La Jolla Facelift doctors

Nicotine is constrictor of blood vessels,  decreasing blood flow to tissues that need to flow to heal after surgery. When plastic surgeons do operations that involve longer incisions and/or tissue flaps,  the blood flow to these areas become critical. Without the blood flow ( or a decreased blood flow secondary to the effects of nicotine) healing can be compromised and/or tissue may not survive (tissue necrosis).

For this reason, most plastic surgeons will not operate on patients who smoke within a time period prior to surgery (for specific operations such as facelifting, breast lifting, tummy tuck surgery etc.).

I hope this helps.

It is not actually the facial muscles that are repositioned in a facelift, but the investing layer of fascia, called SMAS for short. By tightening the SMAS, overlying fat and skin are also tightened, but without direct tension on the skin, so the skin will not look stretched.

A Facelift is a surgical procedure with many variations and styles and each technique is associated with certain results and longevity.  In general, cutting corners or finding the "easy," quick option comes with a price, and that is less results.  A facelift that is based on repositioning the underlying muscle and soft tissues such as a high SMAS lift can give you natural dramatic results that last you many years.  Having a well done facelift in your 50's is an ideal time.  Your body and facial tissues will heal well and your results will likely last you through your 60's.  This is dependent on having a facilift that elevates and repositions your SMAS layer to gain longevity, aesthetics, and natural results.  Combining this surgical procedure with skin care and a healthy diet and lifestyle will allow you to mainain and maximize your beauty!