Smoking and Tummy Tuck-Is It Safe?

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Dr. Glenn Lyle

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919-307-8585

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Tummy Tuck

This is a 45-year-old woman who had 2 children in the past and had loose skin of her lower abdomen and desired cosmetic improvements. She was a 1 pack per day smoker. She did also consider liposuction. Dr. Lyle counseled her to quit smoking for at least 4 weeks prior to surgery and recommended against performance of additional liposuction the patient underwent successful abdominoplasty. There were a few small areas of wound healing problems along the abdominal incision however they eventually healed without significant problems. It is well known that smoking interferes with wound healing and these problems are magnified during many cosmetic procedures where skin flaps are dissected. Whether it is a breast reduction, breast lift, tummy tuck or facelift, separation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue from the blood supply leads to poor blood flow and smoking causes microvascular disruption of blood flow to the skin. Additional liposuction can potentially further disrupt blood flow so in many instances additional liposuction can add to the risk. What is that risk? Skin healing problems which could lead to a dead tissue which can cause poor scarring and potentially open wounds. Patients are counseled to cease smoking at least 4-6 weeks prior to surgery and may not resume smoking postoperatively. Even with smoking cessation, blood flow never returns to normal so more conservative procedures are recommended to ensure proper wound healing.

Tummy Tuck, NC

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Tummy Tuck, NC

Before

After

Tummy Tuck, NC

Before

After

About Tummy Tuck Surgery

Dr Lyle offers a wide range of Tummy Tuck surgery options depending on your anatomy, excess skin and desired outcomes. The procedure could be combined with other procedures and may also remove unsightly stretch marks or past scars from c-section or hysterectomy.

Find out more about having a Tummy Tuck Procedure and visit our Tummy Tuck before and after photo gallery.

Meet Dr Lyle - Plastic Surgeon in Raleigh NC

Dr. Glenn Lyle is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving the Raleigh, NC community at Lyle Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics Center since 2002. With over 30 years of experience, he specializes in breast surgery and body contouring, to enhance patients' appearance after weight loss, pregnancy, and the effects of aging.

Dr. Lyle completed his medical degree at Wayne State University School of Medicine, followed by a general surgery residency at the University of Massachusetts and a plastic surgery residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch.

He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The Aesthetic Society (Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons society).

Throughout his career, Dr. Lyle has contributed to the field of plastic and cosmetic surgery through research, publications, and presentations at national meetings. His practice emphasizes patient safety and personalized care to achieve natural results.

Next Steps

To find out more about our procedure price ranges – visit the pricing page – please note that our practice no longer takes insurance patients. We can help you find low-interest medical financing to make your surgery more affordable.

If you’re considering surgery in Raleigh NC and want personalized advice about your suitability, recovery, risks and results, I’d be happy to meet with you for a consultation.

Let’s work together to help you achieve your best results—safely and beautifully.

To make an inquiry or book a consultation please fill in the contact form or phone the office on 919 307 85 85.