Dr Georgina Williams, a plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon and co-founder of Montrose London, shares insights into the vital role skincare plays in achieving the best surgical outcomes.
How important is skin preparation before surgery, and when might surgery be postponed?
Pre-surgical skincare is not mandatory for every patient, but surgery may be delayed if the skin is compromised. Active acne or inflamed skin increases the risk of surgical site infection (SSI).¹ ² ³ In these cases, skin optimisation is recommended. For some patients, it can involve the use of topical medications such as salicylic or glycolic acid. For others, they may require a more complex regimen – possibly including oral agents such as Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) which would be managed in conjunction with a dermatologist. Patients will also enjoy the results of their surgery if their skin is in better condition.
Are there any skincare ingredients that patients should stop using in the run up to surgery and if so, why?
Traditional surgical and dermatological guidance advises against performing surgery while a patient is taking isotretinoin and recommends discontinuing the medication for a period before surgery due…
