Before and after surgery, physicians often advise staying away from smoking and alcohol. There are medical reasons for this.
Smoking and nicotine
- They narrow blood vessels and reduce blood flow to tissues.
- They slow wound healing and can raise the risk of tissue loss and infection.
- Nicotine products (gum, patches, e-cigarettes) can have a similar effect; tell your physician what you use.
Alcohol
- It can interact with anaesthesia and medication.
- It can increase the tendency to bleed and harm healing.
- It should be avoided especially while taking painkillers and antibiotics after surgery.
When should you stop?
The time varies with the procedure; many physicians ask for a pause weeks before surgery and throughout recovery. Ask your physician for the exact period.
If stopping is hard
Share this openly with your physician; they can help with support and alternative approaches.
This article is general information; diagnosis and treatment decisions are always made after a physician's examination.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Consult a physician for a personal assessment.
