What effects the blue haze has and how I can stop smoking.
Why we ask in our patient questionnaire whether you are a smoker is easily explained and is nevertheless essential for our work and your operation.
You should also avoid e-cigarettes, as they (may) contain nicotine.
We recommend our smoking patients to refrain from smoking at least 3 weeks before the operation. This also includes the now widespread vaping, hookah and all other nicotine
Products. You should also keep your hands off it for up to 6 weeks after the operation.
Here we give you some of the most important points and how you can manage to quit smoking even if you are a heavy smoker (at least for a few weeks).
Our anesthesiologists have a lot more work with you if you are a smoker. More oxygen is needed because your blood cells are less able to transport oxygen. Our doctors can tell you whether you are a smoker or not when they see you lying under anesthesia. Your whole metabolism / circulation is weaker than that of a non-smoker.
The healing of your wounds is significantly longer than with a non-smoker. Since your body needs oxygen to heal your wounds and, as already mentioned, less oxygen is available because it is difficult to transport within your body, your body simply needs twice as long as normal.
Poorer wound healing also leads to a higher risk of infection. Since you have longer open spots that take longer to close completely, bacteria and other organisms also have longer time to get into your body.
What can I do to quit smoking?
We know how difficult it is to give up a cigarette with a coffee or after a meal. So what can you do? Here are a few little tips.
Put up pictures of your ideal body and look at them every time you feel the urge to smoke. Become aware of what is necessary to minimize your risks from an operation.
Avoid "triggers". For example: do you smoke when you drink alcohol? -> Avoid drinking alcohol.
Shift your addiction to something "healthier". Pack gum in your bag or something similar. Every time you feel like a cigarette, grab a piece of gum instead.
Use apps that help you quit and show you your progress. Every success is a success.. no matter how big or small it is.
Ask your GP for help.
Listen to! Now! Your body will thank you