Preparing Patients for Cosmetic Surgery and Aesthetic Procedures: Ensuring an Optimal Nutritional Status for Successful Results

Abstract

Aesthetic and cosmetic medical practices have attracted considerable consumer attention globally. However, possible complications vary and range from mild, self-resolving ecchymoses or edema to more persistent complications. The aim of this review is to identify the nutritional deficits or excesses associated with the major complications of reconstructive surgery, aesthetic surgery, and mini-invasive aesthetic procedures. An additional goal is to provide a bundle of actions for professionals working in the industry in order to reduce the risks of aesthetic procedures and improve the clinical outcomes. Granulomas, hypertrophic scars and keloids, seromas, infections and xerosis, hyperpigmentation, petechiae, livedo reticularis, slower wound healing, and other poor outcomes are frequently associated with nutritional deficiencies. Nutritional status can markedly affect wound healing and tissue repair following surgical interventions, as well as the outcomes of aesthetic and cosmetic medical practices. Professionals working in this industry, therefore, need to consider the nutritional aspects of their patients to obtain the best results.

Factors influencing the length of the recovery period after blepharoplasty: a review of the latest data

“…14,15 The state of nutrition can significantly impact wound healing and tissue repair after surgical procedures. 16 It has been shown that up to 25% of outpatient plastic surgery patients are at risk of malnutrition. 16,17 Therefore, nutrition can also affect the occurrence of granulomas.…”

“…16 It has been shown that up to 25% of outpatient plastic surgery patients are at risk of malnutrition. 16,17 Therefore, nutrition can also affect the occurrence of granulomas. Malnutrition alters immune response by reducing T cell response, 18 impairs phagocytic function, and alters cytokine and antibody production.…”

“…Preoperative screening and nutritional assessments should be conducted to diagnose, treat, and prevent all types of malnutrition. 16 Although infections are rare due to extensive vascularization in the area, they do occur and require early appropriate antibiotic treatment. The incidence rate is suggested to be 0.2%, and laser resurfacing can further increase the risk by 0.2%.…”

Unlocking the healing spectrum: a narrative review fusing insights from internal medicine, dermatology, and plastic surgery

“…Plastic surgery contributes to the healing spectrum by offering techniques for functional and aesthetic restoration of tissues. (14) Plastic surgeons specialize in reconstructive and regenerative interventions that can promote wound healing, restore tissue integrity, and improve quality of life. Surgical techniques such as skin grafting, flap surgery, and microvascular anastomosis can be used to close wounds, restore blood supply, and achieve functional and cosmetic outcomes.…”

The effects of systemic diseases, genetic disorders and lifestyle on keloids

“…Keloids are more often witnessed in females between the age of 10 and 30 years and tend to resolve during menopause. 22 Thus, pregnancy is considered as an exacerbating factor of keloids and correspondingly, 23 sex hormones, particularly increased oestrogen is thought to act as a physiological risk factor for keloidogenesis. 24 This hormonal contribution has been also indicated by the effect of tamoxifen treatment, which suppressed oestrogen‐induced growth of keloids.…”