Expert recommendations on supportive skin care for non-surgical and surgical procedures

ABSTRACTA thorough knowledge of non-surgical procedures (laser, peelings, injections, threads) and surgical procedures (combined surgeries and skin grafts), includ-ing contraindications and potential risks and side effects, (e.g. infection, hypopig-mentation, hyperpigmentation, and scarring) is essential to be able to reduce their incidence and ensure the patient receives the most benefit from the procedure. Individuals with darker skin and of high Fitzpatrick phototype are at higher risk of dyschromias, notably melasma and post-inf lammatory hyperpigmentation, which may be treated using aesthetic procedures but may also arise as a complication of some procedures. A group of experts in cosmetic surgery and dermatology reviewed the published literature and discussed recommendations for optimizing outcomes with practical advice on supportive skincare before, during and after non-surgical or surgical procedures. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high sun protection factor against UVB and high protection against UVA, especially long UVA, is essential for all treatment modalities for the prevention and potential improvement of pigmenta-tion disorders. Supportive skin care management to prepare, cleanse and protect the skin and post-procedure skin care with healing and anti-inf lammatory ingredients are recommended to speed up regeneration and wound healing whilst minimizing scarring and downtime. Additionally, adjunctive skin care to procedures with anti-oxidant, anti- ageing and lightening properties may enhance skin benefits.© 2023 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.FULL PUBLICATION