MED:0001189663
— This website contains imagery only suitable for audiences 18+. All procedures contain risks.
— This website contains imagery only suitable for audiences 18+. All procedures contain risks.
— This website contains imagery only suitable for audiences 18+. All procedures contain risks.
— This website contains imagery only suitable for audiences 18+. All procedures contain risks.
Smoking and vaping increase the risk of serious complications during and after surgery — the heart is starved of oxygen, healing of bone, skin and wounds is impaired, blood clots are more likely, and infection risk rises.
Nicotine raises heart rate and blood pressure while carbon monoxide reduces the oxygen the blood can carry. The chemicals thicken blood and increase clotting, mucus narrows the airways, and the immune system and healing slow down.
Ideally stop smoking and vaping 6–8 weeks before and after surgery. For some procedures the surgeon will NOT operate unless you have ceased at least six weeks before — including breast reduction, facelift and abdominoplasty.
No. Reducing does not appear to lower the risk of wound or lung complications — your body’s recovery only begins once you completely stop.
Smoking and vaping should be ceased after surgery during the healing and recovery period, as they stress the heart, reduce oxygen to tissues and may complicate your results.
We recommend advice from your GP and quit-smoking services such as Quit Line.
6–8 weeks before
Stop smoking and vaping to reduce risk. For breast reduction, facelift and abdominoplasty, cessation of at least 6 weeks is required or surgery will not proceed.
Day of surgery
Lower complication risk means faster recovery, better wound healing and a shorter hospital stay if one is needed.
Through recovery
Remain smoke- and vape-free while the body heals — continuing puts stress on the heart and can complicate results.
Please note: For certain procedures — including breast reduction, facelift and abdominoplasty — your surgeon will not operate unless you have ceased smoking and vaping at least six weeks before surgery.
Ready to quit? Speak to your GP and contact Quit Line on 13 18 48 for free, confidential support.