We all know that smoking is bad for our general health, but did you know it can have a negative impact on the results of your plastic surgery as well? San Diego residents who smoke put themselves and their bodies at greater risk of infection following surgery, and the recovery time after a procedure is extended.
Impact of Smoking
When you smoke, the amount of oxygen in the blood is impaired. Since healing tissue requires proper oxygenation, smoking causes a slower healing response. The reduced oxygen levels can cause a slower immune system response to any potential infection as well. This combination of factors may lead to very poor wound healing.
Additionally, the nicotine that enters the body when smoking causes blood vessels to constrict. Constricted blood vessels mean less blood is getting to the wound following surgery. Adequate blood flow is essential to keeping skin alive, and this is especially important in the case of lifted skin. Without enough blood to keep the area viable, the skin will die and slough off, often causing permanent scars in the process. Since this is caused by nicotine, even quitting aids such as nicotine gum or patches should be avoided.
For Optimum Surgery
For the best possible surgery results, smokers should quit any nicotine intake at least four weeks prior to their plastic surgery in San Diego. Studies indicate that smokers who have not smoked in four weeks have the equivalent circulatory function and blood oxygen levels as nonsmokers. Quit not just as a favor for yourself and those around you, but to ensure the optimum outcome for your cosmetic procedure.
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