We all know that smoking can take a toll on our health, but can it actually have an affect on our appearance? Yes, explains a recent Mayo Clinic article, confirming the link between cigarette smoking and premature aging. “Smoking can speed up the normal aging process of your skin, contributing to wrinkles,” reports a Mayo Clinic contributor. “These skin changes may occur after only 10 years of smoking.”
So, what’s going on here? “The nicotine in cigarettes causes narrowing of the blood vessels in the outermost layers of your skin,” explains the article. “With less blood flow, your skin doesn’t get as much oxygen and important nutrients, such as vitamin A.” Another factor is how smoking damages our skin’s collagen and elastin. These are the proteins that keep skin springy, supple and youthful. And, as the Mayo Clinic reminds us, “…repeated exposure to the heat from burning cigarettes and the facial expressions you make when smoking — such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke — may contribute to wrinkles.”
Correcting the Damage
Besides the clear and present health risk, perhaps you now have a clearer picture of the toll smoking can also take on your appearance. Thankfully, however, cosmetic medicine offers a host of minimally-invasive solutions. For “dynamic lines,” like crow’s feet, frown lines and horizontal lines across the forehead, patients will often choose BOTOX® or Dysport® injections. Essentially muscle relaxers, these highly purified proteins can often combat the appearance of fine lines for several months.
For patients suffering from deeper, more persistent lines, we will often recommend a soft tissue filler like Juvéderm® or Restylane®. These injectables fill in the spaces or “valleys” of creases. These treatments are also used to add volume to the skin and to achieve a more youthful face shape.
Wrinkle Treatments on Long Island
To learn more about BOTOX, fillers or any of the treatments we offer, we encourage you to contact us today. Our Long Island Plastic Surgery offices are located in Huntington Station, and you can schedule an appointment at (631) 424-6707. Call today.