What Is NAD+ and Why Does It Matter?
NAD+ stands for Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide. It’s a molecule found in every cell in your body. Think of it as the fuel that helps your cells stay healthy and energized. As we age, NAD+ levels naturally go down. This decline can lead to slower healing, more fatigue, and signs of aging like wrinkles or joint pain.
In recent years, doctors and skin experts have started using NAD+ to help patients recover faster after cosmetic or surgical procedures. From facelifts to laser skin treatments, more clinics are adding NAD+ to their recovery plans—and for good reason.
The Role of NAD+ in Cell Repair
When your skin or body goes through a medical procedure, your cells need to repair themselves. This healing process takes energy, and that’s where NAD+ steps in. It helps turn nutrients into usable energy so your body can fix damaged tissues quickly and safely.
NAD+ is also vital for controlling inflammation, a natural response your body creates after a procedure. Too much inflammation can slow healing and cause more pain. By supporting your cell functions, NAD+ helps manage this inflammation, keeping recovery smoother and more comfortable.
Post-Procedure Benefits of NAD+ Therapy
Adding NAD+ to your recovery plan isn't just a trend. It offers real, science-backed benefits. Here are a few key reasons patients and doctors love it:
Faster Healing
NAD+ speeds up the time it takes for your body to bounce back. Patients often notice reduced downtime and quicker returns to their daily routines.
Less Discomfort
Pain, swelling, and redness are common after many procedures. NAD+ reduces these symptoms by lowering oxidative stress and inflammation.
Enhanced Skin Quality
For skin procedures like microneedling or laser resurfacing, NAD+ supports collagen building and improves overall skin texture during recovery.
Energy Boost
Healing can drain your energy. NAD+ restores stamina by helping your cells produce more ATP (your body’s main energy source).
How It Works in a Clinical Setting
NAD+ therapy is usually delivered through IV drips, injections, or topical serums depending on the type of procedure you’ve had. IV treatments are the most common for post-procedure recovery. A standard infusion session lasts about 60 to 90 minutes and should be administered by trained staff in a medical setting.
Most recovery programs include two to four NAD+ sessions spread out over a week or two. The number depends on the procedure type and individual health factors.
In some practices, NAD+ is paired with other treatments such as red light therapy or oxygen therapy to further enhance healing.
Why Experts Are Recommending It More Often
Medical professionals are always looking to improve patient outcomes. New research supports the idea that NAD+ levels are closely linked to the body’s natural healing response. Studies have shown that boosting NAD+ can reverse certain aging signs at the cellular level.
For example, according to a recent study in Nature Communications, restoring NAD+ levels helped improve wound healing in older adults by mimicking youthful cell responses. This type of breakthrough suggests NAD+ isn’t just helpful—it might soon become essential.
Because of findings like these, many elite dermatology and plastic surgery centers have added NAD+ therapy as a signature component in their aftercare protocols.
NAD+ for Different Types of Procedures
Let’s break down how NAD+ helps during recovery from popular cosmetic treatments:
Laser Resurfacing
NAD+ helps calm the redness and supports new skin growth, leading to faster turnover and fewer risks of post-treatment pigmentation.
Injectables (Botox, Fillers)
While less intense than surgery, these treatments can still cause minor bruising or swelling. NAD+ assists in reducing these side effects quickly.
Surgical Procedures
For invasive procedures like rhinoplasty or facelifts, NAD+ can support deeper tissue regeneration and help prevent infection.
Microneedling or RF Treatments
Since these therapies create small injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen, NAD+ provides the energy cells need to rebuild and recover.
Is NAD+ Therapy Safe?
Yes. NAD+ therapy is safe for most people when administered by trained professionals. Side effects are rare but may include mild flushing or a brief feeling of warmth during IV infusion.
However, it’s essential to discuss your health history with your clinic to ensure NAD+ is a good fit for you. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain metabolic issues, your provider might recommend other supportive treatments instead.
Who Should Consider NAD+?
If you’re planning a cosmetic or medical procedure, especially one with significant recovery time, NAD+ is worth considering—especially if you:
- Want to reduce downtime
- Are over age 35 and noticing slower healing
- Want to get enhanced results with fewer risks
- Are interested in long-term cellular health
Even younger patients who undergo regular skin treatments like chemical peels or dermaplaning may benefit from occasional NAD+ boosts to support youthful skin health.
The Future of Recovery Plans
Recovery care is evolving. NAD+ reflects a bigger shift in medicine: treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. Instead of just managing pain or hiding swelling, clinics now focus on supporting your body’s natural repair tools to work better, faster, and longer.
That’s why more wellness routines are starting to include things like NAD+ infusions and nutrient therapy. They support your skin and body's health at its core.
Book Your NAD+ Consultation Today
Ready to speed up your recovery and improve your treatment results? Add NAD+ to your post-procedure plan and experience the benefits for yourself. Book your personalized consultation today to find out if NAD+ therapy is right for you.