Smoking after a hair transplant

[Smoker]

Hoping someone can shed some light on the issue of not smoking after a hair transplant.
I`m a smoker (which is why I`m asking) Does it really have a significant impact on graft survival and growth? My doctor has suggested it thins the blood, creating less oxygen and nourishment to the follicle. Is this really true?
I smoke around 20 cigarettes a day and keep an active lifestyle. My blood pressure is normal, blood sugars are normal and I have a good complexion.
Do you guys think I`ll be ok smoking after my hair transplant?

 

[bullitnut]

Lots of clinics advise not to smoke post op (this applies to other surgeries too ) however if I was a smoker and unable to stop (I would try my hardest though) then it wouldn't put me off having a HT as surely over the years there's been hundred's of smokers having transplants....I would try though because as the doctors say it definitely does help.

 

[Bigmac]

Smoking does have an effect on the bloods oxygen levels, your new grafts need as much nourishment as possible, therefor I would try to cut down the amount or stop altogether.

 

[Smoker]

I know this may sound stupid to some but I depend on cigarettes. I did try to quit last year which failed miserably. I was a nervous wreck, suffered anxiety attacks and gained weight. I couldn't hack it and was soon smoking again.
I don't think I could handle the post op stress unless I have cigarettes to hand. Have there been any case studies showing sub-par results from smokers?

 

[JoeTillman]

I don't think the problem necessary equates to poor graft survival as a general rule. Most smokers I know of that have had a hair transplant have healed and recovered fine. However, from my experience, it increases the chances of complications or at least exacerbate complications when they occur.

For example, if you have a strip that is take too wide and your body will already have a difficult time repairing the damage, the blood vessels of a smoker would make the recovery more difficult and may even result in necrosis in the donor as it tries to heal. Same thing for the recipient area. If there is bruising from too many incisions made then the recovery can be compromised, again resulting in necrosis. I've seen it happen more than once.

I hope this clears up the real possibilities for you.

 

[Smoker]

The general opinion indicates I should be fine. I'll try to cut down the daily amount and see how it goes.
Thank you for the words of wisdom.