Cosmetic surgery has gained quite the popular following in the last few decades. People have always been dissatisfied with the way they look. These problems affect people not only physically, but emotionally as well. Aging, accidents and natural deformities are the roots of these problems. Whatever the cause, medical science has developed by leaps and bounds to bring people the treatments, and procedures, that they desire and deserve. People have availed of facial fillers, diamond peels, Botox, implants, and body lifts and have provided plenty of testimonials to attest to the success of these procedures. There are also quite a few criticisms against cosmetic procedures, however, but the blame need not always be laid on the surgeon. This is particularly true when it comes to a person’s skin. Both before and after a cosmetic surgery, the best results can only be attained with proper care of what is undoubtedly the body’s largest organ.

If you were not one of those people who went the extra mile with their skin care regimen, now would be the best time to start. Cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize; women are not the only ones advised to follow these steps. Men can also benefit greatly from the extra care. The right cleanser not only scours away the dirt, but also retains necessary oils. Exfoliating gets rid of dead skin cells that make our skin look duller. The right moisturizers hydrate and strengthen skin barriers to reduce water and nutrient loss. These are the most basic steps for skin care, and everyone should pick up these habits, not just those contemplating cosmetic surgery.

The first steps however, are just the minimum. To fully protect your skin against wear and tear from sunlight, pollution, and free radicals formed from our natural metabolism, more needs to be done. Sunscreen should be used every day to prevent UV rays from causing skin damage such as loss of elasticity, hyperpigmentation, rough texture, and wrinkles. Anti-oxidants prevent free radicals that also cause the same problems as UV rays. Whether applied topically or ingested, the vitamins C, A, and E, along with Alpha Lipoic Acid, and Polyphenol contain the best anti-oxidants in keeping the skin at its healthiest. Creams and supplements with these ingredients are a must in preoperative skin care.

Your diet should also reflect that you want a successful surgery. Foods low in sugar, fruits, and vegetables, especially those high in anti-oxidants, should find themselves on your plate everyday. Finally, smoking, alcohol, and drugs must be avoided, as they prevent the skin from healing properly and looking its best.

Prior to the surgery itself, antiseptic baths the evening and morning before surgery will help prevent infections on the incision sites. After the procedure, except for vitamin E, the same everyday skin care tips should be used in helping along the healing process, along with a few added creams to aid with stitches, swelling, and bruising. It is important that mild products, with a gentle and non-irritating effect, be used. The skin can be very sensitive after cosmetic surgery. Creams with hyaluronic acid are recommended, as well as those with tea tree oil, high performing peptides, retinol, aloe vera, zinc, calendula, burdock, marigold and collagen. These ingredients fight inflammation, bacteria, and promote wound repair. There are also supplements that must be avoided for the first week such as fish oil, flax seed oil, garlic, ginseng, ginko and vitamin E. These actually impede the healing process. You can replace these with collagen pills, Arnica Montana (in gel and pill form), and Bromelain pills to reduce bruising and swelling. Finally, during the first week after any procedure, avoid exposure to sunlight to facilitate healing.