Smoking cigarettes causes serious health problems, including lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema, stroke, infertility problems, and birth defects, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition to the devastating medical problems associated with smoking, it can also present a number of cosmetic and health problems for our plastic surgery patients.

First, people that smoke cigarettes are not good candidates for plastic surgery. Smoking cigarettes significantly decreases blood and nutrient supply to the tissues. This can delay a person's healing process and increase their risk of infection after undergoing plastic surgery. Patients that smoke are advised to quit at least four weeks prior to surgery, and for at least six weeks after surgery.

Cigarettes can also affect the way a person looks, speeding up the aging process and impairing fitness. People that smoke cigarettes often experience the following cosmetic problems:

• Premature wrinkles: People that smoke often develop deep facial wrinkles along the corners of their mouths, and smoker's lines around the lips. Although facial procedures such as facelift, browlift, and eyelid surgery can minimize the appearance of wrinkles, patients should try to prevent wrinkles by avoiding use of tobacco products.
• Gaunt facial appearance and poor skin tone: Reduced oxygen to the skin can make the face appear gaunt and grey-toned.
• Bad complexion: Smoking cigarettes can make people more prone to breakouts and delay the healing of pimples and other blemishes.
• Lackluster hair: Smoking cigarettes reduces the amount of nutrients that reach the hair. Not only that, experts have found a link between smoking cigarettes and hair loss.
• Brittle nails: Smoking cigarettes can make nails malnourished and more prone to breakage.
• Yellowed teeth: The nicotine and other dangerous chemicals in cigarette smoke cause the teeth to become discolored.
• Weight gain: People that smoke cigarettes have reduced lung capacity and are more likely to tire easily during workouts. Often, smokers exercise for shorter periods of time or do not work out at all, resulting in weight gain and poor body tone. Although liposuction and tummy tuck can be performed to contour the body, avoiding cigarettes will help you look your best for as long as possible.

In order to maintain a youthful appearance, patients should avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking cigarettes. Abstaining from cigarettes will prevent the development of wrinkles and help you stay fit for as long as possible.