The Relationship Between Smoking and Liposuction

sigara ve liposuction iliskisi
Dr. Koray Kır

It’s possible for the distribution of fat tissues under the skin to vary in different parts of the body. Alongside genetic and hormonal factors, there are also stubborn fats – those that seem to cling to the body and resist going away. Despite efforts with dieting and regular exercise, some fats refuse to budge and remain in place. In such cases, liposuction (fat removal) is performed to shape the body better. Among cosmetic procedures, liposuction is one of the most preferred options and can be performed on both men and women. The most commonly targeted areas for liposuction are usually the abdomen, arms, inner thighs, and hip areas.

In women, stubborn fat accumulates in areas like the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks. At the same time, in men, liposuction is often chosen for fat deposits around the belly and waist.

How Is Liposuction Done?

During liposuction, the area from which fat will be removed is infused with a special fluid to facilitate easier work. The patient, under general anesthesia, is then operated on using very fine, hollow tubes called cannulas, which are inserted under the skin. Here, the fat is first broken down and then removed from the body through these cannulas. After liposuction, there may be some swelling and bruising in the treated area. However, this will typically subside over time. Additionally, the millimetric holes created by the cannula will naturally close up, causing no adverse cosmetic effects.

The Relationship Between Liposuction and Smoking

In general, smoking adversely affects health. Besides damaging the lungs, smoking also causes damage to the tiny blood vessels that wrap around the entire body like a network. Moreover, smoking can reduce the healing process in most cosmetic procedures. Therefore, it’s recommended to quit smoking at least a week before the procedure and refrain from smoking for a period afterward. However, this advice applies to procedures like breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and thigh lift. In the case of liposuction, no such adverse effects of smoking have been identified.