quit smoking for surgery

It’s a long-known fact that smoking is “bad for you”. According to the American Cancer Society, about 480,000 people die from cigarette smoking each year, and many of those from cancer. Smoking not only damages your lungs, but also your heart, blood vessels, mouth, skin, eyes, bones, and reproductive organs too. This damage can lead to conditions such as emphysema, COPD, heart attack, stroke, miscarriage, erectile dysfunction, gum disease, type 2 diabetes, low bone density, and more.

SMOKING AND SURGERY

A lesser known fact is that smoking slows wound healing and increases the risk of complications after surgery. Use of any products containing nicotine can make it harder for your body to heal and easier for your body to get an infection. It is highly recommended to quit smoking, or using any form of nicotine, to reduce risks such as anesthesia complications, pneumonia, poor wound healing and blood clots. The benefits of quitting increase the longer you go without smoking before your surgery, but quitting even just one day prior to your surgery can reduce these risks. It is especially important to not smoke or use nicotine on the day of your surgery.

QUITTING IS POSSIBLE

Talk to your doctor about quitting, ask about support options, and inform your support system about your goal. This is the best thing you can do for the most optimal recovery, so set your quit date today! This flyer can help – Quit Smoking Flyer

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