What’s One Thing You Wish You Could Take Away From Every Patient’s Diet?
When we asked one of our Medical Advisory Board members and renown vascular surgeon Francis Porreca, MD this question, we expected him to name food. (Maybe processed sugar. Maybe even something about protein or hydration.)
Instead, his answer was quiet, certain, and personal.
“Cigarettes,” he said.
There was no judgment in his answer. It was about experience. Years of treating patients who struggled to heal, no matter how advanced the therapy or how carefully the treatment was planned. In many of those cases, smoking was the factor that kept the wound from improving.
Why Smoking Makes Healing Harder
When someone has a chronic or complex wound, every part of their body is working to bring healing to the surface. But that healing depends on good blood flow, strong oxygen delivery, and a healthy immune system.
We now know that smoking interferes with all of that.
Nicotine causes blood vessels to narrow. Carbon monoxide takes the place of oxygen in the blood. Over time, smoking weakens white blood cell function, making it harder for the body to fight infection or build new tissue. Combine these failures within the body, and a wound becomes stalled.
For patients living with diabetes, vascular disease, or mobility challenges, this can be especially serious. A wound that would otherwise improve becomes chronic. It may deepen. It may become infected. And in some cases, it may lead to amputation.
The Role of Time
Healing does not happen overnight. Neither is the damage caused by smoking cigarettes. The longer someone has smoked, the more likely they are to have reduced circulation, thinner skin, and slower tissue repair.
But there is good news. The body can begin to recover, even after years of smoking cigarettes.
- Within one day of quitting, blood pressure and oxygen levels begin to improve.
- Within one to two weeks, circulation becomes more efficient, and tissues receive more oxygen.
- After a month, many of the chemical effects on the blood begin to reverse.
- Over several weeks and months, the body can start rebuilding the structures it needs for proper healing.
- Even a short break from smoking can support better outcomes during wound care. The longer the break, the more the body can do what it was built to do: repair itself.
If You’re Feeling Stuck
We understand how hard it can be to quit smoking. For many patients, smoking has been a lifelong coping tool. It is often connected to stress, pain, and the need for comfort. We never approach this issue with blame. Instead, we want to offer support.
Here are a few gentle steps that can help:
- Talk to someone you trust
Whether it is your primary care provider, a nurse, or someone from our team at Restore First Health, start with a conversation. Even small changes make a difference.
- Set a short-term goal
If quitting altogether feels overwhelming, try to reduce the number of cigarettes each day. Even cutting down can lead to better oxygenation and healing potential.
- Explore alternatives
Some patients find relief with nicotine patches, gum, or prescription medications. Your provider can help you choose a method that fits your medical needs.
- Build small habits that support healing
Drinking more water, eating protein-rich foods, walking when able, or taking a few deep breaths when stressed can all support the healing process.
- Remember, you are not alone
Many of our patients are on the same path. It is never too late to make a change. We will meet you where you are and walk with you toward better outcomes.
How We Care at Restore First Health
At Restore First Health, we do not look at wounds in isolation.
We look at the whole person including their history, their habits, their hopes, and the realities of their daily lives. Every wound tells a story, but it is never the whole story. That is why our care starts with understanding.
We ask questions about mobility, past treatments, nutrition, access to supplies, mental health, caregiver support, and social needs. We want to know what has been tried, what has worked, and what has fallen out of reach. Because when we understand the whole picture, we can build a care plan that truly fits the patient, not just the diagnosis.
Our multidisciplinary model means each patient benefits from the perspective of advanced practice providers, wound care nurses, coordinators, lab specialists, and, when needed, vascular or surgical consultation. We collaborate with primary care, home health, and other specialists to ensure communication flows, transitions are smooth, and care is consistent.
No matter where you are in your journey, we will always find a way forward, together.
References
- Wong LS, et al. Smoking and wound healing. J Wound Care. 2007;16(5):219–23.
- Sorensen LT. Wound healing and infection in surgery: the pathophysiological impact of smoking, smoking cessation, and nicotine replacement therapy. Ann Surg. 2012;255(6):1069–77.
- Silverstein P. Smoking and wound healing. Am J Med. 1992;93(1A):22S–24S.
- Jensen JA, et al. Effects of tobacco smoke on wound healing. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1991;87(5):928–34.
- Mosely LH, Finseth F. Cigarette smoking: impairment of digital blood flow and wound healing in the hand. Hand. 1977;9(2):97–101.