Infection in face-lift surgery: an evidence-based approach to infection prevention.

Abstract

Complications in face-lift surgery are rare but can present a difficult experience for the patient and surgeon. It is the objective of this review to evaluate the clinical efficacy of routine perioperative safety measures in preventing surgical-site infection in face-lift surgery. A review of the literature was performed to assess the correlation of preoperative decolonization, prophylactic antibiotic use, perioperative hypothermia, body mass index, and smoking status with the incidence of surgical-site infection in cosmetic surgery, especially pertaining to face-lift surgery. Studies supporting safe practice in cosmetic surgery and "clean" procedures are analyzed and discussed. This article provides the current evidence on perioperative safety measures and recommendations regarding the prevention of infection in cosmetic surgery, especially in face-lift surgery.