Smoking Increases Your Risk During Surgery: Why You Should Quit Before Seeking Plastic Surgery

If you’ve ever sought cosmetic surgery as an active cigarette smoker, you may have found that surgeons are often hesitant to perform certain procedures (or any surgery) on you. This is because smoking can exponentially increase your risk of complications, especially when it comes to facial surgeries, tummy tucks, and breast lifts.Smoking causes blood vessels to shrink and restricts blood flow. This can cause skin loss or other major complications after surgery. When it comes to facial procedures, blood flow is imperative to healing because of the increased number of blood vessels in and around the face. Most cosmetic surgeons will not perform facial procedures like a facelift on an active smoker without having them quit for a period of time before surgery.In addition to blood vessel constriction, smoking harms the immune system. Even in those with a fairly strong immune system, smoking can cause coughing fits that can damage stitches or incisions.Whether you do or have smoked frequently, Dr. Jonov can provide resources to help you quit or discuss your options for meeting your cosmetic surgery goals. To schedule a consultation at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, call us at 425-775-3561 or contact us online.