4 Ways To Enhance The Results Of Your Cosmetic Dermatology Procedure
If you are thinking about undergoing a cosmetic dermatology procedure, you will want to make the most out of the results. While your dermatologist will explain the things you need to do in order to prevent complications such as infection or bleeding, there are a few things you can do at home to help ensure that your cosmetic procedure enhances your appearance as much as possible:
Stay Hydrated
While recovering from your cosmetic dermatology procedure, drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids. Certain procedures such as laser resurfacing or microdermabrasion can lead to facial dryness.
When you stay hydrated, your tissues "plump up," which in addition to improving your appearance, can also provide your skin cells with much-needed moisture, as they can become depleted after cosmetic procedures. Water also helps promote healing by replacing fluids that may result from oozing, and it also helps decrease swelling as it acts as a healthy, natural diuretic.
Increase Intake Of Dietary Protein
Increasing your intake of lean protein such as chicken, turkey, fish and low fat dairy products can help promote tissue healing after your dermatology procedure. Protein intake is important whether you undergo a minor procedure such as a laser treatment, or whether you need skin grafts as a result of a bad burn, tumor removal, injury or a flesh-destroying bacterial infection.
Consuming more protein after your procedure is especially important if you are protein-deficient because of poor dietary habits. Pub Med explains, "protein deficiency has been demonstrated to contribute to poor healing rates with reduced collagen formation and wound dehiscence."
The term "wound dehiscence" refers to when a wound splits open, or when the layers of the wound part. It is usually caused by weak tissue, sutures that are too tight, infection, nutritional deficiencies and either high doses or long-term use of corticosteroids.
Eat Citrus Fruit
Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit and tangerines contain high amounts of vitamin C, which is essential for wound healing. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that vitamin C helps your body produce collagen and is crucial to wound healing.
Vitamin C helps your body make new tissue, which is essential after undergoing a cosmetic procedure. While getting your vitamin C from the foods you eat will probably not cause any negative interactions with your current medications, taking it in supplement form may lead to adverse effects if taken with prescription anticoagulants or aspirin.
High doses of supplemental vitamin C may also lead to abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Another benefit of increasing your intake of vitamin C is that it can boost your immune function, which may take a dip in response to the effects of your dermatological procedure.
You are at a greater risk of experiencing a decline in immune function if you have undergone a "big" dermatological procedure that involved general anesthesia and large incisions rather than a minor office procedure such as a laser treatment.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking can delay healing and may even contribute to scar formation. The toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke can cause capillary damage, and when this occurs, reduced collagen formation can result. Smoking can also cause your skin tone to undergo color changes which may undermine the healthy glow that certain cosmetic dermatology procedures aim to restore.
If you are unable to quit smoking on your own, talk to your doctor about available treatment options such as nicotine replacement products. Joining a support group can also help you quit smoking, as can adding more exercise into your daily routine.
If you experience an increase in redness, pain, bleeding or drainage after your cosmetic dermatology procedure, call your doctor. These signs may indicate the presence of a bacterial infection which may warrant a prescription of oral antibiotics. Check out a go to website like this one for more information.
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