numerous studies confirm that smokers face impaired wound healing, which is particularly concerning for patients undergoing cosmetic surgery.

2. Smoking Affects Your Scars

Smoking can deplete your body’s Vitamin C levels, which is essential for collagen synthesis. Without enough Vitamin C, you may experience poor collagen production, resulting in more noticeable and disfiguring scars after surgery.

3. Harmful Effects of Smoke and Smoking

Tobacco smoke contains harmful chemicals such as nicotine, hydrogen cyanide, lead, and arsenic, which can cause life-threatening complications and have a wide range of negative effects on the human body.

Benefits of Stopping Smoking when having Surgery

A joint study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Newcastle University concluded that quitting smoking at least 4 weeks before surgery significantly reduces the risk of complications (WHO, 2020).

Preoperative smoking cessation can significantly reduce surgical complications:

4-8 weeks of preoperative abstinence reduced surgical site infections by 57%
Each week of cessation increased the magnitude of positive effects by 19%
Cessation of at least 4 weeks showed larger benefits compared to shorter periods

FAQs about Surgery & Smoking

Why should I quit smoking before I have surgery?

Quitting smoking reduces surgery-related complications and improves overall health. Benefits include:

Adding six to eight years to your life.
Reducing your risk of lung cancer and heart disease.
Saving money each year.
Reducing loved ones’ exposure to second-hand smoke.

What risks will I face during surgery if I do not quit smoking?

Smoking increases both anesthetic risks and complications during surgery and recovery.

Anaesthetic risks:
- More coughing
- Developing lung collapse
- Developing pneumonia
- Increased risk of post-operative and long-term pain
Surgical and Recovery Risks:
- Increased infection
- Higher risk of bleeding
- Poor healing
- Wound splitting apart
- Poor scars

Why is it important to the anaesthetist that I quit smoking before surgery?

Anaesthetists oversee heart and lung function during surgery. Smoking affects these functions, increasing the risk of complications.

Inform your anaesthetist about your smoking history to allow for proper precautions and risk management.

How long before my surgery should I quit smoking?

The earlier you quit, the lower your surgery-related risks. Even quitting for a short time helps.

Within 12 hours of quitting, heart and lung function improves. We recommend stopping smoking at least 4 weeks before and after surgery for optimal benefits.

Is it worth quitting if I decide to do so right before surgery?

Quitting immediately before surgery may cause more coughing, increasing bleeding risk.

However, even last-minute quitting reduces the risk of infection and poor wound healing.

If my surgery is not a major surgery, do I still need to quit smoking?

Yes, smoking impacts recovery for all types of surgery. We advise all surgical patients to quit for as long as possible before and after their procedure.

Before surgery, should I also quit smoking additional substances such as marijuana?

Yes, all substances—including marijuana—should be stopped before surgery.

These substances affect anaesthesia, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. Inform your anaesthetist or surgeon about any substances used.

How long should I wait after surgery before smoking again?

Continuing smoking post-surgery greatly increases complications like infections.

A study found that more than 50% of post-surgery smokers developed complications, compared to less than 20% of those who quit.

We strongly recommend not smoking for at least 4–6 weeks after surgery.

Should I take this opportunity to quit smoking altogether?

Yes, surgery can be a defining moment to quit smoking for good. Quitting permanently improves long-term health and quality of life.

Dr. Mark Kohout is a dedicated qualified plastic surgeon based in central Sydney with over 25 years of experience in the cosmetic field. With his extensive training and experience, patients can be assured they are in the hands of a highly accomplished surgeon. Dr. Kohout is a fully committed, friendly professional who is devoted in providing the optimal care, support and results, alongside his compassionate team.

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DISCLAIMER: The outcomes shown are only relevant for these patients and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise. All photographs have been used with the patient’s express written permission. The information on this site is not intended to replace medical advice, you may wish to get more than one opinion from a licensed health professional before continuing. There are risks associated with any surgical or invasive operation.

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