So you want to have plastic surgery? You might want to quit smoking right now. Here at our Sacramento plastic surgery practice, we strongly recommend that you quit the stick for at least 4 to 6 weeks before and after your scheduled plastic surgery. While the ill effects of smoking are well-publicized — from cardiovascular diseases to oral cancers, Dr. Semlacher also wants you to specifically quit smoking for the reasons listed below.

Delayed Healing

The carbon monoxide in the cigarette reduces oxygen supply to the cells. In addition, the nicotine in cigarettes has this constricting effect on blood vessels which further inhibit the supply of oxygenated blood into the skin and surrounding tissues. To make matters worse, nicotine promotes blood clot formation which can further clog blood vessels. With such effects, healing after plastic surgery is significantly slowed down. 

In fact, a study by the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care found out that individuals who started nicotine replacement therapy at least a month before surgery reduced their risk of poor wound healing by half.

Higher Risk of Complications Post-Surgery

Aside from slowing down healing post-surgery, it has been observed that smoking increases one’s risk of post-surgery complications such as infection and pneumonia. This 2012 review of 25 studies on the effects of quitting smoking before surgery reported that quitting for more than 4 weeks pre-surgery can reduce your risk of wound-healing and respiratory complications while quitting for less than 4 weeks before surgery did not appear to have a positive nor negative effect on one’s risk of the above-mentioned complications.

Noticeable Scarring

Since smoking could lead to delayed healing during recovery, it could also result to noticeable scarring on your end. This is particularly true for breast augmentation and tummy tuck surgeries.

Here at our practice, we do not just perform the plastic surgery of your choice. We also help you prepare for your surgery including the provision of smoking cessation tips and aids.Schedule a consultation today by calling 916.961.9219 or by filling out this contact form. We are available to answer your queries before or after your consultation. We look forward to providing you with the most naturally beautiful plastic surgery outcomes possible!