Adults only (18+)

Can You Vape Before Surgery

If you are due to have surgery and you vape, it is entirely natural to wonder whether you can continue vaping beforehand. Many people use vaping as their main source of nicotine, especially after quitting smoking, and may be unsure how it interacts with anaesthesia, healing, or surgical safety. While vaping is considered a far less harmful alternative to smoking, most medical professionals in the UK strongly advise against vaping in the days leading up to an operation.

The main reason is that nicotine and the chemicals found in e-liquids can still affect the body’s circulation, respiratory function, and healing ability. These factors play an important role in how well you recover from anaesthesia and how smoothly your body heals after surgery. Understanding how vaping affects your body before surgery and what doctors recommend can help you make the safest choice and prepare properly for your procedure.

Why Pre-Surgery Preparation Matters

Before surgery, your medical team aims to make sure your body is in the best possible condition to tolerate anaesthesia, prevent complications, and recover efficiently. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and diet all have a major influence on these outcomes. Even though vaping eliminates many of the harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke, it still introduces nicotine and aerosol particles into the lungs, which can affect oxygen levels and blood flow.

Surgeons and anaesthetists are particularly cautious about anything that could impair breathing or circulation, as these systems are closely monitored and controlled during surgery. Nicotine, whether from cigarettes, vapes, or other sources, can increase heart rate, constrict blood vessels, and reduce oxygen delivery to tissues. These effects make it harder for wounds to heal and increase the likelihood of complications such as infection, bleeding, or delayed recovery.

Nicotine and Its Effect on Surgery

Nicotine is the main reason vaping is discouraged before surgery. It constricts blood vessels, reducing the amount of oxygen that reaches your tissues. During surgery, oxygen delivery is crucial because anaesthesia and surgical procedures can already place strain on your cardiovascular system. When nicotine is present in the bloodstream, it can make it more difficult for the body to regulate blood pressure and for wounds to heal properly afterwards.

In the days before surgery, continuing to vape high-nicotine e-liquids may increase your risk of surgical complications. It can interfere with the body’s ability to form healthy blood clots, which are essential for healing wounds. It can also delay the process of tissue regeneration, leading to longer recovery times.

Even nicotine-free vaping, although not as risky, can still have some effects because the vapour can irritate the lungs and airways. During anaesthesia, the lungs must be clear and stable to ensure safe breathing. Inhaling vapour close to surgery may increase the likelihood of coughing, irritation, or mucus build-up during or after the operation.

Anaesthesia and Vaping

Anaesthetists carefully calculate doses based on your medical history, weight, and lifestyle. If you vape, it is important to tell your medical team during your pre-operative assessment. Nicotine and propylene glycol can alter how your body metabolises certain medications, including anaesthetic agents. Some anaesthetists may adjust their approach accordingly, especially if you have any underlying respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD.

Vaping before surgery can also affect the lining of your airways. Vapour can cause mild inflammation, making your throat and lungs more sensitive. During general anaesthesia, a breathing tube is often inserted into the windpipe. If your airways are already irritated from vaping, this can make the procedure more uncomfortable and increase the risk of a sore throat or coughing during recovery.

Respiratory Function and Lung Health

While vaping does not produce tar or carbon monoxide like smoking, it can still impact respiratory function, particularly with frequent use. E-liquids contain propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine, which are generally safe for consumption but can cause mild irritation when inhaled in large amounts. In the lead-up to surgery, this irritation may increase sensitivity in the lungs, making it harder to clear mucus and maintain optimal oxygen levels.

During surgery, maintaining stable oxygenation is vital. If your lungs are irritated or congested from vaping, it can make ventilation less efficient. In more serious cases, it could contribute to complications during anaesthesia, particularly in patients with pre-existing respiratory issues. For this reason, most surgeons advise stopping vaping several days before your procedure to allow your lungs to clear and recover.

How Long Before Surgery Should You Stop Vaping

The ideal timeframe for stopping vaping before surgery depends on your nicotine use and the type of procedure you are having. In general, most medical professionals recommend stopping all forms of nicotine, including vaping, at least 24 to 48 hours before surgery. However, for major operations, stopping a week or two in advance is far better.

This allows your blood oxygen levels and circulation to normalise and gives your lungs time to clear any residual vapour particles. If you are a heavy vaper, cutting back gradually in the days leading up to surgery can help minimise withdrawal symptoms. For those who find it difficult to stop entirely, using nicotine replacement therapy such as patches or lozenges may be a safer option, as they do not affect the lungs or airways.

