I Have Smoked 3 Packs Of Cigarettes Since My Ankle

Posted on Sat, 29 Aug 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 29 Aug 2020 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I have smoked 3 packs of cigarettes since my ankle surgery 6 days ago. I did not realize effect of bone healing. is it too late to stop now and not effect healing process

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (1 hour later)

so if I stop now chances of bone recovery is good?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
If you stop the smoking now, you have good chances of bone recovery.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Smoking affects the bone healing by slowing it.
Anyway, it is never too late to stop the smoking.
If you stop it now you have a good chance of bone recovery.
You did not mention your age or other possible medical conditions in the query.
If you don't have any other medical conditions such as vascular issues or diabetes, you have good chances of bone recovery.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Kind regards!

Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi
General &Family Physician

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng