Nicotine and Wound Healing: What Cigarettes, Vaping, and Patches Do to Recovery
Dr. Kumar’s Take
This review highlights how nicotine directly interferes with the body’s ability to heal after surgery or injury. Cigarettes are the worst offenders, since nicotine combines with carbon monoxide and tar to reduce oxygen delivery and damage tissue. Vaping and nicotine patches may remove some toxins, but nicotine itself still narrows blood vessels, increases oxidative stress, and slows down repair. For patients facing surgery or with chronic wounds, stopping nicotine in all forms is one of the most powerful ways to improve healing.