Cannabis
What To Know About Marijuana And Plastic Surgery
Some people take New Year New You to a different level – here is what you should know about cannabis and plastic surgery.
New Year resolutions are a thing for some people. There is a huge rush in fitness, but roughly 80% of new gym goers who join in January quit within five months. Some go another route with a new haircut, embracing the “I only keep what brings me joy”, and others go for a more permanent change. The holidays, especially post Christmas, are the busiest time of year for cosmetic enhancements. There were over 26 million cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery procedures performed in the US in 2022. This represents an increase of 19% from 2019. As cannabis is becoming increasing popular, in some cases it replaces alcohol and tobacco, here is what to know about marijuana and plastic surgery.
Florida has the most plastic surgeries per capita followed by California, New York and Texas. Three of them having access to legal cannabis and California and New York are fully recreational. Compared to other “vices”, marijuana is less of a threat, but there are some things you need to know.
Tobacco is the worst for the skin and surgery. Smoking can cause the skin to age faster, leading to wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and pigmented spots. It can cause the skin to appear sallow, and can discolor the fingers and nails of the hand that holds the cigarette. It also makes it harder for the body to heal, which can increase the risk and recovery from infections.
Alcohol can make the skin puffy . Since it causes inflammation, it can slow healing and increases pain and discomfort. It can also deplete the body of vitamins and minerals needed for tissue repair. It also thins the blood, which can make coagulation after surgery more difficult. This could lead to excessive bleeding after surgery.
Cannabis can actually help the body since may help reduce inflammation including acne and hair issues. But if you are going to have a procedure, here is what you should know.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) recommends stopping marijuana and CBD use for at least two weeks before and after surgery. Cannabis can reduce the effectiveness of anesthesia, potentially requiring higher doses and increasing the risk of complications.
To promote a smooth recovery and reduce risks, patients should disclose all cannabis use to healthcare providers. This would include frequency of consumption and type of product use.
Discuss with the health care profession weaning or stopping cannabis use at least 14 days prior to surgery. You should be able to resume two weeks post surgery.
Open communication between patients and healthcare providers is key to ensuring safe procedures and optimal outcomes in plastic surgery.