Dr. James Barber - Cosmetic Surgery Blog

Of all the things we do to damage our skin and to thwart the benefits of any skincare treatments, smoking is right at the top of the list. We all have our vices, but if there's any way to possibly stop this one, both you and your cosmetic surgery will benefit greatly.

People know the dangers of smoking with regard to cancer, emphysema and all the other major health risks. But smoking also adversely affects us in ways that don't kill us, such as with our skin. Smoking narrows blood vessels in the top layers of the skin. Because blood flow is impaired, oxygen and nutrients like Vitamin A become depleted. Collagen and elastin fibers - which give the skin its firmness and elasticity - are also damaged, causing premature sagging and wrinkling. Repeated squinting of the eyes, pursing of the lips, and the heat given off by cigarettes when we puff on them also factor in the wrinkling equation.

Not only does cigarette smoking cause skin damage to the face, other parts of the body, such as the upper arms, are affected as well. This damage occurs in people who have smoked for as little as a few years.

Although cosmetic procedures such as Botox, Restylane and collagen injections can help alleviate the wrinkling effects of smoking, these procedures do not work as well, nor do they last as long when patients are smokers.

If you smoke, quit. If you are thinking about smoking, don't. Please call our office to set up an appointment with Dr. Barber to learn more or to discuss how smoking affects your skin. You may also fill out our Web site's contact form if you have any questions or comments about skin care and smoking.