The severe health dangers of cigarette smoking, including lung cancer and pulmonary disease such as emphysema, have been well documented for decades. Tobacco smoke can also dry out your skin, which may become an issue if you are considering cosmetic surgery. If the skin becomes too dry, it may not heal as well following surgery, leading to longer healing time and excessive scarring. Dr. Paul Pin strongly encourages his patients to quit smoking two to three weeks prior to surgery and take that as an opportunity to quit for good.

If you decide to take Dr. Pin’s advice before your cosmetic surgery and try to quit smoking, you may be aware of the addictive nature of nicotine, even if you smoke cigarettes with low nicotine content. Within the past few years, there has been a sharp increase in the popularity of both e-cigarettes and vape pens as an alternative to traditional cigarettes. Manufacturers claim that because e-cigarettes and vape pens contain less nicotine than standard cigarettes, they pose fewer health hazards. How dangerous are e-cigarettes and vape pens, and what might be their connection to cosmetic surgery outcomes?

How do E-cigarettes and Vape Pens Work?

E-cigarettes look like traditional cigarettes. They use batteries to heat up liquid nicotine (called e-juice) into a vapor, which you inhale. There’s no ash or smell with e-cigarettes. Vape pens work similarly to e-cigarettes, but use oils, wax, dried leaves or herbs instead of e-juice. They also may not look like a standard cigarette.

Are E-cigarettes and Vape Pens Harmful?

Because e-cigarettes and vape pens are relatively new on the market, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration only started regulating them last year. Manufacturers cannot make unfounded health claims, or market or sell directly to anybody under the age of 18. Furthermore, neither product has been approved by the FDA as a method for quitting smoking, unlike nicotine gum or patches. Although e-cigarettes and vape pens do not burn tobacco, they still rely on nicotine, which has been linked to lung cancer and pulmonary disease. The FDA is also concerned that there is no set standard for the amount of nicotine contained in the various brands of e-cigarettes or vape pens.

Do E-cigarettes and Vape Pens Present a Risk for Cosmetic Surgery Patients?

Similar to current research on general health risks, there is still much to be learned about the effect of vapor from e-cigarettes and vape pens on the quality of skin, particularly around the face. Current research appears to indicate that, while the exhaled vapor may contain less nicotine than from standard cigarettes, it may still have a drying effect on the face. As a result, Dr. Pin still urges his patients who use e-cigarettes or vape pens to stop at least two to three weeks prior to their surgery and consider quitting altogether.

Quitting smoking can be difficult. However, many of Dr. Pin’s patients find that an upcoming cosmetic surgery provides them the incentive needed to give up smoking for good. Although e-cigarettes and vape pens may seem to be a safe compromise because they provide the pleasing effects of smoking, but with less harmful effects, the truth is that you are still inhaling nicotine, even if it is at lover levels. Dr. Pin may be able to provide you with resources to help you quit smoking before your surgery date.