As a plastic surgeon, I’ve always been fascinated by the ever-evolving landscape of patient care. Today, I’d like to chat with you about a topic that’s been lighting up the medical community (pun intended): marijuana use and its unexpected connection to nicotine exposure in plastic surgery patients.
Let me tell you, folks, this recent study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery has got me more intrigued than a cat watching a laser pointer. It’s shedding new light on how our patients’ recreational habits might be affecting their surgical outcomes.
Now, you might be thinking, “Doc, what’s the big deal? I don’t smoke cigarettes.” Well, hold onto your hemp hats, because here’s where it gets interesting. The study found that a whopping 20% of patients reported marijuana use, and 32% admitted to some form of nicotine use. But here’s the kicker: 7% of patients who swore they only used marijuana (and denied any nicotine use) had significantly elevated levels of nicotine in their urine.
I know what you’re thinking: “But Doc, I thought marijuana was nicotine-free!” Well, my friends, it turns out that those blunt wraps and joints might be sneaking in some nicotine without you even realizing it. It’s like finding out your “vegetarian” burger has bacon bits – surprising and potentially problematic.
Why does this matter, you ask? Well, as your friendly neighborhood plastic surgeon, I’m always looking out for your safety. Nicotine is like kryptonite for healing tissues. It reduces blood flow and oxygen to your surgical site, which can lead to complications faster than you can say “pass the joint.”
Now, I’m not here to judge your lifestyle choices. But as your surgeon, I need to know what’s going on in your body to keep you safe. This study showed that less than one-third of active marijuana or nicotine users disclosed their use during consultations. That’s like trying to bake a cake without telling me you’ve substituted salt for sugar – it’s a recipe for disaster!
So, what’s the takeaway here? Communication is key, my friends. Be honest with me about your habits, even if you think they’re unrelated to your procedure. Remember, I’m not here to lecture you – I’m here to help you achieve the best possible results safely.
As we move forward, we’ll be developing better ways to assess and manage marijuana users in the perioperative period. But until then, let’s keep the lines of communication open. After all, in the world of plastic surgery, honesty isn’t just the best policy – it’s the safest one too.
Stay fabulous and stay informed, my dear patients. And remember, when it comes to your health, it’s always better to be blunt about your blunts!
If you would like to read the original article or just read the abstract, the link and abstract are below.
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