Can You Vape Before Surgery
Vaping before surgery is strongly discouraged by most medical professionals. Even though it’s smoke-free, vaping still delivers nicotine and other substances that can interfere with your body’s response to anaesthesia, affect blood flow, and increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. If you're preparing for a procedure—whether it’s under local or general anaesthetic—it’s best to stop vaping at least 24 hours in advance, and ideally even sooner.
The risks may vary depending on the type of surgery, your overall health, and how frequently you vape, but the general advice remains consistent: avoid vaping before any surgical procedure.
Why Vaping Before Surgery Can Be a Problem
Nicotine is the main concern when it comes to vaping before surgery. It constricts blood vessels, reduces oxygen supply, and slows down the healing process. This can increase the risk of issues like poor wound healing, infection, and complications with circulation—especially in surgeries involving the skin, mouth, or internal tissues.
Vaping can also irritate the lungs and airways, which is especially important if you're having general anaesthesia. Vapour, even without smoke, can leave the lining of your respiratory system more sensitive, which increases the risk of coughing, airway reactivity, or respiratory distress while under sedation.
Anaesthesia and Nicotine Don’t Mix
Nicotine and anaesthesia don’t interact well. Nicotine can interfere with how your body metabolises certain drugs used during surgery. It may increase your heart rate or blood pressure, making it harder for your surgical team to maintain stable conditions during the procedure.
If you’ve vaped on the day of your operation—even early in the morning—it could still affect how your body responds to sedation or pain control medications. Many anaesthetists will ask specifically about smoking and vaping habits during pre-operative assessments, and it’s important to be honest so they can plan your care safely.
Should You Stop Vaping Before Every Surgery?
Yes, even for minor procedures, it’s a good idea to stop vaping beforehand. For general anaesthesia, most hospitals recommend avoiding food, drink, and all inhaled substances—including vapes—for at least six to eight hours before the operation. For local anaesthetic procedures, the guidance is often less strict, but you may still be advised to stop vaping to minimise irritation and improve recovery.
If you're due for dental work, cosmetic procedures, or anything involving your skin or gums, avoiding vaping helps reduce the chance of post-surgery complications like infection or delayed healing.
How Far in Advance Should You Stop?
Ideally, you should stop vaping at least 24 hours before your scheduled surgery. In some cases—especially for major surgery—your healthcare team may recommend quitting several days or even weeks in advance to give your body the best chance to heal and recover. The earlier you stop, the more time your circulation and lung function have to improve.
For regular vapers or those using high-strength nicotine, stopping suddenly may feel difficult. If you’re unable to quit completely, speak to your GP or surgical team. They may suggest nicotine replacement therapy or support strategies to help reduce risks without causing withdrawal.
Final Thoughts
You should avoid vaping before surgery. While it may not produce smoke, the nicotine and other compounds in vape products can interfere with anaesthesia, reduce oxygen flow, and delay healing. Whether your procedure is minor or major, taking a break from vaping—at least 24 hours before surgery—is a smart step to protect your health and recovery. Always follow the advice given by your surgical team, and be open about your vape use during pre-op assessments to ensure the safest outcome.