Study finds link between cosmetic surgery and quitting smoking

The results of a long-term follow-up study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery has shown that patients undergoing cosmetic surgery who have been advised to quit before their procedure will stop smoking, or at least smoke less, in the years after their op.

The study included 85 patients who were smokers when evaluated for cosmetic surgery. Patients were advised to refrain from smoking for at least two weeks before elective procedures. Five years after cosmetic surgery, 47 patients responded to a follow-up survey. After exclusion of five “social” smokers, the study included 42 patients who were daily smokers before cosmetic surgery.

In the follow-up survey, about 40% said they no longer smoked cigarettes on a daily basis. Nearly one-fourth had not smoked at all since their cosmetic surgery procedure. Most patients said they had reduced their cigarette intake and 70% agreed that discussing their increased surgical risks with the plastic surgeon influenced their ability to quit or reduce smoking.