A very interesting study was recently released that may give smokers who are trying to quit a boost. The study, conducted by Dr. Aaron Van Slyke and published in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal, discovered that when patients are asked to stop smoking prior to a cosmetic surgery procedure, this cessation can influence the patient’s long-term smoking status. Patients who are going to undergo cosmetic surgery are almost always required to quit smoking at least two weeks before the date of the procedure, as quitting smoking will help boost the body’s healing ability and counteract other possible negative side effects.
Dr. Van Slyke states, “Our results show an association between cosmetic surgery and smoking cessation at long-term follow-up.” The study results showed that out of the 85 study participants evaluated, approximately 40% said they no longer smoked on a daily basis. And nearly 25% had not smoked at all since their procedure.
Follow Up to Study
During the follow up, only 47 original patients respond to the survey that was performed five years after their procedures. Of these 47, five were excluded as they did not smoke on a daily basis.
The remaining 42 were evaluated, and the study found that about 50% admitted they defied orders and smoked up to the day of their procedures. The study also noted that the post-surgery complication rate was higher among those patients who continued to smoke—24% versus 14%. Two patients experienced major complications during the healing process due to their ignoring the instructions to cease smoking.
Because of these types of studies and finding, many surgeons will not perform surgical procedures if a patient continues to smoke. This is due to the negative effects that continued smoking has on the healing process.
Dr. Thomas Wright, medical director of the Laser Lipo and Vein Center says, “This study emphasizes the importance of quitting smoking before your cosmetic procedure.” He continues, “I am also very happy that many people who quit because of a cosmetic procedure continue with a non-smoking lifestyle.”
If you are interested in knowing more about this study and how quitting smoking can help with your upcoming procedure, please just give us a call. We want to make sure that you have all the information you need to feel comfortable about any cosmetic surgery procedure you may be considering.
