Smoking Cessation and Other Tummy Tuck Safety Considerations
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 dead tissue, which can cause poor scarring and potentially open wounds. Patients are counseled to cease smoking at least 4-6 weeks before 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.
Concern
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 also considered liposuction.
Surgery
Dr. Lyle counseled her to quit smoking for at least 4 weeks before surgery and recommended against the performance of additional liposuction. The patient underwent successful abdominoplasty.
Result
There were a few small areas of wound healing problems along the abdominal incision; however, they eventually healed without significant problems.
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.
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.
Lyle Plastic Surgery is committed to exceptional patient care – you can read Dr. Lyle’s 5 star patient reviews on Google, Realself and Facebook.
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 (previously American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons).
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 prices and costs of surgery – visit our surgical pricing page. Please note that our practice no longer takes insurance patients.
If you’re considering surgery in Raleigh NC and want personalized advice about your suitability, recovery, risks, and results, Dr. Lyle would 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 call (984) 367-1110
