Prepping Skin Prior to Cosmetic Procedures Leads to Better Results

Home « News « Prepping Skin Prior to Cosmetic Procedures Leads to Better Results

 While many cosmetic surgery patients typically use moisturizers and eye creams to prep their skin, most of these products have oils, perfumes, extracts, and preservatives that can hinder tissue and collagen repair. Plastic surgeons and other medical professionals agree that healthy skin provides a finer “canvas” for cosmetic surgery procedures, which may lead to better results and faster healing time.

 “Skin quality plays a major role in achieving optimal results from most cosmetic plastic surgery procedures,” said James Carraway, MD, a Virginia Beach plastic surgeon. So what are some ways doctors prep their patient’s skin before a cosmetic surgery procedure?

New Jersey plastic surgeon Sheila A. Bond, MD, asks her patients a series of questions regarding their lifestyle, family history, skin care product use, medications, and smoking habits to determine if anything can contribute to skin sensitivity or longer healing time. Fore example, the use of Retin-A, an acne skin ointment, will cause skin to be more reactive after laser treatments. Additionally, smoking causes vascular constriction, which cuts blood supply to the skin significantly slowing down the healing process. Doctors recommend quitting smoking two weeks pre-and-post cosmetic surgery.

Boris Ackerman, MD, said bacteria in the skin caused by acne may lead to an increased risk of infection. He urges patients with acne to treat it before their cosmetic procedure to reduce risks of infection or inflammation. 

Skin damaged by the sun poses healing problems because skin cells are too busy fighting off radiation burn. Barry Weintraub, MD, recommends his patients use a strong sun block and intensive moisturizer several weeks prior to their procedure.

Different cosmetic surgery procedures call for different methods of preparation. Eillion B. Duboys, MD, asks his rhinoplasty (nose job) patients to get a deep cleaning facial to avoid the risks of infection that may come from oily, dirty skin. Exfoliation is also vital for various procedures, especially chemical peels. “If you do not remove the old skin, the treatment may not work as well or come out uneven,” said William Brender, MD.

Some patients are advised against taking aspirin, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, and other herbal supplements that may increase bleeding. In addition, Dr. Ackerman ensures his patients aren’t on strict diets prior to their procedures, which can cause a vitamin deficiency slowing down collagen repair. “Being prepared means not only taking care of your skin but your entire health,” Dr. Brender said. “Nutrition is important because good overall health and especially well nourished, well hydrated skin greatly aids the healing response.” Dr. Bender urges patients to drink a lot of water and eat lots of fruits and vegetables.

Pharmaceutical chemist Michael Warshaw cites a number of natural ingredients that may also nourish and prep the skin. B vitamins work to repair skin, plant derived calcium increases cell energy, and ginger, vitamin K, and burdock root reduces potential bruising. Warshaw claims the ingredients “improve the skin’s defense mechanisms and reduce skin stress.” “Better results are often a function of skin stress,” he adds.

While good skin care, nutrition, and health are key to providing the best cosmetic surgery results, doctors like Haideh Hirman, MD, take a different approach to preparation before a procedure. Hirman uses manual lymphatic drainage before and after surgery to stimulate the flow of fluids, which decreases swelling and increases better healing.

Currently, there is no scientific evidence proving that any of these skin preparations actually work. “Reports of improved results are mostly anecdotal,” said Leonard Miller, MD, a Boston plastic surgeon. “Elaborate pre-op diets and skin care regimens may make patients feel better, but to date, there is no scientific proof that any of these produces better healing.”

However, most doctors believe that any kind of pre-procedure “priming” seems to enhance their artistry. 


ABCPSR