breaet reduction and smoking

[julie1224]

i am to have a brest reduction and i told the dr i was only smoking 5 ciggerattes a day but its more like 15 i am really trying.  is it ok i lied and will there be a big problem i have been waiting for this surgery since i was 15

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

It is well know that smoking at any level significantly affects the ability tissues heal after surgery.  Surgery affects to blood supply to operated areas and smoking further complicates and reduces the blood supply to those tissues.  While you will likely have no problems with healing, even if you are still smoking, there are definite risks for healing.  In addition smoking also clearly affects your pulmonary status and has potential affects when undergoing general anesthesia.  It probably takes a year or more after discontinuing smoking to put any individual in the same status as a non-smoker.

[seroma]

How long till your surgery? Try to quit at least a week before your surgery and definitely after for a week minimum to help with healing and clotting issue. It's important to listen to what the Dr tells you$ half of the success of your results comes from you taking care of yourself and folllowing instructions. It shouldn't prohibit the surgery from going forward bt tell your Dr the truth. Best of luck!