No Tobacco Day: surgery could be a solution to addiction

No Tobacco Day: surgery could be a solution to addiction


The plastic surgeon explains how the preoperative period can act as a stimulus to quit smoking. The study shows reduced dependence





No Tobacco Day: surgery could be a solution to addiction

Today, August 29th, is National No Tobacco Day. And for smokers considering plastic surgery, it is necessary to quit smoking for at least four weeks before the procedure. This is because cigarettes have a major influence on the recovery period.

“Nicotine and cigarette toxins cause decreased flow in the blood vessels. Because circulation is impaired, the amount of oxygen and nutrients reaching the skin tissue is less, especially in surgeries that require extensive peeling of the skin. such as rhytidectomy (lifting) and abdominoplasty. This factor increases the risk of complications such as necrosis, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism And accumulation of fluids“, warns Dr. Paolo Rubez, plastic surgeon and member of the American Society for Plastic Surgery (ASPS).

Plastic surgery vs cigarette addiction

Fortunately, a 2017 study from the ASPS shows that many patients who receive instructions from the plastic surgeon stop smoking. Or at least smoke less in the years following cosmetic surgery. The results show that there is a association between plastic surgery and smoking cessation. This is because most patients said they reduced their cigarette consumption by any amount.

The survey concluded it the vast majority of patients adhered to the medical recommendation. Within this group, on average 5 years after surgery, 40% of patients who smoked daily no longer smoked every day and 20% of patients had completely stopped smoking.

According to Dr. Paolo, the ideal is to use this plastic surgery break as a incentive quit smoking right away. He also stresses that it is essential to look for a good plastic surgeon. The practitioner should introduce the patient to the importance of quitting smoking before the procedure, as well as explain all the risks involved if the guidelines are not followed.

“Cigarettes increase the production of free radicals in the body, promoting premature cell aging. This goes against the goal of aesthetic rejuvenation procedures, for example, making the results not so satisfying,” says the plastic surgeon.

“Regardless of the type of plastic surgery that will be performed, the effort to quit smoking it’s worth it. Indeed, this could be the ideal opportunity to get rid of this bad habit, “concludes the doctor.

Source: Terra

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