Preparing the skin for peels and injections: how to improve the results of aesthetic correction

Minimally invasive procedures are very popular among patients because they provide a good effect without a long recovery period. To reduce the risk of complications, improve aesthetic outcomes and thus increase patient satisfaction, the practitioner can through proper skin preparation.

Optimization of the condition of the epidermis and dermis, as well as the barrier function of the skin, makes it possible to increase its resistance to negative factors and ensure the fastest possible rehabilitation after beauty injections and chemical peels. Dr. Rekha Taylor explains how to do it.

What information about the patient should be obtained during the consultation

A comprehensive consultation that includes a thorough assessment of the condition of the skin – the first step in preparation for any aesthetic procedure, including peels and injections of HA and botulinum toxin.

Major problems such as malnutrition, lack of sleep and poor health should be identified prior to treatment as the above factors may cause:

•    oily skin;

•    acne;

•    skin dullness;

•    damage to capillaries;

•    dark spots on the skin.

It is very important to take a series of photos before the correction – this will help to more realistically assess the possibilities and end results of the chosen procedures. Modern photo-based skin analysis systems make it possible to take standardized photographs, as well as conduct computerized analysis, including comparison of patients of the same age category.

Influence of diet and lifestyle on the results of aesthetic correction

It is important to make sure the patient is drinking enough fluids and taking in enough antioxidants from low-sugar vegetables and fruits. According to modern recommendations, their number should be from 5 to 10 servings per day. Antioxidants protect the skin from free radical damage and improve overall skin condition.

Also recommended:

•    increase the amount of protein that helps maintain healthy skin structure;

•    reduce the amount of sugar and refined carbohydrates in the diet;

•    Include a sufficient amount of oily fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids in the menu.

For best results, it is recommended that you start eating a healthy diet a few months before your procedure. It is also important to keep the body hydrated properly.

Alcohol is known to increase the risk of hematomas, therefore it is necessary to advise the patient to give up alcoholic beverages the day before the injection correction. Smoking, due to its negative effect on blood circulation, can interfere with the healing process of the skin and increase the risk of infections. The patient should also be warned about this. Smoking also reduces the amount of vitamin A in the body and impairs the absorption of vitamin C, which slows down the aging process.

Read also: Fight for youth: the impact of smoking on the effectiveness of cosmetic procedures

Sleep is necessary for the body to renew damaged cells, improve blood circulation and provide proper oxygen to the skin. Prolonged sleep deprivation leads to collagen degradation and premature aging. Ideally, the patient should get a good night's sleep for a week before the procedure.

Contraindications for the use of fillers, botulinum toxin injections and peels

It is extremely important to determine if the patient is allergic to any of the ingredients in chemical peels or injectables.

Potential allergens in peels:

•    glycolic acid;

•    lactic acid;

•    salicylic acid.

Reactions resulting from exposure of the above acids to the skin may be accompanied by discoloration of the skin, itching or rash.

For fillers, some patients may be allergic to local anesthetics such as lidocaine. An allergic reaction can be accompanied by severe symptoms and even lead to death (in the case of anaphylactic shock). Allergic reactions caused by botulinum toxin are rare.
Contraindications to botulinum toxin injections are some systemic diseases, for example, myasthenia gravis – an autoimmune disease characterized by rapid fatigue of the striated muscles. Botulinum toxin may exacerbate the symptoms of this disease.

Read also: Do you know all the contraindications to botulinum toxin

Also, injection correction is contraindicated in patients taking immunosuppressive drugs and chemotherapy drugs, due to a high risk of developing infections.

Patients with a history of herpetic fever should be given antiviral drugs to prevent activation of the infection.

Good health is important to speed recovery and reduce the risk of complications from injections and peels.

How to minimize the risk of complications after peels and injections

To reduce the risk of infection and the formation of a biofilm that can lead to chronic infection, sterile gloves should be handled using aseptic techniques before injections. These working methods are important to apply before any aesthetic procedure, as they allow you to get optimal results and speed up the recovery process.

You can reduce the risk of bruising by taking arnica (a herbal supplement) before injections, and by eating pineapple, which contains the enzyme bromelain, which reduces swelling and inflammation.

Patients should also avoid taking aspirin, NSAIDs, fish oil, vitamin E, and other blood-thinning drugs that increase the risk of bleeding whenever possible.

Daily skin care routine in preparation for injections and peels

Educate patients on the correct daily skin care regimen – a simple and effective way to improve the results of aesthetic procedures. Properly selected products can even out skin tone, improve its barrier function, reduce inflammation and strengthen the epidermis, thereby reducing the risk of bruising. If possible, it is best to switch to a maintenance regimen six weeks before the procedure.

Depending on individual needs, the following ingredients can improve the condition of the patient's skin:

•    hydroquinone: inhibits pigment production; however, it is important to note that this substance can only be used for 4-5 months due to the risk of inflammation, resumption of hyperpigmentation and reduced tolerance;

•    vitamin A (retinol): eliminates existing pigmentation and accelerates cell renewal, resulting in brighter and more even skin tone;

•    vitamin C (ascorbic acid): eliminates superficial pigmentation and helps brighten the skin;

•    glycolic acid: promotes exfoliation and elimination of excess pigmentation from the skin surface;

•    SPF 40+: Protects skin from UV damage and prevents hyperpigmentation.

By improving the quality and thickness of the skin, the risk of Tyndall effect after the injection of dermal fillers, which occurs when hyaluronic acid is injected too superficially into the skin, is reduced.

Read also: The most dangerous complications after hyaluronic acid injections and how to avoid them

Skin preparation for peels and injections is best started a few weeks before the procedure. Proper nutrition, sufficient fluid intake, a proper skin care regimen and a healthy lifestyle in general can improve the results of aesthetic correction, reduce the risk of side effects and speed up skin recovery.

Adapted from Aesthetics