Breast reduction and smoking - Cosmetic / Plastic Surgery Message Board

LeeAnn1365 · 12-25-2005, 06:11 PM

I am scheduled for a breast reduction on January 23rd. My surgeon told me to quit smoking. I am trying very hard but not having much luck. I was wondering if I go get one of those nicotine cleansing kits would it possibly help me kick the habit? Does that stuff really cleanse your blood stream?? I am seriously condsidering purchasing one of these because I am desparate, I really want this surgery and I am fully aware of the risks if I don't rid my body of all traces of nicotine. I know that nicotine hinders the healing process and I don't want that to happen...

daisy-duke77 · 12-25-2005, 08:09 PM

Do as your PS says and QUIT!!!!!!!!!!!! At least do it for the surgery! I have had a total nightmare happen to me due to being a smoker. I DID quit 8 weeks prior to my redo breast lift. My PS told me to quit 6 weeks prior.....I used the patch for 2 weeks............Stopping was the hardest thing i ever had to do, but i wanted my surgery to turn out ok. I smoked before my first breast lift (my PS never told me to quit) and i didnt heal and had severe scarring......my incisions broke open and bled for a year. Totally devestated me! Had them redone...................quit smoking...............and the same thing happened to me this last time.......it has been 6 months and my PS told me that it must have been done due to my history of smoking (being a smoker for 18yrs) Anywayz............i had to respond! I have posted on this before trying to warn people to quit smoking-----and the damage that can happen if you continue to smoke! I know it's hard but sooooo worth it, if you are going to have plastic surgery.

LeeAnn1365 · 12-26-2005, 09:48 AM

I am trying to do as my PS said and QUIT!!!! Easier said than done. Nicotine is an addictive DRUG just like any other. Would you tell a herion addict to "just quit?" Nope. I believe if my surgeon says to quit 3 weeks before that is correct. He is one of the best surgeons there is in cosmetic surgery. Thanks for the response but I really already knew all of that.

AllysHeart · 12-28-2005, 12:48 PM

Hello, LeeAnn. Regarding your timeline to quit smoking prior to your surgery, keep in mind that as of today, you have 5 days to quit to meet the doctor's deadline. My gynecologist's office has posters in the examining rooms that are an effective deterrent for smoking. The poster is of a woman whose hair and face are all charred, burned and some missing parts, as she holds a lit cigarette. The poster reads, "Imagine if the outside of you looked like the inside." If I were a smoker, that would be all I would need to make me stop cold turkey forever!

I would suggest that if you have not quit smoking by January 2nd, it would be advisable to cancel your surgery until you are certain you have quit for good. It would be regrettable to proceed with surgery while considered a smoker, and suffer the consequences associated with smoking and cosmetic surgery.

There is a stop smoking healthboard here. Perhaps you can receive support and advice from the people who visit. You deserve a release from the burdens of smoking. Life without cigarettes is splendid! I wish you success with your efforts, and hope your scheduled surgery is a complete recovery with no complications.

LeeAnn1365 · 12-28-2005, 10:08 PM

I did reschedule my surgery until January 31st. Want to be sure I am free of nicotine before going any further. Will go to a Nicotine Treatment program that administers tiny injections to block the neurotransmitters in your brain that makes you crave nicotine. Really want my surgery and this is a last resort for me...