Peri-Operative Impact of Cannabis Use in Conjunction With Elective Primary Breast Augmentation in a Private Practice

Background The consumption of recreational and medicinal cannabis in the United States continues to increase. Understanding the effects of cannabis in patients undergoing elective primary breast augmentation (EPBA) is of paramount importance with the expanding rates of reported cannabis consumption. Objectives This study aims to analyze the peri-operative impact of cannabis use in conjunction with EPBA in a single-surgeon practice in San Francisco, California. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed of 134 adult female patients undergoing EPBA from August 2018 to January 2022 within a single-surgeon practice plastic surgery office. Cannabis use was self-reported as current use or former use. Cohorts were grouped as cannabis users and cannabis non-users. Results Of the 134 patient charts identified for analysis, 58 (43.3%) reported cannabis use. Cannabis users were significantly younger than cannabis non-users (26.8 years versus 31.5 years, P<0.001). No significant differences were found between groups among intra-operative blood loss, post-operative complication rates, post-operative narcotic use, or intra-operative anesthetic requirements. The incidence of adverse events, including wound breakdown, skin necrosis, and capsular contracture requiring reoperation, did not differ significantly between cannabis users and cannabis non-user groups. Ninety-six percent of patients had their implants placed subpectorally, and all procedures were done using a Keller funnel. Eighty-three percent of patients had Sientra implants, and 96% of all implants were silicone gel implants. All procedures were done under general anesthesia. Patients were followed for up to two years. Discussion This review found no significant differences in peri-operative and post-operative outcomes between cannabis users and cannabis non-users.