Quitting smoking
Smoking increases your risk of problems after surgery. Quitting even one month before reduces your risk.
Doctors strongly recommend stopping smoking at least eight weeks prior to surgery. Smoking increases the risk of many problems after surgery such as:
- breathing difficulties
- delayed wound healing
- surgical wound infection
- chest or lung infection (pneumonia)
- stroke and heart attack
- clots in your lungs or legs
- prolonged hospital stay and a higher chance of being readmitted.
Quitting reduces your risk of all these complications and improves your recovery. It also improves your overall health and adds years to your life.
Patient resources
GP resources
This page was last updated 29 January, 2025
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