Why Some Surgeons Insist on Longer Periods Without Vaping

Certain types of surgery, such as dental, cardiovascular, or orthopaedic procedures, are more affected by nicotine and blood flow issues. In these cases, surgeons may insist on a nicotine-free period of at least two weeks before and after the operation. This timeframe gives the body time to restore normal oxygenation, reduce inflammation, and improve tissue healing.

For dental and oral surgeries in particular, nicotine from vaping can significantly delay gum healing and increase the risk of dry socket or infection. For surgeries involving skin grafts or wound sutures, restricted blood flow can lead to poor scar formation or wound breakdown.

Nicotine Withdrawal and Managing Cravings

One reason many vapers are concerned about stopping before surgery is the risk of nicotine withdrawal. Symptoms such as irritability, restlessness, or difficulty concentrating can appear within hours of quitting. However, these effects are temporary and manageable. The benefits of avoiding nicotine before surgery far outweigh the short-term discomfort of withdrawal.

To make the process easier, consider switching to lower-nicotine e-liquids a week before your operation, then stopping completely a couple of days beforehand. Alternatively, nicotine patches, lozenges, or nasal sprays can provide a controlled dose of nicotine without affecting your breathing or the healing process. Your doctor or pharmacist can help recommend the best option for you.

Vaping and Blood Pressure Before Surgery

Nicotine causes a temporary increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which can be problematic during surgery. Anaesthesia already places stress on the cardiovascular system, and any additional strain can increase the risk of complications. If you vape right before your procedure, your blood pressure and pulse may be elevated, making it harder for your anaesthetist to stabilise your vital signs.

Some studies suggest that nicotine’s effects on blood pressure can last for hours after use, even in moderate vapers. For this reason, most hospitals include nicotine restrictions in their pre-operative fasting guidelines, alongside food and drink restrictions.

Can You Vape the Night Before Surgery

It is strongly advised not to vape the night before your surgery. Even if you are only taking short, gentle puffs, nicotine remains in your system for several hours and continues to affect circulation and oxygen levels. Additionally, vapour residue may still linger in the lungs, increasing the chance of coughing or airway irritation during anaesthesia.

Instead, use the final 12 to 24 hours before surgery to hydrate well and rest. Avoiding vaping during this period gives your body the best chance to maintain stable blood oxygen levels and ensures your lungs are clear for the operation.

What About Nicotine-Free Vaping Before Surgery

Some people assume that nicotine-free vaping is safe before surgery because it removes the main constricting agent from the bloodstream. While it is less risky than vaping with nicotine, it still introduces vapour and particles into the lungs. The heat and aerosol can cause mild inflammation or dryness in the airways, which is not ideal before anaesthesia.

If you must vape in the days leading up to surgery, switching to nicotine-free e-liquid is a better choice, but it’s still recommended to stop completely 24 hours before your procedure. This gives your airways time to recover and reduces the risk of post-operative coughing or irritation.

The Dangers of Vaping After Surgery

Just as vaping before surgery poses risks, resuming too soon afterwards can also delay recovery. The first few days post-surgery are critical for wound healing, and nicotine exposure can reduce blood flow to the surgical site. This increases the chance of infection, tissue breakdown, or slow healing.

Anaesthetic drugs also take time to leave your system. Vaping immediately after surgery, particularly under the influence of lingering sedation, can interfere with breathing and increase the risk of dizziness or nausea. Always follow your doctor’s instructions on when it is safe to resume vaping, and start slowly when you do.

Communicating with Your Surgeon

It’s important to be honest with your medical team about your vaping habits. They are not there to judge you, but to ensure your safety. By informing them about your nicotine use, they can adjust anaesthetic doses, monitor your oxygen levels more closely, and give you clear guidance on when to stop before surgery.

If you are undergoing elective surgery, such as cosmetic or dental procedures, your surgeon may provide specific instructions about when to stop vaping and how to manage withdrawal symptoms safely. Following these recommendations reduces your risk of complications and leads to a faster recovery.

Final Thoughts

You should avoid vaping before surgery, ideally for at least 24 to 48 hours, and longer if possible. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, affects oxygen delivery, and interferes with healing. Even nicotine-free vapour can irritate the lungs, which can complicate anaesthesia and recovery.

By stopping vaping in advance, staying hydrated, and informing your surgical team about your nicotine use, you can help ensure a smoother operation and a safer, faster recovery. Once you have healed and your doctor confirms it is safe, you can resume vaping with minimal risk. Taking a short break from vaping before surgery is a simple step that can make a significant difference to your overall outcome and long-term health.