When should I do my facelift?

[sky2]

Hi everyone,
I am 50 and I have a consulation with a plastic surgeon for a facelift surgery. He recommended that I quit smoking before performing my facelift surgery. I know smoking might be bad for the healing of skin, but I was wondering if anybody else has heard anything like this?

[Dr. Mohebi]

Smoking can cause vasocostriction of narrowing of the little vessles that bring blood to the tissues in addition to the othe known problem that it may cause. Many surgeirs may compromise blood supply to the operated area which is much needed for the healing of the wounds and remodeling of the scars after surgeries. Adding more blood supply reduction by smoking definately increases the rate of wound complications such as delayed healing, tissue necrosis, etc.

[Sara]

I do not think many doctors recommend to stop smoking before plastic surgeries, but it make a lot of sense. It is good to be more careful specially seeing all different complications that may happen after a hair transplant procedure, you think taking that extra step is really necessary.

[StiltsClements]

In general, smoking has absolutely no health benefits whatsoever for a person. For the skin, it's not good news, either.

Smoking dries the skin and causes premature wrinkles. It gives a person yellow fingers, yellow teeth, and is a contributing factor in a variety of conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stomach ulcers, and lung cancer.

[GeorgeGoyer]

In addition, I know smoking contains hydrogen cyanide, a chemical also found in rat poison. When people smoke, they are actually breathing in poison. I imagine this process must really contaminate the lungs and the blood stream.

Nicotine is addictive, though. I'm sure if a person is committed enough, and finds a support group like Nicotine Anonymous, they can quit for good.

[Daniel]

This is my theory,

Fix it when you do not like it and when you can do it. Techniques are getting better in all fields of cosmetic and plastic surgery. Many things that sounded like impossible years ago are within our reach now. Money might be a problem, but if you are concerned with that, you just need to find a good plastic surgeon that you can trust and discus it with him. He may tell you that you need to wait or just do it now.

[cosmeticquestioner73]

I feel like I see so many people nowadays that are unhappy with their wrinkles and signs of aging, yet still they continue to smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, and lay in the sun almost daily!

I used to have two constant rituals: tan all the time (3-4 times a week) and go out drinking with my girlfriends on weekends. I never really associated either of my rituals to my increasing number of wrinkles until I recently went in for an appointment with Dr. Mohebi who explained to me the long-term effects of what I was doing. I guess it is easy to let time slip by sometimes and ignore the things that are making us self-conscious, but I must say it was well worth it to see a professional who could evaluate my situation and explain the likely causing factors.

I have now cut back on both of my rituals and had dermal fillers done for my first time about a week ago--- WOW, what a difference! I'm so glad that I caught my signs of aging in an early enough stage to avoid having a facelift (at least for now) and learned about the productive changes I can make every day. Thanks again Dr. Mohebi, I never could have done it without you!!

[RollerRay1977]

Hi, I haven't ever posted on one of these blogs before, but it looks like doctors actually respond and seem to be giving logical answers to questions on this site so I figure its worth a try. I was just wondering if anyone knew whether there was a cut off on age for patients to use cosmetic injectables? My grandmother wants to try them because she is too scared to go straight in for a face lift, but she also is afraid she will waste money on unnoticeable injectables in her old age and never get the effect she wants. Is there a general cut off age that doctors begin recommending face lifts over injectables? If so, what is the age? My grandmother is an elder lady and I don't want to waste time taking her from clinic to clinic if injectables aren't even an option for her any more. I really appreciate the time anyone takes to read this and hope someone knows of some useful information regarding this topic. Thanks!

[Dr. Mohebi]

Hi RollerRay,

Yes, internet has been a great tool to minimize the gap between the patients and the doctors. Patient can ask their questions directly in this cosmetic question and answer forum and get the answers first hand from the legit doctors who are known to Cosmetic Town Community.

To answer your questions, there is not a certain age limit for the dermal fillers as long as patient does not have any medical condition that contradict using the products. In fact many patients use these type of treatment to replace a face lift or other more aggressive surgeries due to the non-invasive nature of dermal injectables.

New developments in dermal filler injectable has been able to make it possible for people in different age group who might be even high risk for other surgical approaches or general anesthesia to find an solid alternative for their skin rejuvenation and beautification.

[RollerRay1977]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to my question Dr. Mohebi, I really appreciate it.
I honestly almost forgot that I even posted on here until last night when I was talking with my grandmother again. I will relay this information to her and show her these pictures ASAP so she doesnt have to worry. I think that being able to see a response from a doctor really helps to alleviate confusion/doubts that patients like my grandmother have towards treatments and again I truly thank you for taking the time to respond. We hope to maybe meet you soon.