---
title: "Aesthetic surgery and skin diversity - Dr Hélène Le Gall"
description: "Not all skin reacts the same way to a procedure. Dark, black and Asian skin types have their own characteristics. I take them into account at every stage,…"
image: "https://legall-chirurgie-esthetique-toulouse.fr/media/og.jpg"
url: "https://legall-chirurgie-esthetique-toulouse.fr/en/your-journey/aesthetic-surgery-and-skin-diversity/"
lang: "en-US"
---

# Aesthetic surgery and skin diversity

Not all skin reacts the same way to a procedure. Dark, black and Asian skin types have their own characteristics. I take them into account at every stage, from the consultation to the follow-up of the scars.

## What changes with the skin

Darker skin contains more melanin. It reacts more strongly to any aggression.

-   Healing can be more active. The risk of a thick (hypertrophic) scar or a keloid is higher, especially on the chest, the shoulders, the earlobe and the chin.
-   Pigmentation can change around a scar or after a skin treatment. A darker or lighter patch may appear and persist for several months.
-   The dermis is often thicker. It hides the underlying relief more, which influences the choice of techniques, in particular on the face.

These characteristics are not a contraindication. They require adapted preparation and follow-up.

## Precautions before the procedure

During the consultation, I examine your skin and I look for the elements that guide my strategy:

-   your existing scars, even old ones, including piercings and acne marks;
-   your history of keloids, and that of your family;
-   how your skin usually reacts to wounds, pimples or sunburn.

For aesthetic medicine (peels, laser), I choose gentle protocols adapted to your skin phototype.

## During and after

In the operating room, I limit the tension on the edges of the wound and I place the scars in the natural folds whenever possible. The sutures are made with fine threads and a deep layer that supports the skin.

After the procedure, the follow-up of the scars is essential:

-   an UrgoTouch laser treatment, already offered at the practice, can be performed at the end of the procedure to support healing;
-   silicone dressings or compression may be prescribed;
-   strict sun protection is necessary for several months;
-   if a scar thickens, an early treatment can be started, such as local corticosteroid injections.

I see you regularly to monitor how your scars evolve.

## Respecting features and proportions

There is no single model of beauty. A facelift or eyelid surgery does not aim to make faces uniform. I look for harmony between your features, with respect for your morphology and your identity.

Together we define a realistic goal, adapted to your skin and to the structure of your face or body.

## In consultation

Every project starts with a consultation. I listen to your request, I examine your skin and I inform you about the specific risks and the care to plan. A second consultation is required before any surgery.

The SOFCPRE information sheet for your procedure is given to you during the consultation.

## Related

-   ### [3D in consultation](https://legall-chirurgie-esthetique-toulouse.fr/en/your-journey/3d-in-consultation/)
    
    [Find out more : 3D in consultation](https://legall-chirurgie-esthetique-toulouse.fr/en/your-journey/3d-in-consultation/)
    
-   ### [First consultation for plastic surgery (cosmetic or reconstructive)](https://legall-chirurgie-esthetique-toulouse.fr/en/your-journey/first-consultation-for-plastic-surgery-cosmetic-or-reconstructive/)
    
    [Find out more : First consultation for plastic surgery (cosmetic or reconstructive)](https://legall-chirurgie-esthetique-toulouse.fr/en/your-journey/first-consultation-for-plastic-surgery-cosmetic-or-reconstructive/)
    
-   ### [The pre-surgical consultation](https://legall-chirurgie-esthetique-toulouse.fr/en/your-journey/the-pre-surgical-consultation/)
    
    [Find out more : The pre-surgical consultation](https://legall-chirurgie-esthetique-toulouse.fr/en/your-journey/the-pre-surgical-consultation/)
    
-   ### [The follow up](https://legall-chirurgie-esthetique-toulouse.fr/en/your-journey/the-follow-up/)
    
    [Find out more : The follow up](https://legall-chirurgie-esthetique-toulouse.fr/en/your-journey/the-follow-up/)
    

## My advice

-   ### Hydrate yourself and your skin
    
    Drink enough water and unsweetened drinks regularly. Apply a moisturizer to the skin once or twice a day after cleansing.
    
-   ### Protect yourself from the sun
    
    Avoid prolonged direct exposure, cover up and regularly apply total sunscreen protection (UVA / UVB) factor 50 to exposed areas.
    
-   ### You should not smoke
    
    or you should stop smoking as soon as possible. If needed, ask for help to your doctor or a tobacco addiction specialist, there are many methods available to help you in this difficult process.