Smoking

[Mike44]

Hi all,

Does smoking and/or alcohol consumption retard the healing process?

Mike.

[Guhlia]

I'm certainly no expert, but I remember a post that was on here a while ago that had cigarette additives listed. Wheat and rye were both listed as ingredients... Take it for what it's worth. I've never personally researched the matter.

[Jestgar]

You might want to consider limiting the alcohol for the first few months, it is an irritant.

[Viola 1]

In a word "YES"

Doctors will tell you that a broken bone takes more than a third as long to heal in a smoker than a non smoker.

We have a friend who had many facial injuries that had to be rebuilt. (he shot himself) After trying several times to rebuild his nose, an ear, and other spots, the grafts weren't taking. The doctors finally told him to either quit smoking (especially) and drinking or don't bother coming back. It was a waste of their time and medical funds.