Most surgeons agree that results from Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Procedures are better when the patient is a non-smoker. Each year, roughly 40 to 45 percent of the 45 million smokers nationwide try to quit, according to Dr. Michael Fiore, the director of the University of Wisconsin Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention, in Madison. Only about 5 percent quit for life.
See Video with Dr. Fiore
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBT3BGwvOWc
However, if a patient is desiring a cosmetic surgery procedure, they do tend to listen to the advice of their surgeon and quite smoking prior to the procedure to guarantee a better result and to protect their investment in their new look. Unlike being threatened with lung cancer) which doesn’t seem to deter many smokers if they are feeling well, looking better and their vanity seems to trump all. Getting that new coveted face, stomach, or enhanced breasts may be just the thing to finally bring them around to healthier living and giving up smoking.
Many surgeons feel that it is not a good decision to accept patients that will not consider breaking the smoking habit. Procedures that are most affected are face-lifts, tummy tucks, or breast-lift — procedures that require skin to be moved and shifted. ”Nicotine causes the tiny blood vessels in the skin to clamp down or constrict, which reduces blood supply to the skin,” This means that healing is prolonged and complications occur such as increased risk of infection, longer-lasting bruises, and raised, red scars. There may also be a risk of infection and respiratory complications during anesthesia.
Surgeons recommend quitting a minimum of two weeks before the procedure but prefer a few months before which would help the patient to be past the withdrawal period which adds stress to an already stressful time.
At Orlando Cosmetic Surgery, LLC we strongly recommend any patient planning on a procedure to be a non-smoker or to stop smoking long before the procedure date is planned. This will protect your cosmetic surgery investment, the healing time will be quicker and you’ll enjoy your new look as well as your healthier and happier lifestyle as a “non-smoker.”
