Anaesthesia & surgical complications

Effects of smoking on surgery

Smoking is detrimental to many surgical procedures and we would strongly advise patients to stop smoking at least four weeks before an operation. Smoking increases the risks of anaesthetic complications and also has an adverse effect on wound healing. It is very important not to smoke during or immediately after an operative procedure and for at least the following two weeks. Smoking constricts the blood vessels limiting blood supply to the tissues and impairing wound healing. This is particularly noticeable in patients who are undergoing facial surgery where the risk of wound break down is much higher in smokers.