Impact of Smoking Status in Free Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction: A Multicenter Study

Abstract

Our findings suggest that successful free tissue transfer can be achieved in smokers despite higher rates of partial flap losses and wound-healing disturbances. However, patients with a history of smoking requiring DIEP flap reconstruction should be critically evaluated preoperatively, informed in detail about the higher risk of complications and encouraged to quit smoking prior to surgery.