How Nicotine Sabotages Plastic Surgery

How Nicotine Sabotages Plastic Surgery

It is important to take care of our bodies, from general health and well-being to recovery from plastic surgery, the lifestyle choices you make daily have a real and measurable impact.

One substance that has been proven to have negative effects on the body is nicotine. This negative implication extends to plastic surgery and healing/recovery.

If you are considering cosmetic surgery and routinely use nicotine, it is time to consider the effects this drug has on sabotaging recovery and desirable outcomes. The last thing you want is to invest time, money and recovery on a procedure that delivers sub-optimal results simply because you opted to continue use of nicotine afterwards.

Quitting Cigarettes Might Not be Enough

It is important to quit smoking for many reasons, but in this case, nicotine substitutes may be just as bad.

In order to avoid sabotaging your surgery, you must also avoid:

 

  • Nicotine patches
  • Chewing tobacco
  • Cigars and Pipes
  • Snuff
  • Nicotine gum
  • E-cigarettes
  • And other nicotine products.

The Difference Between Surgery and Plastic Surgery

Operations involving medically necessary surgery are different from plastic or cosmetic surgery. Traditional surgical operations often involve deep incisions or operations that work on the “inside” of your body versus those parts that impact outward appearance.

For example, liposuction impacts the outer skin and tissues directly beneath (i.e. adipose/fat). S

How Nicotine Affects Blood Vessels

Nicotine deprives skin and other tissues from critical blood supply. As a vasoconstrictor, this drug narrows blood vessels and reduces optimal and healthy blood circulation.

This reduction in circulation can result in:

  • Longer healing and recovery times
  • Increased or more visible scarring
  • Tissue death
  • And in severe cases, gangrene

Other Nicotine-Related Issues

The blood vessels are not the only issue that can arise from nicotine use. Other possible issues brought on by or contributed to by the use of nicotine include:

 

  • Infection
  • Loss of skin the area the surgery was performed
  • Delayed wound healing
  • Fat necrosis – or the killing of fat cells that results in hard lumps
  • Blood clots – which can sometimes be fatal
  • Noticeable scarring – which can be thicker and wider than usual
  • Loss of breast implants
  • Increased pain
  • Life-threatening complications, such as a heart attack or stroke, pneumonia, or blood clots
  • Permanent small vessel damage that can last even if you decide to quit nicotine

This list shows just how dangerous it can be to continue to use nicotine when undergoing plastic surgery.

Guidelines for Quitting Nicotine

When considering plastic surgery, you should generally stop using nicotine for three to six weeks before your surgery, as well as for a period of three to six weeks after. Discuss any concerns you have with your plastic surgeon and make sure they are aware of your nicotine use so that they can advise you based on your unique situation. Ideally, you’ll want to quit nicotine indefinitely, but at a minimum following your doctor’s orders is critical.

There are many resources available to help when trying to quit using nicotine. Support groups, meditation, and other distractions often help when attempting to quit. Getting through the first few days is crucial, as that is when withdrawal symptoms are often felt.

 

  • You will experience physical and mental withdrawal. Your body expects to receive a certain amount of nicotine each day, and it will basically throw a fit when this does not happen.
  • How you handle your emotions, how you relax, and how you stay alert will all change without the influence of nicotine.
  • You may experience depression, irritability, anxiety, restlessness, and nicotine cravings. Sleep and appetite may also be affected, and you may gain weight.
  • This will last between a week and a month, so seeking help for getting through this period is crucial.

Trusting Your Procedure to the Right Doctor

Dr. Jim Brantner is an ABPS certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with both military and civilian expertise. Once you have kicked that nicotine habit, Dr. Brantner and his staff will help you achieve the look you want through quality surgery at state-of-the-art facilities.

Dr. Brantner works with a number of hospitals, as well as out of a modern facility designed for those who need a 23-hour stay or less post-operation. For expert advice and a steady hand, look no further than Dr. Brantner and his staff.

Kicking Nicotine – you can do this!

You are a strong individual, and you can choose to quit nicotine. Not only will it help your plastic surgery process, but you will experience a variety of health benefits. You will get sick less, that smoker’s cough will go away, and you will increase your life expectancy.

Everyone struggles when quitting. Don’t get discouraged. You can do it!

