The Cosmetic Effects of Smoking

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Did you know that the World Health Organization just recently predicted that within the next 20 years the number of people diagnosed with cancer will increase to 22 million? To give you some perspective, the number of new cancer cases as of right now (2014) is 14 million. The number one killer around the globe? Lung cancer.

The effects of smoking are very real and harm the human body from the inside out. We know that internal effects are countless, with smoking affecting nearly every organ in the body and being the primary cause of many diseases today.

Unfortunately, sometimes things that are out of sight are out of mind, which is why the FDA is now using scare tactics to prevent our youngest generations from starting. The scary advertisements focus on the cosmetic effects of smoking. Were you aware that smoking may be a cause of all of these?

  • Loose skin under the eyes

  • Crow’s feet

  • Lines around the lips

  • Damaged teeth and gums

  • Stained fingers

  • Poor skin tone and uneven coloring

  • Age spots

  • Destruction of collagen and elastin (saggy skin on all parts of the body)

  • Sagging breasts

  • Hair loss

  • Psoriasis

Here’s some good news: If you already smoke, quitting today can improve your appearance. Blood flow will continue to improve with each smokeless day, which provides your skin with more oxygen and nutrients. The tobacco stains on your fingers will disappear if you remain tobacco free.

The very best thing you can do for your body (inside and out) is never begin smoking in the first place. But if you have already started, all is not lost. There are cosmetic solutions for limiting the number of wrinkles and age spots, and improving one’s complexion.

To learn more about the effects of smoking and to view the advertisements referenced earlier, click here.

 

Can Areola Size Be Reduced?

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Are you embarrassed or unhappy with the size of your areolas? You’re not alone. In fact, many women feel insecure with the aesthetics of their breasts. Often times, areola or nipple size can appear disproportionately large on one’s breast as a result of genetics, pregnancy, or increasing age.

For those experiencing proportion issues, asymmetry between the right and left nipples, or stretching of the areolas following an augmentation, areola reduction repair is a surgical option for correction. Areola reduction surgery removes the pigmented area from the outside of the areola to achieve a reduced circumference as well as symmetry between both breasts.

Although this surgery is performed by making a direct incision, the proper placement of incisions and meticulous surgical techniques should leave minimal scarring. This procedure is usually performed under local or general anesthesia, and when performed on its own the recovery phase is quite tolerable. Patients may be instructed to wear a supportive bra during the relatively short healing process.  Exercise and physical activity should be kept to a minimum.

Areola reduction repair is sometimes performed in conjunction with other breast procedures such as a breast augmentation or a breast lift. In addition to reducing the size of the areola, nipples can also be reduced if they appear too long or project too far out. This particular procedure is called nipple reduction surgery.

In addition to areola and nipple reduction surgeries, there are a number of plastic surgery options available for repairing or restoring the breasts. A thorough examination and careful evaluation performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon will determine which type of procedure will provide the best results for the desired outcome.
For additional information, or to schedule a consultation at Amae Plastic Surgery Center, call (855) 335-7200.