How long before general anesthesia can you smoke?

Smoking: You will usually be told by your surgeon to stop smoking at least 2-3 weeks before any surgery. Smoking affects wound healing and incisions can break down, get infected etc.. Also smoking may predispose you to post -op lung issues.

Just stop: I know its easy to tell someone to just stop but stopping as early as possible will help your body get thru the experience as best as possible. Smoking will increase the carbon monoxide content in the blood (not a good gas to have in there), increases the secretions in the tracheo-bronchiole tree which makes it harder to move air and oxygenate. It is one thing you can do to improve outcome.

I would prefer: I would prefer that you stop smoking about three months before an operation. I know that is probably unlikely, but if you can cut down the amount you smoke it will decrease your chances of respiratory complications after the operation.

Never: No reputable doctor is ever going to tell you when you can smoke.

Smoking: If you have been a smoker, continue your smoking. Stopping smoking less than 8 weeks before Surgery hasn't been shown to be of benefit. But, anytime or event that can be used as a landmark or timeline to quit, would serve you well. Nicotine craving causes anxiety and increased pain, and hypertension.