Antibacterial hair and face wash before facelift?

Question

Should I use antibacterial face and hair wash before face lift. How many days before

George Bitar, MD · Answer

It is helpful to use an antibacterial wash before surgery. Chlorhexidine is the most frequently recommended product for the body.  It is toxic to the eyes so it would not be recommended for the face.  Dial soap or a similar product would be ok but not completely necessary.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

While you MAY shower and shampoo with an antibacterial soap and shampoo, it is not necessary.  I have my patients use Johnsons Baby shampoo which works fine.  The key is to clean both areas as close to surgery as possible.  Skin and hair preparation at the time of surgery is done with excellent antibacterial solutions.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Every surgeon has his or her protocols.  In my opinion, the use of antibacteria soap before surgery is fine.  I would ask you to lean on the advice of your surgeon as to what to use and when to use it after surgery.

Afshin Parhiscar, MD · Answer

Dear warmheart999In my experience, a thorough wash with warm soap and water the night before and the morning of surgery is all that is needed to minimize foreign body and bacterial count prior to safe surgery in facelift patients. That, combined with peri-operative antibiotics will minimize he risks of infection.

David Gilpin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I recommend that my facelift patients use an antibacterial wash (Dial) or Hibiclens the morning of their surgery.  This will not damage your skin and/or hair.  Be sure to ask your surgeon, though, before doing this!I hope this helps,-David Gilpin

Arthur Dean Jabs, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

I have all of my patients use an antibacterial cleanser the day before surgery. It is not absolutely necessary since the skin will be prepped prior to the surgery beginning, but it may help. If you do decide to use something be sure it is not too harsh and that you aren't allergic to any of the ingredients. Check with your surgeon.All the BestDr. JA. Dean Jabs M.D. Ph.D. FACSBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonBethesda MD/McLean VA

Elliot M. Heller, MD · Answer

This is something you may want to consult with your surgeon about. Some doctors want you to use it the day before but all doctors use this to sanitize the area before surgery. But ask your doctor

Elliott B. Lavey, MD · Answer

An antibacterial the morning before a facelift will not hurt, but is likely not necessary.  The reason being that your face will be thoroughly scrubbed with an antibacterial soap just before surgery.  This should eliminate any bacterial contaminants.  In addition to a sterile scrub, sterile technique and maintaining good blood supply (to transport the body's immune defenses) is necessary to avoid infections in facelifts.

Kristina Tansavatdi, MD · Answer

An antibacterial face wash before a face lift can reduce the occurrence of infections postoperatively. I usually recommend it be done the night before and the morning of the procedure but every surgeon has their own protocol. You can find Hibiclens (chloroprep) at your local drug store.

Henry Mentz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question. Every plastic surgeon has a different set of instructions, so please check with your surgeon.

Antibacterial hair and face wash before facelift?

Answers (18)

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