Expert: JM Starkman, MD - 9/6/2010

Question
I am a 51 yr old female and I smoke 7-10 cigarettes a day. I know they are bad %26 I've "quit" a number of times.  I'm scheduled to have a facelift(mainly for my turkey neck) %26 I was told I have to be "under" for approximately FIVE hours.  I know about quitting because of blood flow but my main concern is can I be "under" for five hours be fine %26 worse case scenario if I have lung or breathing problems can the anesthesiologist save me? I'm scared to death the closer it gets (wed 8th) do you have any suggestions?

Answer
[pls excuse my delay in answering as I've been on vacation]

1. Is there a board-certified anesthesiologist scheduled to provide the anesthesia for this surgery?  If yes, talk to him TODAY and formulate a plan.  Quitting smoking for two months, and THEN having elective surgery is probably your safest move.

2. If the answer to the above question is 'no' TELL your plastic surgeon to reschedule as above.

3. Review a similar question I've answered before.