There has been a fair amount of press given to recent advances in dermatology, including the revelation by the American Academy of Dermatology that contact with your cell phone can cause rashes to your face.
This is especially important for patients who have received treatment, or who are considering procedures such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, or facial cosmetic and plastic surgery. It is just after these procedures that the skin is most vulnerable, being that it is in “self-repair” mode.
A visit to a dermatologist or skin care specialist is recommended for those who find that their skin is irritated by anything from fragrances and metals to cell phone use. The tell-tale sign of sensitivity tends to be a sudden rash that doesn’t go away after a few days.
However, before all the heavy cell phone users panic, it is actually the metals used in their fabrication that is to blame; mainly nickel and chromium. Time Magazine notes that “Blackberrys and flip phones are more likely to contain nickel,” and that more modern phones such as iPhones and Android based touch screen devices don’t contain any at all.
Time also points out that it is a condition that is estimated to affect 3% of men and 17% of women, and that the simplest remedy may just be to change phones, or use a headset.
Other sensitive areas that are often considered for surgery include the eyelids. These can become irritated by fragrances and metals found in implements such as eyelash curlers and tweezers.
The best advice for those planning blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is to avoid any irritation in the period leading up to the procedure so as to present the best possible blank canvas to your surgeon.
The same goes for other irritation, such as flaky skin and rashes, which may be ‘tidied up’ by using a little makeup. Doing so, however, may mask issues that a surgeon would need to know about. I should be noted that the makeup being used to hide the rash could actually be causing or exasperating it!
Following chemical peels and other non-invasive procedures, a skin rash or allergy can ensue post treatment, so it’s best to consult with your doctor, a dermatologist, and of course, your surgeon prior to undergoing any procedure.
To learn more about any aspect of cosmetic and plastic surgery, including facelifts and noninvasive cosmetic surgery procedures, contact Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery of Houston, Texas, at (281) 484-0088.
Sources:
http://www.newswise.com/articles/saving-face-dermatologists-helping-patients-identify-source-of-facial-allergic-contact-dermatitis
http://healthland.time.com/2012/11/09/allergic-to-nickel-might-want-to-trade-in-that-flip-phone/