3 Ways to Erase Smoker’s Lines
Smoking does more than put your health at risk and make you smell bad… It does a number on your skin as well. Beyond causing a dull, sallow-looking complexion thanks to nicotine limiting the amount of oxygen available to your skin, the repeated pursing associated with smoking promotes the formation of wrinkles around the mouth, which are also called “smoker’s lines.” You can have them no matter how long ago you kicked the habit and even if you never smoked, since drinking through a straw, sun damage and genetics can lead to these lines as well. In addition to adding years to your visage, these lines cause lipstick to bleed and they are difficult to conceal with makeup.
Injectable Fillers
Superficial smoker’s lines can easily—and instantly—be smoothed out with a hyaluronic acid-based filler such as Juvéderm Volbella or Restylane Silk. These injectables are the thinnest in their respective families, which makes them ideal for fine lines and areas with thin skin.
Botox
Another means of improving the appearance of smoker’s lines is preventing the muscle contractions that cause them with Botox, Dysport or Xeomin. Best for lines that are not yet visible while the mouth is at rest, these injectable toxins can prevent smoker’s lines from becoming etched into the skin. In the case of deep lines, Botox injections can soften their appearance but will not eliminate them completely. Keep in mind this is an off-label use for these toxins, which makes it especially important to seek an experienced injector like New York City plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Schwartz for this treatment. If performed incorrectly, Botox injections around the mouth can affect your speech, and especially your ability to say B’s and P’s.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Dr. Schwartz often recommends Sciton’s full-field Erbium resurfacing treatment for maximum improvement in smoker’s lines. This Erbium laser treatment allows Dr. Schwartz to adjust the depth of the peel as determined by the severity of the smoker’s lines. This procedure provides immediate results (once healing is complete) since it removes damaged skin, as well as ongoing improvement since it stimulates collagen production deep within the skin.
If you’re considering any of these options for improving the appearance of smoker’s lines (whether caused by cigarettes or not), you may want to think about including other facial areas or additional procedures at your time of treatment for more comprehensive rejuvenating results. Dr. Schwartz can customize a treatment approach that addresses any other aesthetic concerns you may have to help you look and feel your best.
Call 212.737.9090 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark Schwartz to learn more about treatments and procedures that can improve the appearance of smoker’s lines.
