Smoking should be stopped before plastic surgery because nicotine interferes with healing and significantly increases the risk of complications and poor results. At Savannah Plastic Surgery, we’ve seen that preparing for face, breast, or body surgery often becomes the turning point that motivates patients to finally quit smoking and adopt healthier habits. Research even shows that many patients who stop smoking for cosmetic surgery go on to quit long term, improving both their recovery and overall well-being.
Keep reading to learn more about the science behind smoking and plastic surgery—and why deciding to invest in your appearance can also lead to a healthier lifestyle.
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Should You Stop Smoking Before Plastic Surgery?
Yes, stopping smoking before plastic surgery is essential for both safety and results. Nicotine restricts blood flow, which slows healing and increases the risk of infection, poor scarring, and skin loss.
Most board-certified plastic surgeons recommend quitting at least 2 weeks before and after surgery to allow for improved circulation and support proper recovery. For many patients, this required pause becomes the motivation to quit smoking altogether, leading to healthier healing and longer-lasting surgical outcomes.
The Research Behind Smoking and Plastic Surgery
In the study conducted by the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, a group of active smokers was advised to quit smoking 2 weeks before having cosmetic surgery. They did, and after a long-term follow-up, 40% of the patients were no longer smokers. Other respondents claimed they smoked less frequently after having cosmetic surgery.
Why Many Patients Choose Healthier Lifestyles After Surgery
For some people, finally getting a cosmetic procedure they’ve been wanting, such as a facelift or breast augmentation, is enough incentive to make improvements in other areas of their health. Some, like those in this study, will choose to quit smoking.
We’ve had other patients so pleased with their new body shape—especially after a transformative procedure such as a tummy tuck or a mommy makeover—that they finally feel motivated to exercise and eat healthier. If your surgery makes it easier for you to move around with more comfort and confidence, you are likely to find yourself enjoying more exercise and activities, including playing with the kids or the grandkids more.
Schedule Your Plastic Surgery Consultation in Savannah
The aesthetic improvements from plastic surgery are easy to predict, but we’re pleased to see how many other ways our patients’ lives improve after cosmetic surgery.
Ready to look and feel your best? Request a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Barbara Davies in Savannah by completing the online form or calling our practice at (912) 351-5050.
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