Twins Study Shows Smoking Causes Dramatic Facial Aging

Although the health risks of smoking tobacco are now commonly understood, the visible effects that this practice can have on the face are not as clearly documented. A recent study by facial cosmetic surgeons at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio sought to shed some light on these effects and their timeline. The surgeons used photos of twins to determine the magnitude of smokings facial effects. Published in the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the findings of this study were recently reported by HealthDay.

In order to capture the results of smoking on someone’s facial features, surgeons used 79 pairs of twins with differing smoking histories. In these sets of twins, either only one of them had a history of smoking, or there was a difference of more than 5 years in their smoking history. By asking each twin a detailed series of questions relating to other factors that could affect their appearance, researchers were able to come closer to isolating the specific damage caused by smoking. These other factors that were controlled for included stress, alcohol use and sun exposure.

The Aesthetic Impact of Smoking

In order to determine the aesthetic effect of smoking on these patients, a panel of cosmetic surgeons rated the various faces on their appearance and approximate age. The different parts of the face were also scored, to better determine which areas suffer the most from tobacco use. The areas affected the most strongly included the eyes, cheeks and lips. The eyes generally looked more baggy, the cheeks sagged, and the skin around the upper and lower lip was more likely to have fine wrinkles and smile lines.

The dramatic effects from tobacco use seem to most significantly impact the lower 2/3rd of the face. The upper face, including the forehead, brow and temples, seemed to be generally unaffected, meaning there was little change in common facial concerns like crow’s feet and frown lines. However, smoking has been found to have a definite effect on overall complexion, according to Dr. Cheryl Healton. “It’s widely known that tobacco causes cardiac problems and disrupts oxygenation,” Healton says. “Getting good oxygenation really affects a person’s complexion.”

Facial Cosmetic Procedures for Tobacco-Induced Aging

For those looking to counteract the effects of long-term tobacco exposure, quitting smoking is the most important first step. Minimizing the exposure can help to slow the aging process and is absolutely vital to improving the situation. Smoking also delays healing times, and may diminish the effects of cosmetic surgeries, making smoking cessation a crucial part of the process.

Complexion problems and other surface issues are often the easiest to address, with a range of non-surgical possibilities available, including chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser facials and other treatments. For loss of facial volume, which is a common problem for those with a smoking history, injectable facial fillers may provide an effective solution. For long-term damage, surgical procedures are often most effective, with forehead lifts, neck lifts, and face lifts being commonly chosen options. These procedures help to removes excess skin and fat deposits, streamlining the facial profile.

Questions? Schedule Your Consultation Today!

If you have questions about the various options of cosmetic for yourself or others, or want to know more about our other non-surgical procedures, please contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Pamela Henderson. We will be happy to help you reach your facial goals.