At Advanced Liposuction Center we often meet with clients who want to improve the appearance of their skin and their faces. Aging causes inevitable loss of elasticity and tone to skin, but there is one factor completely within your control that also causes very damaging effects to your skin and that’s smoking cigarettes. We’re urging all of our clients to join in the Great American Smokeout this November.
Smoking and Your Skin
Smoking is toxic to your skin. It deprives your skin of oxygen. Smoking also impedes your circulation (which is why after many of our surgical procedures we recommend that clients not smoke for a period of time to fully facilitate healing). Long time smokers will notice a yellowish tinge to their skin. In addition, the constant inhaling/exhaling movement required for smoking creates wrinkles around your mouth, lips and eyes and also deep creases in your face.
Convinced you should stop smoking? Here are some tips from the American Cancer Society on how to quit:
- Think about why you really want to quit. In addition to beautiful skin, you may have fear of illness caused by smoking, decreased stamina, etc. Write down your reasons.
- Pick a specific date that you will quit within the next month. November 16th, the date of this year’s Great American Smokeout, is a great choice but it can also be a birthday, special anniversary or other meaningful date to you. Circle it on your calendar in anticipation.
- Make a plan. How will you quit smoking? There are many different ways ranging from nicotine replacement therapy to counseling to prescription medications. Talk to your physician about methods that might work best for you and make the necessary appointments or purchases to have in place by your quit date.
- Line up some support. Let family and friends in on your plan. Find out about groups that meet to help those trying to quit such as Nicotine Anonymous. Smoking counselors, self-help materials and telephone quit lines can all be sources of support.
Can smoking increase the risk of skin cancer or other skin-related diseases?
Yes, smoking can increase the risk of certain skin-related diseases, including skin cancer. While the primary association between smoking and cancer is usually attributed to lung cancer and other respiratory diseases, studies have also found links between smoking and various skin conditions:
- Skin Cancer: Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of developing various types of skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Both active smokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke may have a higher risk of skin cancer.
- Melanoma: Some studies suggest that smoking may also be associated with an increased risk of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
- Delayed Wound Healing: Smoking can slow down the body’s ability to heal wounds and surgical incisions. It affects blood flow, reducing oxygen and nutrient supply to the healing tissues, leading to delayed healing and an increased risk of post-surgical complications.
- Psoriasis: Smoking has been found to be a risk factor for the development and severity of psoriasis, an autoimmune skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin.
- Skin Aging: Smoking contributes to premature skin aging, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of skin elasticity. It can also cause the skin to appear dull and aged.
Can smoking lead to permanent changes in the skin’s texture and appearance?
Yes, smoking can lead to permanent changes in the skin’s texture and appearance. Prolonged smoking contributes to premature skin aging, causing wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of skin elasticity. It can also result in a dull and aged complexion. The damage caused by smoking can be difficult to reverse, making it essential to quit smoking and adopt a healthy lifestyle to improve skin health and prevent further deterioration.
At Advanced Liposuction Center we offer many treatments that can help reverse the negative effects smoking has left behind. To learn more, call one of our Pittsburgh area offices at: 724-683-7581 for a free consultation. Our expert cosmetic surgeons will help you decide on the best treatments to achieve your desired results.