Nicotine, present in cigarettes and vapes, restricts blood flow. This, in turn, increases the risk of infection, skin loss, and poor circulation. Side effects of smoking before and after surgery include slower healing time, increased scarring, accelerated aging of the skin, a loss of skin elasticity, blood clots, difficulty breathing, and increased change of capsular contracture (for Breast Surgery clients). In some cases, the complications of smoking or vaping pre- and post-surgery can result in necrosis—the permanent death of cells and tissue which can lead to disfigurement and be fatal.  Plastic Surgeons require clients to give up smoking and vaping for at least 6 weeks before and after your Plastic Surgery procedure. For more information, click here.