Smoking

Stopping smoking really is the best thing anyone can do for their health and to reduce the risk of a bad result after surgery.

The World Health Organisation showed that stopping smoking reduces the risk of complications following surgery by 50%.

Stopping smoking improves the blood supply to tissues, so wounds heal better, with fewer infections and lungs work better, with far less need for intensive care. Within hours, your blood is better at carrying oxygen round your body.

Smoking and your surgery

Quitting smoking is the best thing any smoker can do to improve their current and future health.

Stopping smoking before surgery means your heart and lungs don’t have to work so hard. This makes it easier for your body during and after your surgery. It improves your chances of a smoother and faster recovery, and can decrease your amount of time in hospital.

By stopping smoking, you can reduce the risk of any complications after your surgery by 60% and wound problems by 70%.

If you stop 4-6 weeks before your surgery you will have better results.

But it is never too late. Stopping even a few days before your surgery is good.

There are more ways than ever before to make quitting less stressful and boost your chances.

If you smoke, quitting can sometimes feel scary. But there are more ways than ever before to make stopping easier and less stressful.Many people try to quit smoking with willpower alone, but it’s much easier with help like quitting aids, vaping and local stop smoking services.

There are lots of support options available, it’s about finding a combination that works for you.

Stop Smoking aids and treatments are easy to buy from shops, pharmacies and on prescription to help you quit smoking. These reduce withdrawal symptoms and keep your mind off smoking.

Evidence shows quitting aids are most effective if used alongside support from a friendly local stop smoking service.

Ask your stop smoking advisor or pharmacist for advice.

The different stop smoking aids include:

  • nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs), such as patches, sprays, gum and lozenges
  • nicotine vapes (e-cigarettes)
  • prescription-only medicines

There’s a free local Stop Smoking Service near you.

With their help, you’re 3 times as likely to quit for good.

Local Stop Smoking Services provide free expert advice, support, and encouragement to help you stop.

Stop smoking services have friendly and expert advisors who have helped thousands of people like you quit smoking. They understand what it’s like to quit smoking and can provide a range of proven methods to help you quit.

They can also advise you on quitting aids and stop smoking medication, and provide you with what would be best for you (prescription charges may be payable).

Find your local stop smoking service here.

  • Set a date to stop. Don’t leave it a week.
  • You will get the most benefit if you can stop 4-6 weeks or more before surgery. If your surgery is sooner, stopping any time before surgery is good.
  • Let friends and family know your plans so they can support you.
  • Avoid temptation. Throw away cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays.
  • Change your habits to avoid temptation.
  • Tell yourself you’re a non-smoker.
  • Take one day at a time.
  • Never have the odd one.
  • Congratulate yourself.
  • Use local support services!