source. For the literature search, we used the following terms: Pre-/post-procedure measures for facial nonenergy-device and injectable treatments; Guidelines; Algorithm; Adverse events; Complications; Prevention; Pain; Bruising; Swelling; Discoloration; Infection; Reactivation of herpes simplex virus; Antiviral medication; Scarring; Comfort; Sun exposure; Skincare.
Exclusion criteria were lack of original data, information not specific to facial nonenergy-device and injectable treatments, and publication in a language other than English. A dermatologist and a physician/scientist conducted the literature searches. Two reviewers independently evaluated the results of the literature searches.
Literature grading with the American Academy of Dermatology grading system was not relevant as only two articles addressed explicitly before and after measures for nonenergy-baseddevice and injectable aesthetic treatments.28
The searches for nonenergy facial treatments yielded fifty-two articles. After removing duplicates and those that did not meet the inclusion criteria, twenty-three articles remained. For the injectable facial treatments, the searches yielded seventy-six articles. After removing duplicates and those that did not meet the inclusion criteria, thirty-eight articles remained, making a total of sixty-one articles for both nonenergy-based and injectable facial treatments (Figure 2).
RESULTS
The Algorithm
A clinical algorithm aims to support medical decision-making, such as standardizing the selection and use of treatment regimens, thereby improving adherence to evidence-based recommendations.28,29 A well-designed algorithm has inputs and outputs, has uniquely defined steps, and stops after a finite number of instructions.29
Before and after measures for nonenergy and injectable facial treatments, the algorithm has four sections: prevention, before the procedure, during, and after the procedure (Figure 3).
Section 1: Prevention
The two previously published surveys showed that almost 95% of clinicians advised patients to avoid excessive sun exposure before, during, and after facial nonenergy-based and injectable treatments as sun exposure can contribute to postinflammatory pigment alterations or limit the effectiveness of the procedure.24,25 To protect the face from sun exposure, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30, or higher, is to be used and can be combined with protective measures such as wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.24,25
Before nonenergy-based and injectable treatments, the avoidance of alcohol, retinol peels, and agents such as acetylsalicylic acid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) amongst other agents is recommended (Table 1).24,25
A clinical algorithm aims to support medical decision-making, such as standardizing the selection and use of treatment regimens, thereby improving adherence to evidence-based recommendations.28,29 A well-designed algorithm has inputs and outputs, has uniquely defined steps, and stops after a finite number of instructions.29
Before and after measures for nonenergy and injectable facial treatments, the algorithm has four sections: prevention, before the procedure, during, and after the procedure (Figure 3).
Section 1: Prevention
The two previously published surveys showed that almost 95% of clinicians advised patients to avoid excessive sun exposure before, during, and after facial nonenergy-based and injectable treatments as sun exposure can contribute to postinflammatory pigment alterations or limit the effectiveness of the procedure.24,25 To protect the face from sun exposure, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30, or higher, is to be used and can be combined with protective measures such as wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.24,25
Before nonenergy-based and injectable treatments, the avoidance of alcohol, retinol peels, and agents such as acetylsalicylic acid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) amongst other agents is recommended (Table 1).24,25
