Plastic Surgeons Can Reverse Smoking-Related Aging

Twins are a gold mine for researchers, since they can show the effects of nurture versus nature. This year, plastic surgeons took a look at twins to study the effects of smoking on facial aging. As little as five years of smoking can make a difference in a person’s facial structure, according to the study, published in the November issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

How the study was conducted

Dr. Bahman Guyuron from the Case School of Medicine in Ohio studied 79 pairs of twins – one smoker and one non-smoker, with an average age of 48 years. The twins posed for professional close-up photos and answered medical / lifestyle history questionnaires. Without knowledge of the medical histories, a team of plastic surgeons studied the twins’ facial features for wrinkles, skin quality and other age-related features.

Twins reveal clues about smoking-related facial aging

Compared to their identical twins, the eyelids of the smoking group sagged more. They were also more likely to carry puffy bags underneath their eyes. The results suggested that the effects of smoking are most noticeable in the lower two-thirds of the face, with pronounced nasolabial folds (lines between the nose and mouth), upper and lower mouth wrinkle, and saggy jowls. Not surprisingly, the longer the duration of smoking, the worse the effects.

What cause smokers to look older?

The results suggest that the very act of smoking, including the pursed-lip movement associated with “taking a drag,” is largely responsible for wrinkle formation. The study also provided clues into the cellular-level mechanisms that lead to premature aging, researchers said. Smoking is just one of many lifestyle factors that cause the face to age. Stress, sunscreen use and alcohol intake are other factors to consider.

Best plastic surgeons in NY offer solutions

Though there are many causes of aging, there are also many ways to turn back the clock, according to the best plastic surgeons in NY. A private facial surgery consultation can reveal which procedures would benefit a particular individual the most, but options include:

• Facelift – A full facelift eliminates prominent wrinkles, tightens the muscles around the face and reverses the saggy effects of gravity on the entire face.

• Eye lift – Eye lifts eliminate under-eye bags, droopy skin, puffiness and prominent eye creases to give the patient a more youthful look where it matters most.

• Rhinoplasty – A nose job can thin the widening portion of the nose affected by inflamed sinus cavities from smoking. It can also eliminate undesirable bumps or other abnormalities.

• Neck lift – “Jowls” of excess, sagging skin can be eliminated to restore a more youthful, toned neck contour, without leaving a noticeable scar.

• Dermabrasion – This minimally-invasive procedure erases scars, fine wrinkles and splotches by clearing away the outermost layer of skin and stimulating the body’s natural regeneration.

• Laser Skin Resurfacing – Lasers help reverse the effects of sun exposure, age, genetics, environmental toxins and smoking, with an easy recovery and minimal discomfort.

• Injectible Fillers – Easy injections can last anywhere from 4 months to 2 years to eliminate unsightly lines around the face. Radiesse, Juvederm and Restylane are a few of the fillers used to treat the wrinkles around a person’s lips, specifically.

Looking for the best plastic surgery NY has to offer?

Dr. Loeb is a top cosmetic surgeon with over two decades of experience offering the best plastic surgery NY has to offer. He is board-certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and performs surgeries in a fully-accredited surgery center. If you are interested in facial rejuvenating procedures, we invite you to call our Fifth Avenue office at 212-327-3700 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Loeb.