The Negative Effects of Smoking After Facelift Surgery

Post Date: 2/16/2023

Smoking after facelift surgery can have several negative effects on the surgical outcome. Firstly, smoking decreases blood flow to the skin, slowing down the healing process and increasing the risk of infections, tissue necrosis, and wound dehiscence. Secondly, the chemicals in tobacco smoke can affect the formation of collagen, a key component in wound healing.

This can result in poor scar healing, with wider and more noticeable scars, which can compromise the final result of the surgery. Additionally, smoking can also discolor the skin, leading to a dull and lifeless appearance, which can detract from the benefits of the facelift procedure. To ensure the best possible outcome after facelift surgery, quitting smoking before and after the procedure is essential.

What is Face Lift Surgery?

Facelift surgery is a plastic surgery procedure performed to remove lines and wrinkles on the face and neck.

The surgery is usually performed to narrow the pores and tighten the skin in the face and neck area. The procedure makes it possible to reduce the aged appearance in the facial area and achieve a younger and more vibrant appearance. Facelift surgery is a procedure usually performed under anesthesia, and the duration of the surgery varies depending on the patient's condition but is usually completed within 4-6 hours.

Facelift surgery is suitable for individuals who experience signs of aging such as sagging skin, wrinkles, and volume loss on the face and neck. Ideal candidates for facelift surgery are people who are in good general health, have a positive outlook, and are non-smokers. It is important to have a thorough consultation with a board-certified surgeon to determine if facelift surgery is the right choice for you.

What Should Be Considered After Facelift Surgery?

Although the healing process after facelift surgery may vary from person to person, it can usually take several weeks or months. The completion cycle of the healing process depends on factors such as the nature of the surgery, the general health status of the individual, and how the postoperative care is performed. After the procedure, it is necessary to wait one or two weeks for the tissues to heal and the swelling to decrease. Because during this time, the process of stretching the skin and remodeling of the tissues continues. It may be necessary to wait a few months to fully observe the possible results of the surgery.

After facelift surgery, it is important to follow your surgeon's postoperative care instructions to experience the healing process in the best way and achieve positive results. It is normal to experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort for the first few days after surgery. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medication to help improve any discomfort and may recommend cold compresses to help reduce swelling.

It is extremely important to avoid excessive activity, exposure to sunlight, and smoking in the weeks following surgery, as all of these can negatively affect the healing process and the outcome of the procedure. Protecting your skin from the sun by wearing a hat or using sunscreen contributes positively to the healing process. However, your surgeon may advise you to avoid the use of certain skin care products and makeup during the initial healing stages.

It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle after facelift surgery to ensure the longevity of the results of the procedure. This lifestyle includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Taking good care of your skin and following postoperative instructions can help you achieve the best possible results after facelift surgery.

How Does Smoking Affect the Healing Process of Facelift?

Smoking can negatively affect the healing process after facelift surgery. In the skin of smokers, blood flow is reduced and the healing process slows down due to toxins in cigarettes. This increases the risk of various complications such as tissue necrosis and wound dehiscence.

In addition, the toxins contained in cigarettes disrupt collagen formation, which plays an important role in wound healing. This can lead to the formation of larger and more noticeable scars and negatively affect the outcome of the surgery. Smoking affects the colour of the skin and can cause it to lose its vibrant and bright appearance, which hurts the benefits of facelift surgery. To optimize the healing process after facelift surgery, it is recommended to quit smoking before and after surgery.

If you are considering facelift surgery, it is important to have a consultation to fully understand the issues to be considered after surgery and the healing process. Remember, a good recovery process after surgery is the key to excellent results. Therefore, to prepare yourself in the best way and achieve the best results after surgery, you should consult with an experienced surgeon. Thus, you can get information about what to expect after surgery and the recovery cycle, and you can get an idea about the points you should pay attention to after surgery.

Dr. Selçuk İnanlı and his well-equipped medical team, who offer their services regarding all processes related to the procedure, gladly support their patients for a reliable aesthetic operation experience. Schedule your consultation appointment without wasting time for your skin that deserves the best contact us!