1. Community
  2. Operations and surgical procedures
  3. Surgery and Anaesthetics

breast reduction and smoking

Posted , 3 users are following.

chris11339
chris11339

I am booked into see a plastic surgeon regarding a breast reduction I have emailed the surgeon because I went to see another 1 last year and he said he would not consider this unless I gave up the cigarettes I did try so hard but it's an addiction I even tried hypnosis but failed after 5 days.

anyway this surgeon has said they understand that some people find it extremely hard and that doesn't mean surgery cannot go ahead but I need 2 know the risks which I do I have cut down my smoking and now smoke 7 per day I was on 20 so to me it's good

what I'd like to know is are there people who smoke who have had problems with scar healing ad know this is the main worry especially around the nipple area

I have did a lot of research on the surgeon and is very good at his job

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • H.Schumacher
    H.Schumacher chris11339

    Posted

    Hello,

    I am a plastic surgeon and am afraid my colleague who you spoke to is right. Smoking had been shown to increase the wound complication risk 2-3fold. This includes problems like wound infection, wound gaping  and ugly scars. I have seen partial nipple loss in smokers with breast reduction. This is not a risk worth taking.

    • chris11339
      chris11339 H.Schumacher

      Posted

      hi and thanks for the reply I really want this surgery is the risk lower if I can manage to stop 3days b4 surgery that will be hard enough but I am sure if I kept thinking of the results it might help..

      I wish not just for surgery but for all reasons I could wake tomorrow and say right no more cigarettes but it's not that easy I've tried so many different things

      I think I will take the risk and if I take an infection then I have no one to blame but myself as the surgeon has made it clear the risks involved.

      I have a photo on my phone of a partial nipple loss as I thought if I looked at it when I wanted a smoke it would stop me smoking I have cut down dramatically. after my consultation I again will try giving them up if I have a date for the BR it might just give me the push I need

      thank you again appreciate you taking the time to reply

    • chris11339
      chris11339 H.Schumacher

      Posted

      I decided not to go through with the operation I would desperately love to have it but having had a simple ear op that I have had many times before I became exhausted took an infection and was generally drained

      I have fibromyalgia and on top of the infection this had an impact on my recovery and I thought gosh if a simple op made me feel as drained having such a big procedure was going to really have a big impact and it wasn't for health reason so decided to be happy with what I have

    • H.Schumacher
      H.Schumacher chris11339

      Posted

      I think you have made the right decision. Especially with a background of fibromyalgia you want to be at your best when / if going for major surgery. Don't give up though - giving up smoking is not that hard. The physical withdrawal is mild and only takes a few days. This is mainly about changing habits and mindset.

      All the best!

  • IllusioImaging
    IllusioImaging chris11339

    Posted

    Smoking is not just bad for surgery but in your health in general. This can really be addictive but i've seen lot of people who where able to change. 
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.