Are you considering a plastic surgery treatment, such as a facelift or breast augmentation? A key factor in ensuring the most successful results is your ability to fully recover afterwards. Carefully following all of your plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions is important because it will:
- Lower your surgical risks
- Allow you to heal faster
- Prevent you from straining your scars and making them more visible
- Ensure the most satisfactory results
Customized Plastic Surgery Treatments in Edmonton
At our Edmonton clinic, Dr. Ladak offers customized plastic surgery treatments including facelifts, liposuction, and breast augmentation. We also offer minimally-invasive cosmetic injectable treatments such as Botox and Juvederm. Whatever your needs, we can help you achieve all your aesthetic goals.
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3 Reasons Why You Need to Stop Smoking Before Plastic Surgery
If you are considering undergoing plastic surgery, then your surgeon will require you to stop smoking for at least 3 weeks prior to and after your procedure. In fact, it is advisable that you quit smoking before deciding to have a cosmetic procedure. This is because:
1. Smoking Leads to Poor Blood Circulation
During and after your surgery, the effectiveness of your body’s blood supply is critical. Successful recovery depends on healthy circulation because blood must be able to travel and supply nutrients to the sites which have been injured during the treatment.
Nicotine will adversely affect this because it:
- Constricts your small blood vessels, reducing the amount of oxygen in your cells.
- Decreases blood flow throughout your body.
- Increases levels of carbon monoxide, which robs the body of oxygen, a key component to wound healing.
Dangerous of a Compromised Blood Supply During Plastic Surgery
A compromised blood supply will result in the destruction of tissue and the inability to heal properly. This will lead to wound healing issues and in certain cases, necrosis.
2. Smoking Increases Your RIsk of Surgical Complications
It has been well documented that smokers who undergo cosmetic surgeries such as abdominoplasty or facelifts, are at an increased risk of surgical complications such as:
- Developing blood clots
- Contracting an infection
- Experiencing some form of oxygen shortage
If you are a long-term smoker, then your risks stemming from this habit may even disqualify you from being able to undergo a plastic surgery treatment.
3. Smokers Have a Higher Chance of Developing Blood Clots
Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes make your blood more likely to clot, thus clogging your blood vessels and diminishing blood flow from the operated area. Not only will this compromise your results, but they can also increase your risk of a DVT and other serious vascular diseases.
When To Quit Smoking Before Plastic Surgery
The sooner you quit smoking before your surgery, the better. With each smoke-free day, your overall risk of complications decreases. Quitting even 12 hours before surgery can make a difference, but quitting at least two months prior to your treatment can have a dramatic positive impact on your surgery and recovery.
- 12 hours before surgery: Improved oxygenation, blood pressure, and heart rate.
- 2 weeks before surgery: Less breathing problems during surgery.
- 3 weeks before surgery: Wound healing will be greatly improved.
- 8 weeks before surgery: Lower risk of clot-related problems, such as a heart attack, a lower risk of infection and improved immunity and response to anesthesia.
Smoking After Plastic Surgery
Continuing to abstain from smoking after your surgery will improve your recovery time and decrease the risk of your complications. Your wound healing will be improved, the risk of pneumonia or infections is lowered, and your overall recovery time is greatly minimized.
Enjoy a Healthier Life After Plastic Surgery
The long-term benefits of being a non-smoker after your cosmetic surgery are enormous and extend well beyond your recovery. This includes a decreased risks of cancer and severe breathing problems.
Call Today
To find out more about our wide range of cosmetic surgeries and skin treatments, and how we can help you achieve the safest, most aesthetically pleasing results, visit our Edmonton clinic located at 8440 112 Street Northwest.
Additionally, you can contact Dr. Ladak at 780-407-6691 or fill in our online contact form.
