Tobacco smoking and dermatologic surgery

BackgroundCigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and a major public health concern. Numerous clinical and experimental studies have examined the effect of nicotine on wound healing and surgical procedures, but there are limited published reports in the dermatologic surgery literature.ObjectiveThis article seeks to develop evidence-based recommendations regarding the effect of tobacco use in patients undergoing dermatologic surgery procedures.MethodsThis article reviews the existing published English-language literature pertaining to the effects of tobacco on wound healing and surgical complications.ResultsTobacco use is associated with a higher incidence of postoperative complications including wound dehiscence, flap or graft necrosis, prolonged healing time, and infections.LimitationsThis review article only summarizes past reports and studies.ConclusionRecommendations for smoking cessation before dermatologic surgery are provided based on the available data.