The harmful effects of smoking and nicotine based vaping are a well-known, and there is definitely no question that doing so before or after surgery can significantly increase your chances of complications during recovery. It’s for this reason that our Plastic Surgeons insist that you stop smoking and nicotine based vaping for at least 6 weeks prior to surgery and 6 weeks post-surgery. Failure to stop smoking prior to surgery, may actually result in your surgery being postponed.
Why is smoking & vaping bad for surgery?
Clients who smoke or nicotine based vape have a much higher risk of surgical complications because nicotine restricts blood flow, which in-turn can increase your risk of infection, skin loss and poor circulation. In addition to the better known risks of developing coronary artery disease, vascular problems and lung disease, it can also seriously jeopardize your surgery recovery because it increases your risk of developing a condition known as necrosis.
What is Necrosis?
Necrosis is a form of cell injury that results in the premature death of cells and tissue, caused by external factors such as toxins, trauma and infection. Necrosis can prevent wound healing and may result in surgical correction, implant removal, disfigurement, permanent scarring and can even be fatal.
Other side effects as a result of smoking and surgery
Clients who smoke or nicotine based vape have a much higher risk of the following side effects:
- Slower healing time
- Worsened scarring
- Accelerated aging of the skin
- Loss of elasticity
- Increased risk of infection
- Increased chance of capsular contracture
- Formation of blood clots
- Difficulty breathing
- Impaired healing of skin and wounds
It’s all about the new you…
Just remember, you are considering plastic surgery to improve your appearance and self-confidence. If you have a complication and a part of your tissue dies, the resulting problem will be difficult, if not impossible to repair. It’s simply not worth jeopardising the ‘new you’ or your wellbeing by smoking or vaping in the lead up to, and following your procedure. Why not quit now while you have the perfect incentive to do so?
For tools to help quite smoking or vaping, chat with your General Practitioner or visit Quit.org.au
Disclaimer: Please note any information provided should be used only as an information guide and not CosMediTour giving advice. Please ensure you do your own valid surgery research and seek advice from a general practitioner to enable you to be fully informed about surgery.
