This consensus protocol outlines standardized pre- and post-procedure skincare practices designed to optimize treatment outcomes, enhance skin recovery, and minimize complications following aesthetic procedures. It provides evidence-based guidance for skin preparation before treatment and structured aftercare to support healing, reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and maintain long-term results.

This protocol presents a Delphi-based expert consensus on standardized pre- and post-procedure skincare for aesthetic treatments, developed to optimize clinical outcomes, enhance patient safety, and minimize procedure-related complications. The recommendations apply to a broad spectrum of aesthetic interventions, including injectables, laser and energy-based devices, chemical peels, microneedling, and combination therapies.

Consensus Development Methodology (Delphi Method)

This protocol is developed using the Delphi method, a structured, iterative process designed to achieve expert agreement through multiple rounds of anonymous feedback. A multidisciplinary panel of experienced aesthetic physicians, dermatologists, and skincare experts participates in sequential survey rounds. Each round refines key recommendations based on:

• Aggregated expert responses
• Controlled feedback
• Statistical agreement thresholds

This approach ensures that the final protocol reflects high-level expert agreement, minimizes bias, and supports evidence-informed clinical decision-making.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Licensed dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and aesthetic medicine specialists.
• Minimum of five years of clinical experience in aesthetic procedures, including lasers, injectables, chemical peels, or microneedling.
• Demonstrated record of academic or clinical involvement in procedural dermatology or aesthetic medicine.
• Experience managing patients across a range of skin phototypes, particularly Fitzpatrick III-VI.
• Willingness to participate in multiple rounds of survey-based consensus building.
• Commitment to provide independent and anonymous responses

Exclusion Criteria:

• Lack of direct clinical experience with aesthetic procedures.
• Less than five years of relevant clinical practice.
• Inability to commit to all rounds of the Delphi process.
• Conflicts of interest that could bias recommendations (e.g., financial ties to skincare product companies or device manufacturers).
• Insufficient proficiency in the language used for the Delphi survey.
• Failure to complete the initial round, resulting in removal from subsequent rounds.

The study population will consist of an international panel of expert clinicians in aesthetic dermatology and medicine. Participants will include board-certified dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and aesthetic medicine specialists with extensive experience in procedural interventions such as laser therapies, chemical peels, microneedling, and injectable treatments. Eligible experts must have a minimum of five years of clinical practice in aesthetic procedures and a demonstrated record of managing diverse patient populations, including individuals with varying Fitzpatrick skin phototypes (I-VI), with particular attention to skin types III-VI that are more prone to pigmentary complications. Experts will be recruited from academic institutions, professional societies, and clinical practices known for their expertise in aesthetic procedures. The panel is intended to be geographically and ethnically diverse to ensure broad applicability of consensus recommendations. All participants must be