Six Evidence-based Recommendations for Perioperative Incisional Care in Plastic Surgery: A Narrative Review.

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Wound Care
• Infection Prevention

Background:

• Clinical practice for perioperative incisional care in plastic surgery is highly variable.
• Lack of specialty-specific guidelines contributes to inconsistent patient management.
• Existing recommendations from major health organizations are often conflicting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current evidence-based practices for perioperative incisional care in class 1 clean wounds.
• To address the variability in clinical practice by synthesizing data from multiple sources.
• To provide recommendations for improving clinical and aesthetic outcomes in plastic surgery.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of evidence.
• Synthesis of findings from randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and institutional guidelines.
• Discussion organized around antiseptic solutions, wound irrigation, suture materials, closure strips/adhesives, dressings/negative pressure wound therapy, and topical agents.

Main Results:

• Evidence-based practices for perioperative incisional care were synthesized across six key areas.
• Key recommendations were formulated to guide clinical decision-making.
• The review identified areas for improvement in preventing surgical site infections and optimizing aesthetic outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Evidence-based recommendations can reduce complications and improve outcomes in plastic surgery incisional care.
• Standardized practices are needed to optimize both functional and aesthetic results.
• Further research may be warranted to address specific evidence gaps.