title: Retinoids: Literature Review and Suggested Algorithm for Use Prior to Facial Resurfacing Procedures.
abstract: Vitamin A-containing products have been used topically since the early 1940s to treat various skin conditions. To date, there are four generations of retinoids, a family of Vitamin A-containing compounds. Tretinoin, all-trans-retinoic acid, is a first-generation, naturally occurring, retinoid. It is available, commercially, as a gel or cream. The authors conducted a complete review of all studies, clinical- and basic science-based studies, within the literature involving tretinoin treatment recommendations for impending facial procedures. The literature currently lacks definitive recommendations for the use of tretinoin-containing products prior to undergoing facial procedures. Tretinoin pretreatment regimens vary greatly in terms of the strength of retinoid used, the length of the pre-procedure treatment, and the ideal time to stop treatment before the procedure. Based on the current literature and personal experience, the authors set forth a set of guidelines for the use of tretinoin prior to various facial procedures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Michigan Health Systems, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
authors.forename: Patrick J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Buchanan
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Michigan Health Systems, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
authors.forename: Robert H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Gilman
keywords: Facial resurfacing; retinoic acid; retinoids; tretinoin