No, you cannot have FTM top surgery if you smoke. Smoking can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery, such as infection, poor wound healing, and even death.

Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, which means it narrows the blood vessels. This can make it difficult for the surgeon to see what they are doing during surgery, and it can also slow down the healing process. Additionally, nicotine can weaken the immune system, which makes it more difficult for the body to fight off infection.

If you are a smoker and you are considering FTM top surgery, it is important to quit smoking as soon as possible. The longer you smoke before surgery, the higher your risk of complications.

Here are some tips for quitting smoking:

  • Talk to your doctor about quitting smoking. They can help you develop a plan and provide you with resources.
  • There are many quit-smoking programs available, both online and in person.
  • Talk to your friends and family about your quit-smoking plan. They can offer support and encouragement.
  • Be patient. Quitting smoking is not easy, but it is worth it.

If you are able to quit smoking before FTM top surgery, you will have a lower risk of complications and you will have a better chance of a successful outcome.

While it is possible to undergo FTM top surgery if you smoke, it is generally recommended to quit smoking or at least stop smoking for a significant period before the surgery. Smoking can have adverse effects on the healing process and increase the risk of complications during and after surgery.

Here are some reasons why quitting smoking or stopping smoking before FTM top surgery is strongly advised:

  1. Impaired Wound Healing: Smoking can impair the healing process by constricting blood vessels, reducing oxygen flow to tissues, and delaying the delivery of essential nutrients to the surgical site. This can lead to slower wound healing, increased risk of infection, and poor scar formation.
  2. Increased Risk of Infections: Smoking weakens the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infections. Surgical incisions are vulnerable to infection, and smoking can increase the risk of post-operative infections.
  3. Compromised Blood Flow: Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes can constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the surgical site. This can impede the delivery of necessary nutrients and oxygen to the tissues, increasing the risk of tissue damage and delayed healing.
  4. Higher Risk of Complications: Smoking is associated with an increased risk of surgical complications, including wound dehiscence (wound separation), necrosis (tissue death), poor scar formation, and longer recovery times.

It’s important to be honest with your surgeon about your smoking habits during the consultation. They can provide guidance on the recommended timeframe for quitting smoking before the surgery and may have specific guidelines for their practice.

Quitting smoking is beneficial not only for the surgical outcome but also for your overall health and well-being. If you are a smoker and considering FTM top surgery, it is highly recommended to quit smoking as early as possible and adhere to your surgeon’s instructions regarding smoking cessation before and after the procedure. This will help minimize the risks and optimize the chances of a successful surgical outcome.