Can I continue smoking when I have choose to have cosmetic surgery?

No. Tobacco use by smoking,patch or nicotine gum results in cutting the needed blood supply for the skin to heal. This ultimately results in loss of skin and poor healing with scarring. Many studies in the plastic surgery literature have repeatedly found a correlation with poor wound healing and smoking. Patients considering elective cosmetic surgery should understand the severe risks of skin necrosis and poor wound healing with smoking. Patients should stop tobacco ingestion 3-4 weeks prior to surgery and 4 weeks after surgery. For more information on cosmetic surgery, call 239-348-4357.