Pre- and postoperative skin care

Abstract

Cosmeceutic skin care is essential to complement facial cosmetic surgery and achieve rejuvenation. A brief explanation of the action of the major cosmeceuticals precedes their method of use. Vitamin A, especially in its ester form, gives all the benefits without the irritation of retinoic acid, and should be used on every patient both before and after surgery. Its role is both preventative against photoageing as well as regenerative. Antioxidants work hand in hand with vitamin A and also complement sun protection but act only in preventing photoageing to a degree. Iontophoresis and sonophoresis enhance penetration of vitamin A and active peptides and can help surgeons achieve realistic rejuvenation. Serial light peels may also be useful, giving a fresher appearance to the skin. © Springer-Verlag 2007.