Post-Surgery Smoking: Risks, Recovery Timeline & Why You Should Quit

General guideline: Wait at least 48 hours after surgery before smoking. However, always consult your surgeon for personalized advice, as the safe timeframe depends on the specific procedure.

Risks of Smoking After Surgery

Smoking significantly increases the risk of complications, including:

• Wound infection
• Poor wound healing
• Increased pain
• Breathing difficulties
• Pneumonia
• Heart attack
• Stroke

Why Smoking Impairs Healing

Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing oxygen and nutrient delivery to surgical sites. This damages tissues, delays healing, and increases scarring risk.

Best Practice

If you smoke, quit before surgery and remain smoke-free as long as possible afterward. This gives your body the best chance to heal and recover fully.