Your skin type can affect your facial plastic surgery results

"What's your type? You may be surprised to learn that skin type is an important factor when planning a facial plastic surgery procedure.

During the initial consultation visit, Dr. Edward Farrior will take a careful look at such factors as thickness of your skin, the amount of oil it contains, the degree of pigmentation, and the character of the facial skeleton. After analyzing your skin's characteristics, the surgeon will determine which procedures are likely to have outcomes that will be enhanced by your skin's type.

So what is your type? Dr. Farrior has identified seven basic skin types, each associated with characteristic benefit and challenges related to facial plastic surgery;

Type 1: Fair, dry, thin-skinned complexion (Anglo-Saxon)

• Thin skin drapes easily and allows more refined results.
• Scars tend to be thin and heal well.
• Postoperative swelling is minimal.

• Signs of aging tend to appear early.
• Initial bruising may be more obvious than in darker-skinned individuals.
• Fine, deep wrinkles may be difficult to remove.
• Thin skin makes bone and cartilage irregularities more obvious.

Type 2: Fair, blue-eyed, blond complexion (Northern European)

• Skin is relatively thin and handles easily.
• Scars tend to be narrow and nearly invisible.

• Signs of aging tend to appear early.
• Fine, deep wrinkles may be difficult to remove.
• Initial bruising may be more obvious than in darker-skinned individuals.

Type 3: Ruddy, freckled complexion (redhead)

• Signs of aging tend to appear later.
• Bone and cartilage structure usually is good.
• Scars usually are thin.

• Postoperative pigmentation problems may occur.
• Skin tends to bruise easily and postoperative swelling may last longer.
• Fine, white scar lines may contrast with peach skin tone.
• Skin cancers are most common in this group.

Type 4: Dark, oily brunette complexion (Southern European)

• Signs of aging may appear later.
• Fine wrinkling over entire face is less common.
• Skin cancers are less common than in lighter-toned skin types.

• Heavier skin tends to resist lifting.
• Postoperative swelling and bruising tend to last considerably longer.
• Scars may be thicker and darker.

Type 5: Oily, olive, dark complexion (Southern European)

• Sign of aging may appear later.
• Skin cancers are very rare.

• Darker, thicker scars are more common.
• Cartilage tends to droop and is somewhat resistant to change.
• Postoperative swelling and oiliness may be prolonged.

Type 6: African-American complexion

• Sign of aging typical appear very late.
• Fine wrinkling typically does not occur.
• Skin cancers are very rare.
• Postoperative swelling is minimal.

• Formation of keloids (excessive scar growth) is possible.
• Dark or light pigmentation changes may occur.
• Thicker cartilage is not easily adjusted.

Type 7: Asian complexion

• Sign of aging typically appear late.
• Fine wrinkling typically does not occur.

• Low nasal bridge may require correction.
• Additional surgical steps are needed to create an eyelid crease.

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