I keep reading that SMAS Facelift is bad for smokers--it has something to do about the skin dying. Is this true? Should I not have one, as I do smoke? Please advise.
December 10, 2018
Answer: Facelifts and smoking Facelifts in smokers are inherently more risky, regardless of the technique (SMAS, bi-planar, deep plane, etc) that the surgeon uses. There is simply a higher risk of skin loss due to decreased blood flow to the skin. Patients that smoke should quit for at least two weeks before and after surgery in order to improve the chances of skin survival. Additionally, many surgeons (myself included) modify the surgical technique slightly in patients who are smokers. This slightly less aggressive approach is designed to decrease the risk of skin necrosis.
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December 10, 2018
Answer: Facelifts and smoking Facelifts in smokers are inherently more risky, regardless of the technique (SMAS, bi-planar, deep plane, etc) that the surgeon uses. There is simply a higher risk of skin loss due to decreased blood flow to the skin. Patients that smoke should quit for at least two weeks before and after surgery in order to improve the chances of skin survival. Additionally, many surgeons (myself included) modify the surgical technique slightly in patients who are smokers. This slightly less aggressive approach is designed to decrease the risk of skin necrosis.
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April 5, 2016
Answer: Facelift and smoking Yes, unfortunately, it is true. The act of smoking is fine but the nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarettes has a detrimental effect on healing of the skin. Also, there's an increased risk of scarring, bruising, and infection with smoking. I recommend that my patients stop 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after the surgery. Of course, if you can go that long, you might as well quit. Most people can't go that long and I think recognizing this fact is important. As a result, we discuss options such as e-cigarettes that can deliver lower doses of nicotine without the carbon monoxide. I will say that this is also not ideal but if you really want a facelift, and are willing to understand and accept the risk, decreasing your risk by eliminating carbon monoxide during the healing period is a big first step. The nicotine is still there so your risk of infection, scarring, skin death, and bruising are still there, but hopefully lower.
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April 5, 2016
Answer: Facelift and smoking Yes, unfortunately, it is true. The act of smoking is fine but the nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarettes has a detrimental effect on healing of the skin. Also, there's an increased risk of scarring, bruising, and infection with smoking. I recommend that my patients stop 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after the surgery. Of course, if you can go that long, you might as well quit. Most people can't go that long and I think recognizing this fact is important. As a result, we discuss options such as e-cigarettes that can deliver lower doses of nicotine without the carbon monoxide. I will say that this is also not ideal but if you really want a facelift, and are willing to understand and accept the risk, decreasing your risk by eliminating carbon monoxide during the healing period is a big first step. The nicotine is still there so your risk of infection, scarring, skin death, and bruising are still there, but hopefully lower.
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