The negative side effects of smoking have been well-established by decades of scientific research. Increased rates of cancer, respiratory diseases, coronary heart disease, and stroke are just a few of the side effects we’re used to hearing about. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg because smoking causes even more damage than you may realize. There can even be a link between smoking and under-eye bags.
In addition to staining your teeth and thinning your hair, smoking causes vasoconstriction. It’s a side effect of the nicotine that physically narrows your blood vessels. As a result, your body struggles to deliver enough oxygenated blood to where it’s needed. Vasoconstriction can make sexual activity difficult, hamper healing, block nutrient delivery, and even make you look substantially older.
The Link between Smoking and Under-Eye Bags
You see, your skin needs blood flow to look full and healthy. Without access to an adequate blood supply, your skin is being deprived of the nutrients it needs to repair damaged cells and produce collagen. As collagen levels decrease over time and the skin loses elasticity, deep wrinkles begin to form. On top of that you’ll start to see uneven discoloration as your body fails to heal and replace damaged cells. These negative results of vasoconstriction are easiest to see right under your eyes.
Why Your Eyes?
The skin directly under your eyes is very thin and very delicate. This makes it extremely sensitive to pressure and subtle changes in your health. Knowing that, it’s no surprise that the under-eye area is often where the negative side effects of smoking show up first.
While nicotine works to restrict your blood vessels, several other chemicals occur in cigarettes that actively destroy both collagen and elastin. These are the primary components that make your skin look supple and prevent wrinkles from occurring. The result is persistent bags under your eyes that make you look noticeably tired and a great deal older than you are.
Ultimately, the best way to improve the appearance of under-eye bags is to quit smoking. Smoking is highly addictive, and quitting can be very difficult, so don’t hesitate to ask for help. Your physician will be able to make suggestions in terms of controlling the medical side effects of withdrawal. Still, you should also look into support groups or individual therapy to help counteract the psychological stress that accompanies giving up an addictive substance.
If you have no interest in quitting or still see some of the negative effects as a result of smoking for a prolonged period, you can beef up your skincare routine and make an appointment with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon. By doing both you can reduce future damage while addressing already existing concerns.
What Can a Cosmetic Surgeon Do?
Cosmetic surgery isn’t for everyone. In particular, smokers have to weigh their medical needs against the risk very carefully because they are unable to heal as efficiently as a non-smoker. Fortunately, there is a lot that your local cosmetic eyelid surgeon right there in their office.
Eyelid Surgery Los Angeles
Dermal fillers and other non-surgical procedures are changing the way we think about plastic surgery. And they have begun making it possible to give patients great results with minimal risk. In the case of prominent under-eye bags, tear trough fillers are a great way to reduce their appearance in just one thirty-minute visit.
By using a specialized dermal filler, Dr. Zoumalan can effectively fill in the areas where you have lost collagen. Our eye filler treatment Beverly Hills is the best option around. This creates a smoother contour from the lower-lid down to the cheek. It erases the appearance of the fatty deposit responsible for your under-eye bags. As a result, patients look younger, healthier, and well-rested.
