Is There a Smoking Gun for Nicotine? A Review of the Role of Nicotine in Dermatologic Surgery

CONCLUSION Dermatologists should consider recommending nicotine replacement for smokers in the perioperative period. Evidence is lacking to determine safety in flaps. It is presumed based on animal studies that nicotine has a negative effect on flaps; however, it is likely less than tobacco. Weighing the risk of cessation failure without nicotine replacement versus nicotine replacement after flap is challenging. Electronic cigarettes should be discouraged as a means of NRT.
Source: Dermatologic Surgery - Category: Dermatology Tags: Review Article Source Type: research