Introduction

Cosmetic surgery is more than a medical procedure — it’s an investment in your confidence, self-image, and quality of life. Whether you’re considering facial contouring, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, or body sculpting, one often-overlooked factor can greatly influence your results: the condition of your skin.

Just as an artist carefully prepares a canvas before painting, a plastic surgeon achieves the most precise, natural, and long-lasting outcomes when the skin is healthy, hydrated, and resilient. At Face Plus Plastic Surgery in Gangnam, Seoul, we guide our patients through a thorough pre-surgery preparation process, with skin care as a key element. Dr. Jung Keun Park — our lead surgeon with over 21 years of experience and a Ph.D. in Plastic Surgery from Seoul National University — often reminds patients that “healthy skin is the foundation of excellent surgical outcomes.”

In this guide, we’ll explore why preparing your skin matters, what steps you can take weeks before your surgery, and how Face Plus supports you throughout the journey.

Why Preparing Your Skin Matters

Many patients focus on surgical techniques or recovery timelines, but the quality of your skin is just as critical in shaping your experience and results. Preparing your skin has several proven benefits:

• Reduced risk of infection – Healthy, intact skin provides a stronger natural barrier against bacteria.

• Minimized scarring – Elastic, well-hydrated skin closes more smoothly after incisions, often leading to finer, less visible scars.

• Faster recovery – Circulation, collagen activity, and skin resilience all influence how quickly swelling and bruising subside.

• Improved surgical precision – When the skin is clear of irritation or inflammation, it is easier for the surgeon to make delicate adjustments.

Think of skin preparation as tending to the soil before planting a garden: the healthier the foundation, the more vibrant and lasting the results.

Step 1: Schedule a Personalized Skin Evaluation

The first step in preparing for surgery is a comprehensive skin and health evaluation. At Face Plus, we believe every procedure begins with understanding your unique anatomy and lifestyle. During consultation, Dr. Park and our team assess not only your aesthetic goals but also your skin’s current condition.

• Sensitive skin patients may require gentler routines to avoid irritation before surgery.

• Those with acne-prone or oily skin might benefit from targeted treatments to prevent breakouts that could complicate healing.

• Patients with mature skin are often advised to support elasticity through hydration therapies or collagen stimulation in advance.

• International patients visiting Seoul may be counseled on adapting to Korea’s climate, since humidity and air quality can impact skin health.

This personalized assessment allows us to recommend tailored skincare, in-clinic treatments, and lifestyle adjustments well before the surgery date.

Step 2: Adopt a Pre-Surgery Skincare Routine

In the weeks before surgery, your skincare routine should shift toward calming, protecting, and strengthening the skin barrier. While elaborate beauty regimens are popular in Korea, simplicity is often best before surgery.

Dr. Park’s common recommendations include:

• Gentle cleansing – Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser twice daily to remove impurities without stripping the skin.

• Deep hydration – Apply a high-quality moisturizer to maintain barrier function and elasticity. Hyaluronic acid-based creams are excellent choices.

• Daily sun protection – Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) to prevent UV damage, which can slow wound healing.

• Avoid harsh actives – Retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, strong exfoliants, and bleaching creams should be discontinued at least 10–14 days before surgery to avoid skin sensitivity.

The goal is to create a calm, resilient environment so your skin responds well to surgical incisions and heals efficiently afterward.

Step 3: Professional Treatments to Boost Skin Health

In addition to at-home care, many patients benefit from pre-surgery professional treatments that enhance skin quality. At Face Plus, we strategically time these therapies to strengthen the skin without interfering with surgical healing.

Popular options include:

• Hydration facials – Provide intensive nourishment and plumpness, ideal for patients with dryness.

• Ultherapy – A non-surgical ultrasound treatment that stimulates collagen; often performed weeks before a facelift or facial contouring to improve tissue quality.

• Thread lifts – Can be used preventatively in younger patients to strengthen skin structure before surgery.

• Laser toning – Helps reduce pigmentation and create an even skin tone, giving the surgeon a smoother canvas to work with.

Our philosophy is to use these treatments strategically, not excessively. Each therapy is customized based on your procedure type, recovery timeline, and skin profile.

