Smoking & Tram Flap Surgery

I am having Tram Flap Surgery on October 5, 2009.  I really need a specific answer to my question(s) because the procedure itself is going to be very painful according to my surgeon and I am really fearing the part concerning the smoking I've done.  I have looked on several websites on the internet concerning cigarette smoke and how long it takes to get out of one's system.  Each and every site I have gone into states that it takes 72 to 96 hours for nicotine to completely leave the system.  I've also been told that when quitting smoking, consuming alot of water or liquid really helps flush the system faster and helps cleanse the system of the nicotine quicker.

I guess this is a two part question I am asking.  First and foremost, is it true that it takes 72 to 96 hours to rid the system completely of nicotine, while consuming liquids to help the process?  and secondly, being that it's only 7 days before my surgery date, I am quite nervous that this isn't going to be enough time for me to get that nicotine out of my system.  This "Necrosis" business is really making me fearful. Will 7 days be enough time for me to be safe having this surgery with the short period of time I have to rid my body of nicotine?

I'd really appreciate it if you could answer this as soon as possible and as effectively and precisely as possible, as I am in need of specifics for the questions stated above.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
Mary

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear mary1113:  The literature states that it takes roughly 72-96 hours to eliminate nicotine from the body.  Some of cigarettes' other chemicals take 7 days.  So, in general, it is considered "safe" to operate in that time span.  Of course, damage from cigarettes is not limited to nicotine or to only active smoking.  Smoking impairs circulation.  Regarding risk of necrosis, this is really a surgical question that would have to be answered by your plastic surgeon.  He/she is the one who has examined your tissue and is familiar with the anticipated procedure and the risks to you.  While there is never a guarantee that there could be no complications, it is unlikely that your surgeon would recommend a procedure that he/she was not not confident in a likely good outcome.  If you are really worried, please talk with your plastic surgeon about this.

[SueYoung55]

My plastic surgeon would NOT perform a flap surgery on anyone who had not quit smoking for a minimum of 6 weeks. The flap needs a good blood supply to live and if you're still smoking then it has a chance of dying. You need to be honest and up front with your doctor about your smoking. I wouldn't have the surgery unless you have really quit for an extended period of time. I've had DIEP flap surgery which left my stomach muscles in tact but moved my skin and fat to my chest to create new breasts. You don't get two tries at this so make sure you do it right the first time.

Best wishes.

[Mary1113]

Thank you very much to the individual who answered my posted questioned regarding Tram Flap Surgery and Smoking.  The answer was extremely helpful and I am grateful to the staff who had enough consideration, patience and time to answer vital information for me before having this surgery completed.  Your site is wonderful and the individuals who are answering, even better.

Thank you
Mary1113