Why We Emphasize This So Strongly Before Surgery
Every patient hears it during consultation, but few realize just how significant smoking (and nicotine in all forms) can be to surgical recovery.
At ARBRA, this isn’t a suggestion, it’s a safety standard. Whether through cigarettes, vapes, or nicotine replacements, nicotine directly affects how your body heals. Understanding why helps patients take ownership of their results and recovery.
1. Nicotine Constricts Blood Vessels
Healthy blood flow is vital for tissue healing. Nicotine causes vasoconstriction, a tightening of the small vessels that deliver oxygen and nutrients to healing tissues.
Without proper circulation, incision sites and grafted tissue struggle to survive, increasing the risk of delayed healing, tissue loss, and scarring.
2. Oxygenation is Reduced
Nicotine reduces oxygen levels in the blood, while carbon monoxide from smoking binds to red blood cells more easily than oxygen does.
This means freshly operated tissue receives less of what it needs most: oxygen for cell regeneration and wound repair.
3. Increased Risk of Infection and Poor Scarring
Restricted blood flow also limits the delivery of immune cells, slowing your body’s ability to fight infection and close wounds.
Scars can become wider, darker, or irregular when the skin isn’t oxygenated properly during recovery.
4. Microsurgery and Smoking Don’t Mix
In procedures like breast reconstruction, where blood vessels must be reconnected under magnification, nicotine use is especially dangerous. Even a slight decrease in circulation can cause graft failure.
For microsurgical success, pristine blood flow isn’t optional, it’s essential.
5. The Healing Window
Patients are asked to stop all smoking and nicotine use at least four weeks prior to their appointment in order to schedule a preoperative visit, during which a nicotine test will be performed.
Patients should avoid restarting any smoking or nicotine use for the duration of the restrictions provided by their surgeon, as this may vary depending on the procedure.
This gives your body time to normalize circulation and maximize oxygen delivery, both critical for proper healing.
The ARBRA Standard
At ARBRA, safety is the foundation of every outcome. Dr. Kania’s commitment to surgical excellence begins long before the procedure, with patient education, preparation, and accountability.
Avoiding nicotine is more than a restriction, it’s a way to support your body’s natural ability to heal beautifully and safely.
The most elegant results are built on the science of healing, and your body deserves nothing less.