Breast Cancer Reconstruction: FAQ

Breast Cancer Reconstruction: FAQ

Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the office of Jim Brantner, MD would like to answer your questions about breast cancer reconstruction.pink balloons

  • Should I Have Reconstructive Surgery?
    • Mastectomy due to cancer is an intimate and painful topic, and no two patients are alike. Many women do find that reconstructive surgery helps them to feel more like themselves again. Others choose not to experience more surgeries and hospital time. Speak with your doctors, care team, and close companions, but remember that ultimately the choice lies with you.
  • What are my Options?
    • There are two options for reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy: artificial breast implants, or tissue flap reconstruction. Breast implants after a mastectomy are quite similar to a standard breast implant, in that an artificial saline or silicone implant is used. In tissue flap reconstruction, tissue from your body (usually the abdomen or back) is used in the same manner. Neither option is one-size-fits-all, and both create natural-looking results. Discuss them with your surgeon to determine which is right for you.
  • When Should I Have Surgery?
    • You have several options when it comes to the timing of your breast reconstruction. Some women choose to have removal and reconstruction at the same time, which has the advantage of significantly lessening overall recovery time. Some women choose to delay their reconstruction surgery. This is often due to further treatment needs, such as targeted radiation and chemotherapy. It’s not uncommon for doctors to recommend a waiting period of six months to a year after completing treatment. Some women also choose staged reconstruction, where part of the reconstruction is done at removal and the rest after treatment.

Again, a long discussion with your entire care team is the best way to determine which breast reconstruction option is right for you. There is no rule that patients should have reconstruction immediately–many patients wait months, years, or never choose to have the procedure at all.

When you’re ready to begin the consultation process, contact Dr. Brantner’s Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery office in East Tennessee for professional, informed, compassionate care.

Merry Christmas from Dr. Brantner!

Merry Christmas from Dr. Brantner!

season's greetingsChristmas is a time of celebration. All throughout December we celebrate the joys of the season: delicious desserts baked by thoughtful patients, the festive merriment of holiday crowds, and the anticipation of seeing the people we love for the holidays. Dr. Brantner and his staff love nothing more than sharing the joys of the season with the people around us. We’re blessed to interact with wonderful people daily, from our incredible office staff to each new patient. And we can’t wait to share the holidays with the kids, grandkids, and other loved ones we see far too infrequently.

The joy of Christmas is love. After all, that’s the Christmas message. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). In saving the world from our imperfections, God displayed the ultimate loving sacrifice. Because of Him we can reflect that ultimate love to our friends, families, neighbors, acquaintances, and even strangers. Because of that love, we have joy, peace, and eternal life.

Merry Christmas from Dr. Brantner’s office! We pray you have a blessed holiday and a happy New Year.

 

Happy Thanksgiving, Johnson City

Happy Thanksgiving, Johnson City

thanksgivingOne look outside the window reveals a splendor we can relish every day. The folks in Johnson City are blessed to live surrounded by majestic mountains, bright and sturdy trees, and clear blue skies. But our riches aren’t just outside our door; they’re inside our hearts. The Lord has blessed us with people to love, who love us in return. We’re so grateful for the reminder each year that there are people who will gladly travel half the country to share a meal. But there are also people who need us to step across the street and invite them in for the holidays.

This Thanksgiving, we give thanks for the amazing people God has placed in our lives. We’re eager to share our blessings with the people around us, spreading his love and light through the world. Thank you for spreading his love to us, whether with a kind word when you come for an appointment or a sweet gift for the holidays. We’re so grateful to have patients who care about us as much as we care about them.

Happy Holidays from Dr. Brantner and the entire staff at Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

What You Need to Know about Breast Cancer

What You Need to Know about Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Men and women across the globe are showing support and raising awarenss through donations, Breast Cancer Awareness walks, and the familiar pink ribbon. But many people don’t know how breast cancer could affect them and the people around them. Don’t just pledge to support Breast Cancer Awareness. Learn and educate the people around you. It could save a life.

What You Need to Know about Breast Cancer

  • pink ribbonIt doesn’t just affect women over 40. Men have a 1 in 1,000 chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. In 2009, a 10 year old girl in California became the youngest person in the U.S. to be diagnosed with breast cancer.
  • Find a doctor you can trust. Qualifications are crucial, but you should also feel comfortable discussing questions, both big and small, with your physician.
  • Women are more likely to develop breast cancer if they have close female relatives who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Mammogram screening typically begins at 40, but high risk patients should discuss early screenings with their doctor.
  • Many women who develop breast cancer do not have family history.
  • Monthly breast exams increase the likelihood of catching breast cancer in its early stages. Get to know your breast tissue — but don’t skip your regular screenings.
  • The size of your breasts does not affect your risk of developing breast cancer.
  • There’s no evidence to suggest that breast implants increase the risk of breast cancer. At your regular screenings, remind your doctor or radiologist of the type and size of your breast implants.
  • There are many treatment options, and the best option is highly individual. Discuss each with your doctor before beginning treatment.
  • Many women are eligible for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. Ask your doctor if you’re a candidate for breast reconstruction.

To learn more about breast cancer, mastectomies, and breast reconstruction, contact Dr. Brantner’s office.

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