Smoking and Cosmetic Surgery

Last year alone millions chose to go under the knife for cosmetic surgery procedures, whether it be a facelift, liposuction, breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, nose reshaping or tummy tuck. More than 1-in-15 British women have had cosmetic surgery as going under-the-knife, a survey shows. It has become as normal as wearing make-up or highlighting your hair.

The survey showed a massive 96% of British women constantly worry about their body shape and size, 83% don't think they have a good body and 81% say their body makes them feel down about themselves.

They're unhappy with their hips/thighs, waist, legs, breasts, bottom, ankles, arms, face, the shape of their face, nose, mouth, chin, eyes, cheeks, and forehead.

Eight out of 10 wish they were slimmer- despite the fact that only 27% of the survey people were overweight - and seven out of 10 women now diet - 20% do it most of the time. The most wanted treatments were liposuction, breast implants, tummy tucks, nose reshaping, facelift, chin reduction, and eye bag removal.

As more and more people opt for surgery, it’s important to understand the way your lifestyle will affect the outcome and results.

Smoking in particular is bad for recovery after surgery

Cigarettes contain harmful ingredients, which include nicotine and carbon monoxide. Smoking results in the body absorbing nicotine and carbon monoxide which deprives the tissues of needed oxygen and interferes with wound healing. By stopping smoking before surgery, some of these effects can be reversed, although smoking also results in damage to small a vessel that is long lasting, if not permanent. Patients who have surgery must stop smoking at least two weeks before and two weeks after surgery.

There is even a more dangerous effect of smoking with surgery. In any type of surgery the skin is cut and elevated, and its blood supply is decreased temporarily. In healthy skin this temporary decrease in blood supply during healing is well tolerated. We can take skin, elevate it, and tighten it; however, we must keep it alive. If you smoke you will increase the chances of prolonged healing & delayed healing, therefore it is essential you give up the cigarettes both before & after your procedure. Smoking slows healing and can prevent tissues from healing correctly. In almost all cases the results will not be as good as with a non-smoker

All patients are advised to quit smoking for a period before and after surgery. Cosmetic surgeons would like to see their patients who smoke give up the habit entirely and often may refer patients to smoking cessation programs. The surgeon will not perform your operation if you are smoking.