Smoking before and after plastic or cosmetic surgery: Why should you avoid it

Are you planning to get plastic surgery done? If you happen to be a smoker, you should know some important things. Smoking can have a huge impact on your surgery results. As per doctors, a person should avoid smoking at least six weeks before surgery and should not smoke till six months after surgery. Scroll down to know if smoking before getting plastic surgery is bad for you or not.

These days, a large number of men and women are undergoing plastic and cosmetic surgeries. Facelifts, breast augmentation, Liposuction, rhinoplasty and tummy tucks are widely performed procedures in people of all age groups. One will have to do his or her lifestyle check before opting for any cosmetic surgery. Yes, that’s right! If you are smoking then it is the right time for you to quit in order to ensure the best possible results. Smoking is known to cause a wide range of health problems such as lung cancer, heart attack or a stroke. Not only this, smoking can impact the results of plastic or cosmetic surgery by delaying the healing process. Quitting smoking will help you to get desired results from the surgery.

Why should you stop smoking before plastic surgery?

Here are the reasons why you should quit smoking before getting any plastic or cosmetic surgery done:

1. Can cause poor blood circulation

One of the primary reasons why you should not smoke is because it can cause poor blood circulation during and after the surgery. For your recovery to work properly, your circulation should be proper because blood must be able to travel and supply nutrients to the sites which have been targeted during the treatment. Studies have shown that nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing the amount of oxygen in the cells. Since smoking can affect the blood flow to the body, you may not be able to heal properly. It can also affect the way your body reacts to smoke.

Also Read: Does smoking cause high blood pressure? Know from an expert

2. Deep vein thrombosis post surgery

Those smokers who opt for cosmetic surgeries, namely abdominoplasty or facelifts, can get blood clots and infections. One will be at a greater risk of suffering from deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It is a serious blood condition that occurs when a blood clot or thrombus forms in one or more of the deep veins of one of the body parts, usually in the legs.

3. Stresses the heart

Smoking pressurizes the heart and affects its ability to function the way it is supposed to. The heart can become weak and has to work harder during the surgery and even after the surgery to make sure there is proper blood flow to the rest of your body. But, you will be shocked to know that nicotine in the bloodstream makes it difficult to perform its function. So, one can encounter cardiovascular problems.

4. Can lead to scarring

Smoking can even lead to scarring. It can make the scars larger and more prominent after plastic surgery.

When to quit smoking before the surgery?

Discuss with your doctor about when to quit smoking. It will be a good idea to give up on smoking at least two months before the surgery. This will ensure improved heart rate, blood pressure, and immunity, lesser chances of blood clotting, heart attack, breathing problems, and infections. Moreover, to lead a healthy life post-surgery, it is essential to bid adieu to smoking. Look at the bigger picture! Quitting smoking will not only protect you before and after the plastic surgery, but it will also keep health diseases at bay.