When you’re preparing for breast surgery, whether it’s a breast lift, breast reduction, or breast augmentation, there are many important factors to consider. One of the important things your surgeon will discuss with you is your smoking habits, and the risks that come with smoking either before or after your breast surgery. In this blog, Consultant Plastic surgeon Anca Breahna will take a closer look at why smoking is such an important issue when it comes to breast surgery, and what you need to know to have the best possible outcome.
Smoking can cause a range of serious complications for anyone undergoing surgery, but it poses particular issues for breast surgery patients. This is because smoking affects the body’s ability to heal properly, as well as increasing the risk of complications during the surgery itself.
When you smoke, the chemicals in tobacco smoke – including nicotine and carbon monoxide – interfere with your body’s natural healing processes. Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream, which is essential for healing wounds and fighting infection. It also impairs the function of the immune system, making it harder for your body to respond to any problems that arise after surgery.
Additionally, smoking causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow to the surgical site. This means that the area doesn’t get the nutrients it needs to heal properly. Smokers also tend to have higher levels of inflammation throughout the body, which can delay healing and increase the risk of complications.
For breast surgery patients, the impact of smoking can be particularly serious. Here are some of the risks you need to be aware of:
As you can see, the risks of smoking in relation to breast surgery are significant. Anca will advise you to quit smoking well in advance of your procedure, and to remain smoke-free for a period of time afterwards as well. Let’s look at the timelines and recommendations in more detail:
The general recommendation is to quit smoking at least 4-6 weeks before your scheduled breast surgery. This gives your body the best chance to recover some of the damage caused by smoking and improve your healing prospects.
Within just a few weeks of quitting, you’ll start to see benefits:
It’s important to note that even if you’ve been a lifelong smoker, quitting in the month or two before your surgery can still make a big difference. Anca may even be willing to postpone your procedure if you need a bit more time to get your smoking under control. The key is to quit as early as possible and remain smoke-free throughout your recovery.
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Once you’ve had your breast surgery, it’s absolutely crucial that you remain smoke-free during the recovery period. Smoking during this time can undo all the good work you put in beforehand, and seriously jeopardise your healing and results.
Anca recommend staying smoke-free for at least 4-6 weeks after your procedure. This timeframe may be even longer for more complex surgeries like breast reduction or breast lift with implants. Anca will advise you on the specific timeline for your case.
During this post-operative period, it’s essential that you avoid any nicotine products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine gum or patches. Your body needs to be in an optimal state to heal properly, and nicotine will continuously undermine this.
Even a single cigarette can have negative effects. Studies have shown that smoking just one cigarette after surgery can triple your risk of developing complications like infection or wound healing problems. It’s really not worth the risk.
Quitting smoking can be extremely challenging, especially if you’ve been a long-term smoker. But for the best possible outcome from your breast surgery, it’s essential that you put in the effort.
Anca and her surgical team should be able to provide you with resources and support to help you quit. This might include:
Don’t be afraid to lean on your loved ones for support as well. Telling friends and family about your plans to quit smoking can help keep you accountable, and they may be able to assist you in practical ways, like ensuring your home is smoke-free.
Remember, your health and the success of your surgery should be the top priority. With the right support and determination, you can absolutely achieve a smoke-free recovery.
The difference in outcomes between non-smoking and smoking breast surgery patients is quite stark. Studies have consistently shown that non-smokers have:
For example, one study found that breast reconstruction patients who smoked had a 50% higher risk of major complications compared to non-smokers. Another investigation discovered that breast augmentation patients who smoked were twice as likely to experience visible scarring.
The bottom line is this: if you want the best possible results from your breast surgery, and the smoothest, safest recovery, quitting smoking is absolutely essential.
At the end of the day, your health and wellbeing should be the top priority when it comes to any medical procedure. Breast surgery is a significant undertaking, and you want to ensure you’re doing everything in your power to minimise risks and optimise your outcomes.
Quitting smoking, and remaining smoke-free throughout your recovery, is one of the most important steps you can take. It may be challenging, but the benefits to your health, your surgical results, and your long-term quality of life will be profound.
Anca is there to support you on this journey. Don’t hesitate to have an open and honest conversation with her about your smoking habits, and work together to develop an effective quitting plan. With her guidance and your own commitment, you can absolutely achieve the smoke-free recovery you deserve.