FACELIFTS – SHOULD I ABSTAIN FROM SMOKING?
In order to guarantee the success of your facelift, it is crucial that you cease smoking. Tobacco use before and after surgery places your health and recovery at great risk.
Nicotine use tightens blood vessels, reducing the blood supply to the face. During a facelift, the tissue being lifted is constrained, and so without proper blood circulation, this can lead to severe post-surgical scarring and can cause the wounds to reopen. If the skin tissue is severely weakened, it may even die.
Surgeons require a patient to refrain from tobacco use for a minimum of two weeks, but most require longer in order to ensure the safety of the patient.
If you are a seeking a surgeon who is committed to the safety of his clients, contact Dr. Richard Gentile to schedule a consultation. Dr. Gentile is double-board-certified in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.