Preparing the skin for surgery with non-surgical treatments will not only enhance any results from a procedure but can give the skin an essential boost and assist the skin to heal afterwards, including incisions and subsequent scarring. Non-surgical treatments after surgery can help to provide contour, fullness and smooth out any other fine lines and wrinkles as well as keep the skin in optimum health to prolong the results of surgery.
Dr John Newton, Plastic Surgeon from Newcastle, uses a variety of treatments to complement patients having surgery and he chatted to us about a few of them and what each of them are good for.
Dr Newton says he works with his patients to understand what outcomes they hope to achieve and create a holistic plan to that can include surgery, non-surgical treatments and/or a combination of both.
Dermal Fillers
Surgery can give the face and neck area a lift and tighten loose skin but loss of volume is harder to achieve through surgery. This is where dermal fillers come in. Loss of volume is a common problem of ageing and dermal fillers can help recreate that volume and give a more youthful appearance. They are also great for helping to fill out those pesky little lines and wrinkles that still exist, with or without surgery. Dermal fillers are often used in conjunction with neck and face surgery. Dr Newton says, “A dermal filler is a smooth injectable gel. It is made from the same naturally occurring sugar complex called Hyaluronic Acid(HA) that is found in the skin. The Hyaluronic Acid molecule attracts and holds water and combines with collagen and elastin thereby providing skin with structure and elasticity. We often have patients booking in for dermal fillers after facial surgery to complete their journey and get the best results from their surgery.”
Anti-wrinkle injections
Anti-wrinkle injections can also help with smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. Very often used in conjunction with dermal fillers, they can enhance any results achieved through surgery. “I am pleasantly surprised with how relatively young patients who have been having these injections for prolonged periods look. Used post-operatively on an ongoing basis, anti-wrinkle injections can really prolong and enhance the structural rejuvenation provided by a facelift.”
Platelet Rich Plasma Injections
Platelet Rich Plasma is an injectable treatment using factors derived from your own blood which act to encourage healing and regeneration. It helps to improve the complexion, volume and texture of the facial tissues. It works well in conjunction with Laser treatments. It can also be used to encourage regrowth of hair.
Fractional Laser
Dr Newton says they use laser to address and prevent the early signs of ageing and used before surgery can help the results of surgery to be even more significant. “We use an effective yet gentle laser resurfacing that corrects uneven texture and hyperpigmentation, while boosting skin radiance, refining pores and increasing collagen production. This laser treatment visibly improves skin tone and texture giving dull skin a more natural radiance and smoothness, overall rejuvenating and refreshing your skin. Damaged skin is replaced with healthy younger skin improving the tone and texture giving a more youthful refreshed appearance. Combining surgical procedures after one or a series of fractional laser treatments definitely provides better results.”
Fat-dissolving Injections
Fat-dissolving of the fat under the chin can be quite successfully carried out. The material injected is a chemical based in the natural bile we produce in our own gallbladder. Used properly, it reduces the volume of fat in the area of the neck under the jaw. “As a surgeon, I was sceptical about this treatment, but I am pleasantly surprised with how well it can work. I use it in conjunction with other neck operations to optimise neck lifting.”
A Word of Advice from Dr John Newton on Non Surgical Treatments
Dr Newton says it’s important to remember, “Whilst these procedures are not invasive in the way that surgery is, don’t take them lightly. Ensure you have them done by a trained operator, under the supervision of a doctor. I encourage you to have at least a face-to-face consultation with the doctor before undergoing any of the above treatments.”
Dr John Newton
Dr John Newton is a renowned Newcastle Specialist Plastic Surgeon. If you’d like to arrange a consultation with Dr Newton click here.