Step 4: Nutrition and Lifestyle Choices

Beautiful, resilient skin starts from within. The foods you eat, how much water you drink, and the way you care for your body in the weeks leading up to surgery have a direct impact on healing.

Skin-supportive nutrition tips include:

• Drink 1.5–2 liters of water daily to maintain hydration.

• Eat vitamin C-rich fruits like oranges, strawberries, and kiwi to support collagen production.

• Include omega-3 fatty acids (found in salmon, flaxseed, walnuts) to reduce inflammation and improve circulation.

• Favor leafy greens and whole grains for antioxidants and minerals that repair skin.

Habits to avoid before surgery:

• Smoking – Nicotine constricts blood vessels, delaying wound healing and increasing the risk of scarring.

• Alcohol – Dehydrates the skin and can interact negatively with anesthesia.

• Excess caffeine – Can worsen dehydration and affect sleep quality.

At Face Plus, we encourage patients to view the pre-surgery period as an opportunity to improve long-term health, not just short-term recovery.

Step 5: Medication and Supplement Guidance

Certain medications, vitamins, and supplements can increase bleeding, bruising, or complications under anesthesia. During your pre-op consultation, Dr. Park provides a thorough medication review to ensure safety.

General recommendations often include:

• Discontinue aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs at least 1–2 weeks prior, unless otherwise directed by your physician.

• Avoid herbal supplements like ginseng, garlic, ginkgo biloba, and fish oil that thin the blood.

• Pause high-dose vitamin E supplementation, which can also increase bleeding risks.

• Continue only essential prescribed medications, under careful coordination with both your primary doctor and surgeon.

This step may feel small, but it is critical for preventing complications and ensuring smooth healing.

Step 6: Mental and Emotional Preparation

Cosmetic surgery is not only physical — it’s deeply emotional. Patients often describe feeling both excitement and nervousness before surgery. At Face Plus, we believe mental readiness is part of good preparation.

• Ask open questions during consultations to feel informed about every step.

• Set realistic expectations for recovery timelines — swelling and bruising are normal and temporary.

• Practice relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, or light stretching.

• Arrange a support system so you have family or friends to help with post-op care.

We have seen that patients who feel calm, supported, and well-informed often recover more smoothly, both physically and emotionally.

What to Expect on the Day of Surgery

On the morning of surgery, your skin should be clean and product-free. We advise patients not to apply makeup, creams, lotions, or perfume. At Face Plus, our surgical team will carefully cleanse and disinfect the skin before beginning the procedure.

Following surgery, you will receive a personalized aftercare plan that may include:

• Cooling masks to reduce swelling.

• Medical-grade ointments to support incision healing.

• Scheduled follow-up visits to monitor progress and guide skincare adjustments.

This structured aftercare ensures your skin heals beautifully and your results remain as natural as possible.

Why Choose Face Plus Plastic Surgery for Your Cosmetic Journey

Your choice of clinic is just as important as your pre-surgery preparation. At Face Plus Plastic Surgery, patients benefit from:

• World-class expertise – Dr. Jung Keun Park brings over two decades of surgical experience, academic excellence, and artistic precision.

• Patient-first care – Every step, from consultation to post-op care, is tailored to your unique needs.

• Advanced treatment options – We offer cutting-edge surgical techniques alongside supportive therapies like Ultherapy, thread lifts, and skin lasers.

• Global recognition – Patients from around the world visit our Gangnam clinic, trusting us to deliver safe, natural, and long-lasting results.

Whether you’re seeking rhinoplasty, facial contouring, breast augmentation, or anti-aging treatments, our team is committed to guiding you with both medical expertise and personal compassion.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your skin for cosmetic surgery is far more than a checklist — it’s a proactive step that can transform your healing experience and final results. By nourishing your skin, avoiding irritants, and following expert guidance, you give yourself the best chance at smooth recovery, minimal scarring, and enhanced surgical artistry.

At Face Plus Plastic Surgery in Seoul, we view this preparation as part of our commitment to your safety, beauty, and confidence. If you’re considering a procedure, our team is here to provide comprehensive consultations, personalized advice, and a supportive journey from start to finish.