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Smoking increases facial skin flap complications
J B Kinsella1, C H Rassekh, Z D Wassmuth
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555-0521, USA.
The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology
|February 25, 1999
Summary
Active smoking significantly increases complication risks following facial skin flap surgery. Smoking cessation, even for less than one year, may reduce these adverse effects, similar to nonsmokers.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Dermatology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Facial skin defects often require reconstruction using local flaps.
- The impact of smoking on surgical outcomes, particularly in facial reconstruction, requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between smoking status and complication rates after facial skin defect reconstruction with local flaps.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 91 patients who underwent facial skin defect reconstruction.
- Analysis of complication rates among active smokers, ex-smokers (quit >1 year), and nonsmokers.
Main Results:
- Overall complication rate was 25%, with active smokers experiencing significantly higher rates (37%) compared to ex-smokers (17%) and nonsmokers (17%).
- All cases of full-thickness skin loss and cellulitis were observed exclusively in active smokers.
- Ex-smokers demonstrated complication rates comparable to nonsmokers.
Conclusions:
- Active smoking is a significant risk factor for adverse outcomes in facial skin flap surgery.
- Smoking cessation for at least one year prior to surgery may mitigate the increased risk of complications.
- The findings suggest that some adverse effects of smoking on skin flaps may be acute and reversible with cessation.
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