Skin Structure, Inflammatory Response and Wound Healing

skin section - Andrea Heath Aesthetics

The skin consists of several layers:

  • The outermost layer, known as the stratum corneum, consists of deceased cells that serve as a shield for the more fragile, living cells underneath.
  • Directly below the stratum corneum is the epidermis, where living cells are continually produced, ascend to the surface, die off, and eventually flake away.
  • Cells within the epidermis contain melanin, which acts as a UV radiation absorbent, shielding the skin from harmful sun exposure.
  • Underneath the epidermis is the dermis, a composite layer made of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin. These elements provide the structural framework that supports the overlying epidermis. Fibroblasts found in this layer produce hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin.
  • Below the dermis lies the hypodermis, primarily composed of subcutaneous fat. This layer is vital for thermal insulation of the skin.
  • The lowest layer is muscle tissue, contributing to the skin’s overall tone.
blood clotting - Andrea Heath Aesthetic Treatments

Anything that prevents, or slows down blood clotting, is known as an anticoagulant. Warfarin is the most commonly prescribed anticoagulant, for those who are prone to blood clots. Other common but often overlooked anticoagulants include aspirin, alcohol, and caffeine. For this reason, your healthcare provider may recommend avoiding these substances prior to undergoing certain aesthetic treatments.

Blood Clotting

When blood vessels sustain damage, microscopic cell fragments known as platelets initiate the clotting process. This triggers a chain of events culminating in the creation of fibrin—a protein that forms a fibrous mesh over the wound. Both platelets and red blood cells get ensnared in this mesh, effectively sealing the wound. This clot serves dual functions: it minimizes bleeding and serves as a barrier against harmful microbes entering the skin.
Anticoagulants are substances that inhibit or slow down the clotting process. Warfarin is the most frequently prescribed anticoagulant for individuals at risk of developing blood clots.
Bruises result from internal bleeding, so aesthetic procedures like injectable treatments that risk damaging blood vessels can lead to bruising.  Additionally, high-intensity exercise dilates surface blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of injury when the skin is punctured, so it’s best to refrain from strenuous activities before any treatments that penetrate the skin.

After the initial stages of blood clotting and inflammation comes the proliferative phase, a critical juncture for achieving optimal results in most aesthetic treatments. Chemical signals activated during the inflammatory process stimulate fibroblasts found deep within the skin. These fibroblasts produce collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid—the three cornerstone elements that give the dermal layer its strength, flexibility, and fullness.

wound stages - Andrea Heath Aesthetic Treatments