Why Use Vitamin C Serum and Retenoid Use Before a Neck/lower Facelift?

Question

Why would my PS's office recommend that I "use Vitamin C serum and retinol to prepare the skin for the procedure"? I'm having a lower face/neck lift.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

There is no reason to take those products prior to a lower facelift since they are applied topically. A lower face and neck lift involves tightening loose facial and neck muscles, tightening loose facial and neck skin and removal of fat in the neck, in addition to a platysma-plasty. See the link below for examples of what can be accomplished with a lower face/ neck lift in our practice

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

These topical agents will help with your overall skin condition. Some plastic surgeons like to start facelift patients on a pre-operative skin care regimen so they will be in the right mood to continue this after surgery

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

Without knowing what your skin is like, I cannot give a specific answer. However, there are a number of good reasons that your plastic surgeon may have placed you on skin care. The face ages in two ways. First, the sun causes changes in the skin including thinning of the dermis and the support for the skin, buildup of the top dead cell layer, pigmentary changes and loss of the normal blood supply. Retin-A, and to some extent, Vitamin C, reverse all these changes except the pigmentary changes. The second part of facial aging is caused by gravity. This is addressed with a face/neck lift. It is rare for someone to have only one form of facial aging. I, therefore, place almost all my facial rejuvenation patients on skin care. I will frequently use the Obagi® Nu-Derm system that includes Retin-A, particularly if they have pigmentary problems and wrinkling. By improving the blood supply to the skin, the facelift is safer, and, by improving the appearance of the skin, the results are better.

Why Use Vitamin C Serum and Retenoid Use Before a Neck/lower Facelift?

Answers (3)

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