Stop Smoking Before Getting a Facelift

by Dr. Steven Wallach

Smoking does not only cause almost any medical condition you can think of, it can also hinder one from getting a facelift. Even if you religiously eat organic food, exercise frequently, and meditate from time to time, you might have to delay your plans of getting a facelift if you smoke.

A smoker’s tale

It is easy to find a smoker who has tried pretty much everything to try breaking the habit, yet has never succeeded. Some of these smokers ultimately throw away their cigarettes when their plastic surgeon tells them to do so. Smoking can affect the healing process and  increase chances of developing complications. Plastic surgeons typically advise patients to stop smoking before pursuing a facelift. It seems that the desire to look younger and better is a good motivation for people who are interested in plastic surgery.

Our reason for quitting

Out of the 40% of smokers in America who try to quit, only about 5% actually quit for life. However, potential patients who are smokers might not make the most out of cosmetic surgery if they do not stop the habit. People who go for routine checkups may not heed the doctor’s advice of quitting smoking. As for those who wish to undergo plastic surgery, such as a facelift, patients tend to be motivated well enough for an elective procedure they truly want. Their goal is to enhance their overall look and get a boost in confidence, and smoking will not stop them from reaching that goal.

What’s wrong with smoking?

The substance found in cigarettes, which is nicotine, enables the blood vessels in the skin to constrict or clamp down. This leads to a reduction of blood supply to different parts of the body, especially to the skin. Because of this, many plastic surgeons refuse to do certain treatments to smokers, especially in procedures such as tummy tuck, facelift, or a breast lift. If you are interested in getting a facelift in Manhattan, consult board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Wallach and find out how you can get the most out of the procedure. Call us today at 212-861-6400 or fill out this online contact form to request an appointment with Dr. Wallach. We look forward to hearing from you!