I Have a Facelift in 2 Weeks, but I Smoked Half a Pack of Cigarettes Yesterday?

Smokers have higher rates of complications after face lifts and as this is an elective procedure, you should be sure you have done everything possible to minimize your potential for problems.  Have a frank discussion with your doctor.  This does not mean you can't have your surgery, but rather that your doctor may wish to postpone it until your stress level is lower and the cigarettes have had a chance to clear your system.

I am sorry to hear about the death in your family.


Smoking and facelift surgery do not go hand-in-hand and this can really impact the way you heal. With that said, first and foremost is to let your surgeon know immediately

The nicotine in tobacco causes blood vessels to constrict thus limiting the healing of the skin flaps and putting them at risk of excessive bruising and even skin dying. 

There is a study in the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery that looks at performing facelifts in smokers.  This deep-plane facelift technique decreases the chance of any of these complications in smokers. It is important that your surgeon is facile in peforming this type of facelift. 


I hope this helps and best of luck