Can I smoke before a breast augmentation?
The answer is NO!
Smoking interferes with the healing process.
If you smoke and want a breast augmentation, please stop smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery. This is the period needed for nicotine to be eliminated from the bloodstream.
Keep in mind that nicotine itself decreases vascularization of the skin by 40%, so avoid using patches, electronic cigarettes or nicotine gum before the operation.
Smoking alters the structure of the skin, delays healing and compromises the healing process.
The smoking restriction is also extended postoperatively, for another 2 weeks, until the steri-strips are removed.
However, smoking has fewer risks during breast augmentation intervention compared to mastopexy (breast lift) or breast reduction.