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Preoperative support

Quit smoking before surgery

Surgery is one of the highest-motivation moments to quit. Your surgical team sets the medical rules; this page helps you build a practical behavior plan and daily support while you follow their instructions exactly.

By Heorhi TalochkaReviewed by Blou editorial team

Why teams care

Smoking affects circulation, airway reactivity, and healing. Your team may connect you with hospital-based cessation resources—take them. General education: CDC quit resources.

Build a simple plan

  1. Write down your surgery date and the team’s nicotine rules.
  2. Use how to quit smoking for cue planning and check-ins.
  3. If stress spikes, read anxiety and sleep guides while awaiting clinician input.

Further reading

4.8 on the App Store

from 420+ quitters

iOS · Free to download

Frequently asked questions

How long before surgery should I quit smoking?

Earlier is generally better for wound healing and anesthesia risk, but the exact target depends on your procedure and team. Ask your surgeon and anesthesiologist for a specific goal—do not rely on generic web timelines as permission to delay.

Will nicotine replacement affect surgery?

Some teams have preferences about NRT versus continued smoking. Bring a complete list of nicotine products and medications to your pre-op visit.

Can I use a quit app while preparing for surgery?

Yes—apps help with craving drills, tracking, and stress planning. They do not replace medical clearance.

What if I can only quit a few days before?

Any reduction beats none, but be honest with your care team. They can adjust counseling and monitoring. Shame makes people hide smoking—accuracy keeps you safer.

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