Kansas City Plastic Surgery

While this may seem like an obvious question with an obvious answer, many patients do not understand the negative impact smoking can have on the outcome of their plastic surgery procedure. Smoking can inhibit the flow of blood to your healing incisions and cause skin flap necrosis.

If you are a smoker and have been considering quitting, the best time is before your plastic surgery procedure. Studies show that if you stop smoking as little as four weeks before your procedure, your chances of a complication-free recovery increase. The potential ease of your recovery increases the longer you refrain from smoking before undergoing a surgical procedure.

Some other ways you can increase your likelihood for a complication free recovery are:

• Follow the surgeon's orders
• Do not miss follow-up appointments, even if you feel fine
• Wear recommended compression garments
• Avoid heavy lifting until recommended
• Restrict your movement as recommended by your surgeon
• Have someone help you with difficult tasks
• Request a prescription to help you stop smoking

To learn more about our many plastic surgery services, please contact our Kansas City plastic surgery office today to schedule your free initial consultation at Summit Plastic Surgery & Med Spa, serving Kansas City and Lee's Summit, Missouri.