How to Prepare for Cosmetic Procedures
Proper skin care regimens both before and after a cosmetic procedure can greatly improve the satisfaction with the outcomes.
Cosmetic procedures carry a risk of infection,bruising, scarring and hyper pigmentation. We want to instruct our patients to follow a pre-procedure skin care protocol in order to minimize such risks.
Pre-Procedure Guidelines:
- Use topical vitamin A preparations (retinol, tretinoin, adapalene) for two to four weeks prior to the cosmetic procedure. These ingredients accelerate wound healing by increasing collagen production.
- Topical vitamin C and hydroxyacids before the procedure may aid in collagen synthesis and wound repair.
- It is important to stop using certain medications and supplements prior to the treatments, preferably for ten days: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, vitamin E, fish oil, flaxseed oil, aspirin, ginseng, alcohol.
- Smoking and tobacco should be avoided for about four weeks(and after the procedure)
Post-Procedure Guidelines:
- Start oral vitamin C and zinc supplements immediately after the procedure to accelerate the wound healing.
- Topical arnica has been shown to reduce bruising and swelling after facial procedures..
- Occlusive ointment with anti-oxidants will help skin repair.
- Topical DEFENSIN(see our next post) increase the formation of new skin cells.
- Sun protection after any skin treatment is a MUST. The wounds should be covered and the sun should be avoided until full re-epithelialisation occurs. Sun screens containing zinc oxide should be used religiously. Chemical sun screens can cause irritation and should be avoided.
- Only use non-irritant, non acidic skin products until the skin heals.
- Topical vitamin C and vitamin A should only be applied on healed skin.
- Any stinging when products are applied is a sign of irritation and should be discontinued immediately.
