Will Doctors Perform Reconstruction for Smokers?

They prefer you don't smoke it can interfere with healing.

Just making me nervous reading they will refuse a reconstruction 😱I am taking steps to quitting though

Did not get to much advise with this post 😦🤦‍♀️

Hi Sherry! Maybe try posting in the Surgery and Recovery group and see if you can find others who have dealt with this there. Best of luck to you! 💛 Suzanne (Community Moderator)

Hi Sherry I was told I had to quit for a minimum of 6 weeks before they would consider reconstruction. I did quit but didn't get the reconstruction because I'm comfortable with how I am now.

My doc told me that too .have to be 2 months of quitting. I am taking steps to quit.. and hard to quit with my nerves so high 😞 I go for a MRI tomorrow. My doc appointment didn't go so well last week.im still in shock mode 😐

No anyway smoking is not going to help you

I was told 6 weeks with no nicotine at all. Before they would do surgery

I had to pick up adult coloring books for my nerves. And to keep my hands busy while at home

Some plastic surgeons do blood test to check for nicotine/ smoking. They will not do surgery if you smoke. They say it causes problems with healing, there are other things that can make healing difficult too

Many doctors do have policies about smoking before reconstruction surgery, as it can affect healing and increase complications. Each surgeon and medical team may have different requirements, so discussing this openly with your care team on Wednesday will give you the clearest picture of your options. Starting this conversation early is actually really smart, and remember that many people successfully navigate both quitting smoking and reconstruction when they're ready - your medical team is there to support you through all aspects of your treatment journey.