Can I smoke and drink after the surgery?
It is estimated that approximately 1.3 billion people use tobacco products and approximately 2 billion people consume alcohol across the globe.
As of 2024, world population reached 8.2 billion people which indicates around 15% or more of people drinks or smokes !
Of course we are all aware of the health hazard of smoking and drinking, however not many people are aware of how it affects our body post surgery.
In today’s article, we will be covering the affects of smoking and drinking post procedure.
If you ever thought about having a cosmetic procedure, you would have heard “no smoking and no drinking alcohol” for a certain period after the surgery. Some may think we are saying it to scare you, but believe it or not, there’s scientific background to support why it needs to be avoided after the surgery.
Let’s dive into smoking first!
Many health professionals mention about how smoking affects our health. When they speak of it, they mention on the accumulative long-term effects of smoking on health such as lung cancer etc.
As we speak commonly on “long-term” effect of smoking rather than short term effect, people tend to underestimate the importance of “no smoking after surgery” rule.
As soon as the smoke from cigarettes enters our body, the blood circulation slows down immediately due to vasoconstriction effect of smoking. Our body always prioritizes saving vital organs ( brain, heart etc..). This means, if the blood circulation slows down, it will start from the extremities such as finger tips, nose etc.. Blood circulation is extremely important no matter how big or small surgery is as it directly relates to wound healing process and our body’s natural immune response. This can lead to significant surgical complications including delayed wound healing and tissue necrosis.
Now, you may wonder “wouldn’t one cigarette per day is fine?”. Unfortunately, the answer is ‘NO’. The delayed blood circulation occurs relatively quickly, and this can be shown through drop in oxygen saturation level when measured immediately after smoking.
The problem is, it affects our body quickly and the effect lingers in our body for long.
It also has accumulative effect, hence, it is best not to smoke whilst wound is healing.
Let’s talk about alcohol consumption.
As shown in K-Dramas… South Korea is well known for its vibrant nightlife and drinking culture.
When you visit Korea as a tourist, we understand that there’s always temptation for experiencing Korean nightlife.
Unfortunately, you need to refrain yourself from drinking alcohol if you are planning to have some cosmetic procedures and here’s why.
Alcohol consumption can lead to elevated blood pressure which can result in excess swelling, Also, when body tries to break down alcohol in our body, diminished inflammatory response can occur which can increases risk of infection.
Not only this, it also increases risk of being injured which is also why drinking should be avoided after surgery.
At Mina Plastic Surgery, we recommend at least 1 month of smoking and alcohol cessation after the surgery.
At Mina Plastic Surgery, we perform various type of anti-aging treatments including botox/filler injection, thread lift, face and/or neck lift and HIFU SHURINK treatment.
Dr Cha is a plastic surgeon with over 16 years of experience who is both fluent in Korean and English.
We are located in the one of the most vibrant cities in Seoul, Gangnam !
Although we are based in South Korea, Dr Cha also visits other countries to provide consultations. We also offer online consultation via ZOOM (fees apply).
Do not hesitate to contact us via social media including WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok and/or Youtube Channel!!
Can I smoke and drink after the surgery?
It is estimated that approximately 1.3 billion people use tobacco products and approximately 2 billion people consume alcohol across the globe.
As of 2024, world population reached 8.2 billion people which indicates around 15% or more of people drinks or smokes !
Of course we are all aware of the health hazard of smoking and drinking, however not many people are aware of how it affects our body post surgery.
In today’s article, we will be covering the affects of smoking and drinking post procedure.
If you ever thought about having a cosmetic procedure, you would have heard “no smoking and no drinking alcohol” for a certain period after the surgery. Some may think we are saying it to scare you, but believe it or not, there’s scientific background to support why it needs to be avoided after the surgery.
Let’s dive into smoking first!
Many health professionals mention about how smoking affects our health. When they speak of it, they mention on the accumulative long-term effects of smoking on health such as lung cancer etc.
As we speak commonly on “long-term” effect of smoking rather than short term effect, people tend to underestimate the importance of “no smoking after surgery” rule.
As soon as the smoke from cigarettes enters our body, the blood circulation slows down immediately due to vasoconstriction effect of smoking. Our body always prioritizes saving vital organs ( brain, heart etc..). This means, if the blood circulation slows down, it will start from the extremities such as finger tips, nose etc.. Blood circulation is extremely important no matter how big or small surgery is as it directly relates to wound healing process and our body’s natural immune response. This can lead to significant surgical complications including delayed wound healing and tissue necrosis.
Now, you may wonder “wouldn’t one cigarette per day is fine?”. Unfortunately, the answer is ‘NO’. The delayed blood circulation occurs relatively quickly, and this can be shown through drop in oxygen saturation level when measured immediately after smoking.
The problem is, it affects our body quickly and the effect lingers in our body for long.
It also has accumulative effect, hence, it is best not to smoke whilst wound is healing.
Let’s talk about alcohol consumption.
As shown in K-Dramas… South Korea is well known for its vibrant nightlife and drinking culture.
When you visit Korea as a tourist, we understand that there’s always temptation for experiencing Korean nightlife.
Unfortunately, you need to refrain yourself from drinking alcohol if you are planning to have some cosmetic procedures and here’s why.
Alcohol consumption can lead to elevated blood pressure which can result in excess swelling, Also, when body tries to break down alcohol in our body, diminished inflammatory response can occur which can increases risk of infection.
Not only this, it also increases risk of being injured which is also why drinking should be avoided after surgery.
At Mina Plastic Surgery, we recommend at least 1 month of smoking and alcohol cessation after the surgery.
At Mina Plastic Surgery, we perform various type of anti-aging treatments including botox/filler injection, thread lift, face and/or neck lift and HIFU SHURINK treatment.
Dr Cha is a plastic surgeon with over 16 years of experience who is both fluent in Korean and English.
We are located in the one of the most vibrant cities in Seoul, Gangnam !
Although we are based in South Korea, Dr Cha also visits other countries to provide consultations. We also offer online consultation via ZOOM (fees apply).
Do not hesitate to contact us via social media including WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok and/or Youtube Channel!!