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Thank you for your question. I would stop using Retin-A for 2 weeks before face/neck lift. I would recommend mentioning to your plastic surgeon all your medications that you take or apply on your face. I hope this helps!
If you have been on Retin A for multiple years, then in my practice I would allow you to use it up to the time of surgery, but not afterwards until such time that I feel you are completely healed
Retinoids such as Retin-A, Tazarac, Renova, etc, are an important part of any anti-aging skin care regime. In fact, if you are going to have a laser skin resurfacing procedure or a chemical peel, prior use of these products can actually speed and improve your healing process. Due to their irritant side effects, however, it is a good idea to stop them at least a week or two before facelift surgery. Resume use only after several weeks, as skin may be temporarily more sensitive post-operatively. If you have not used them in the past, it is better to wait until after the surgery has fully healed before trying any new skin care regimen. If any type of resurfacing procedure is done, use of retinoids should not be attempted until all redness has completely resolved.
I would recommend stopping at least two weeks prior to surgery. After the facelift, I would encourage you to follow your plastic surgeon's instructions. Of course, there is the question of whether it would be necessary or if you would be better served with use of small amounts of filler to address any contour issues.
A month or two should be sufficient. Retin A ia an irritant, to the skin but the effects should be diminished after a couple of months. Might consider not re-starting Retin A after the Face Lift for a couple of months as well. You should ask your Face Lift Surgeon for his/her specific instructions regarding this matter.
If your skin is used to Retin A I would say it is fine to use it but quit about 1 week before the facelift and wait 6 weeks after to restart it. Of course if you trust your doctor to do your facelift you should be asking this question of him and following his recommendations.
AHA moisturizers may be a little too drying when on Tazorac or Retin A. In our office, we recommend Elevase Moisture Booster for those patients on Retin A. Elevase contains Opti-Ceramides. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles
Dark pigmentation on the skin can be caused by genetics, hormones, and sun exposure. I would use a carefully curated protocol of laser therapy, fractional ablation, Covalent peels, and topical creams. The most important step is first starting Melarase creams for at least 6 to 8 weeks. AM: ...
Not only has it been shown in studies that using a moisturizer with topical retinods, such as Tazorac, does not reduce efficacy but moisturizer may in fact help acne get better. It has been shown that people with acne have reduced ceramides in their skin. Ceramide is a type of skin lipid that is...
