For years we have recommended that patients stop smoking at least 6 weeks prior to surgery. Many patients resume smoking after the surgery. Smoking causes vasoconstriction (contraction of the blood vessels) which decreases the amount of blood that can go to the healing tissues. A new study proved that stopping smoking after surgery for 6 months decreases complications.
Smoking is bad for your skin for many reasons. The decreased blood flow and increased free radicals age skin. Smoker’s wrinkles develop around the lips. Elastin is lost in the skin which leads to sagging. Please stop smoking if you are! If you want to share any tips on smoking cessation come to the forums and begin a topic under general topics.
Wishing you great skin!
Dr. Leslie Baumann
