You’ve researched different clinics and procedures, saved up your money and finally, decided to set a date for your upcoming Brazilian butt lift (BBL), breast augmentation or mommy makeover. Congratulations! While this is undoubtedly an exciting time in your life, you may also have a long list of questions regarding your health and changes you should be making ahead of your surgery.
One of the most important physical changes you will be asked to make ahead of your procedure is to quit smoking at least a month in advance. While this is a cakewalk for non-smokers, the mere thought of cutting cigarettes cold turkey for a smoker can cause massive anxiety.
The truth is, quitting smoking before surgery can have huge benefits to your overall health, your safety during the procedure, and your comfort and health during recovery. If you smoke, your heart and lungs don’t work as well as they should. You may have breathing problems during or after surgery, and you are at greater risk of developing pneumonia. You are also much more likely to need a ventilator after surgery to help you breath. In addition, smoking reduces blood flow, which slows healing. This may cause your surgical incision to become infected. Because smoking is a major cause of heart disease, your chances of suffering a heart attack during or after surgery also increase.
While this might scare you, the good news is you can eliminate the likelihood of any of these risks becoming a reality by stopping smoking at least a month before your procedure. Below is a list of successful ways to quit smoking before surgery:
1. Mark a “Stop” Date on Your Calendar
Mark the day you will stop smoking on your calendar. Tell your friends about it. Tell your family about it. The point is to create some accountability for quitting so that you feel the pressure to stop.
2. Exercise
Oftentimes, exercising is all you need to resist the urge to smoke. The natural rush of adrenaline and endorphins that come along with it relieves stress and boosts your mood. Additionally, making an effort to get more exercise will help tone your body up, making your surgical results even better!
3. Get Rid of All Cigarettes and Related Items
If you are trying to quit, seeing cigarettes, ashtrays and other related items will only tempt you. Take stock of items like these in your home, car and workplace and throw them out. Half the battle is getting rid of the source!
4. Stock up on Oral Substitutes
Oftentimes, smokers develop an oral fixation, meaning they become accustomed to the sensation of having something in their mouth. Harmless items like sugarless gum, carrot sticks, hard candy, cinnamon sticks, coffee stirrers, straws or toothpicks can serve to occupy your mouth without the harmful additives of a cigarette.
5. Set up a Support System
Enlist someone you trust, such as a close relative, partner or friend, to act as support if you ever feel the urge to smoke. Sometimes, all you need is a few words of encouragement and a good distraction to pass up on that cigarette!
While the thought of quitting smoking – even for just a month – may seem daunting, committing yourself to the task will greatly improve your health and your safety during and after surgery. The positive effects of quitting start taking place in your body after just one day. By following these tips, you will be well on your way to quitting and making your health a top priority.