Tag: Nicotine cessation

While it might seem that removing nicotine makes vaping or smoking a safer option, a 2023 study published in *PubMed* indicated that exposure to nicotine-free e-cig aerosol can still inhibit the wound healing process. The answer to "Can I smoke zero nicotine after surgery?" is not a simple yes, and the reasons go beyond just nicotine, encompassing other harmful chemicals and the act of inhalation itself.

Studies have shown that nicotine use, whether from traditional cigarettes or vaping, can significantly increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. This is why medical professionals strongly advise patients to quit all forms of nicotine well in advance of their procedure when considering the question: how long before anesthesia can you vape?.

According to the American College of Surgeons, quitting nicotine 4–6 weeks before an operation can significantly decrease the rate of wound complications by 50%. This statistic underscores a critical medical directive: **why can't you use nicotine before surgery?** The answer lies in the serious physiological dangers nicotine poses to a patient's cardiovascular and healing systems, compounding the inherent risks of any surgical procedure.