4 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Mix Smoking and Cosmetic Surgery

It’s a well-known fact that smoking can negatively affect a person’s health, appearance, and daily functioning.  But smoking can become even more dangerous when paired with cosmetic surgery.

For this reason, many plastic surgeons ensure that patients stop smoking four-to-six weeks before and after their procedure.

They also take they time to educate smokers on the risks they face during and after surgery, and the cosmetic and medical benefits of smoking cessation.

Here are four reasons why you shouldn’t mix smoking and cosmetic surgery.

1. General Anesthesia and Smoking Can Result in a Compromised Airway

It’s no surprise that smoking impacts an individual’s lungs. It does so by paralyzing the tiny hairs that are responsible for keeping the lungs free of toxins and results in inflammation and mucous build-up.

This strain on the lungs is especially risky when administering general anesthesia for cosmetic surgery.

In fact, a compromised airway can lead to a number of complications during the procedure and may even cause the patient to stop breathing.

In an effort to decrease this risk, anesthesiologists will often use bronchodilators to keep the airway open.

2. Surgical Complications From a Strained Heart

In addition to hindering lung performance, smoking can also be very taxing on the heart.

It can cause scarring in small blood vessels, which makes the heart have to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. As a result, many smokers suffer from high blood pressure and an elevated heart rate.

These effects become even more serious when general anesthesia is involved and can decrease blood flow, oxygen levels, and increase the chance of a post-operative heart attack, stroke, or blood clot.

3.  Weakened Immunity After Cosmetic Surgery

Smoking takes a toll on immune system responses and may delay recovery and increase the risk of infection or illness.

Patients that smoke are also more likely to experience scarring that can cause the surgery to fail completely, especially when implants are involved.

4. Poor Wound Healing Could Lead to Tissue Death

The carbon monoxide from smoking decreases oxygen in living body tissues, which makes it more difficult for the body to repair wounds after cosmetic surgery.

In extreme cases, smoking can cause necrosis, where tissues die from oxygen starvation, turn black, and cannot be repaired.

Nevertheless, with proper education, clear instructions, and patient compliance, many smokers are able to have safe and successful cosmetic surgery.

To learn more about the risks of smoking and cosmetic or plastic surgery, please call or fill out the contact form to request your complimentary consultation with Dr. Kelly Bolden at Cultura.

Dr. Kelly Bolden

Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon at Cultura Dermatology & Plastic Surgery

In the world of plastic surgery, few names shine as brightly as Dr. Kelly M. Bolden's. A double board-certified plastic surgeon, she has earned a reputation as a compassionate healer, an innovative mind, a dedicated educator, and a tireless advocate for the underserved.