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Smoking and nicotine use are important subjects to raise before cosmetic surgery. An open discussion helps the team assess your circumstances and explain what preparation may be needed. It should be a practical conversation, without blame or pressure to hide information.
Tell the team what you use now, what has changed and any support you already receive. A general article cannot set an individual stopping plan or confirm that you are ready for surgery.
Give a clear account of what you use
Include cigarettes, vaping and nicotine products such as patches, gum or pouches. Describe the product and how you use it. If you do not know whether it contains nicotine, say so and check the packaging if available.
Also explain whether a product forms part of a plan to stop smoking. That gives the team a fuller picture than the answer to a single question about cigarettes.
Ask why it matters for your operation
The Royal College of Anaesthetists includes stopping smoking within preparation for surgery. Smoking can increase the chance of problems around an operation, including difficulties with recovery. Ask the team to explain the risks relevant to your proposed procedure and health.
You may hear different advice about smoking, vaping and nicotine products. Do not assume that all products have the same effects, or that changing one habit removes every surgical risk. Ask what evidence and clinical considerations apply to your situation.
Make a supported plan
If you want help to change smoking habits, discuss it with your usual healthcare professionals and the surgical team. Ask how that support fits with the planned operation.
Do not stop a prescribed or supervised smoking-cessation treatment because of a general cosmetic surgery article. Equally, do not assume a product described as nicotine-free is automatically suitable around surgery. Bring questions about alternatives to the clinicians who know your care plan.
Clarify the provider's requirements
Before committing to a date, ask about the provider's current assessment process. Does it have requirements relevant to smoking or nicotine use? Who explains them, and how would a change in circumstances affect planning?
Request any applicable information in writing. This article does not establish an APS testing policy, a threshold or a universal period without smoking. Those details need direct confirmation.
Keep the team informed
If your use changes after the consultation, update the team. A booked date does not make new information less important. The aim is to support a safe decision about whether and when to proceed.
Keep a short note of the advice, the person who gave it and any follow-up questions. If instructions are unclear or seem to conflict, ask the relevant clinicians to clarify them rather than guessing.
Frequently asked questions
Why should smoking be discussed before elective cosmetic surgery?
Smoking can affect risks around surgery and recovery. An accurate history helps the team explain the issues relevant to your operation. Ask about support and preparation without assuming that one change removes every risk or guarantees that surgery can go ahead.
Should I disclose vaping as well as cigarette smoking?
Yes. Explain the products you use, how often and their nicotine content if known. Vaping is not the same as smoking, but that does not make it irrelevant to assessment. Ask what advice applies to your proposed procedure.
Do nicotine patches, gum or pouches belong in the discussion?
Yes. Include products used to help you stop smoking as well as other nicotine use. Explain any existing supervised plan. Do not abandon prescribed or supported cessation treatment because of a general article; ask the relevant clinicians how the plans fit together.
Is there one stopping interval that applies to every operation and patient?
No single interval in this article can establish readiness for every patient. The operation, health history and provider's assessment matter. Ask for individual instructions and the provider's current requirements, including how and when the plan will be reviewed.
Can I assume a nicotine-free product is automatically safe around surgery?
No. A label alone does not establish suitability around an operation. Tell the team what you use and ask about it. Avoid choosing an unverified substitute on the assumption that removing nicotine resolves every preparation or recovery concern.
Where can I ask for support with changing smoking habits before surgery?
Speak with your usual healthcare professionals and the surgical team. Ask what support is available and how it fits with the proposed timing. The right plan should account for your circumstances and any treatment or support you already receive.
What if my smoking or nicotine use changes after the consultation?
Tell the surgical team, including if you restart a product or use something different. It may need to review the plan. A booked date is not a reason to leave out new information, and a change does not itself confirm clinical clearance.
Will the provider use tests or a specific eligibility policy for smoking?
Ask the provider directly for its current requirements and how they apply to you. This guide does not establish an APS testing policy or eligibility threshold. Request written information so you can clarify anything uncertain before committing to a date.
Further information
For more information, read APS risks and recovery information, the APS patient journey, or contact APS with questions about a consultation.
This is general information. Your treating team should provide advice for your circumstances.