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

[BACKGROUND] 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.

[METHODS] 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.

[RESULTS] Studies supporting safe practice in cosmetic surgery and "clean" procedures are analyzed and discussed.

[CONCLUSION] 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.