Facelift Safety Protocols and Surgical Standards 2026

Safe facelift surgery rests on three pillars: proper patient selection through pre-operative screening, accredited facilities with trained teams, and rigorous post-operative monitoring. Partner surgeons exceed international safety standards in every phase.

Medical History Review:

• Medications (anticoagulants, aspirin, supplements managed)

• Past surgical history (scar tissue complicates surgery)

• Current medical conditions (diabetes, hypertension, cardiac, lung issues)

• Allergy history (latex, medications, dyes)

• Family history (anesthesia complications, bleeding disorders)

Age and history dependent:

• Complete blood count (CBC)

• Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)

• Coagulation studies (PT/INR, PTT)

• Electrocardiogram (EKG) if age >50 or risk factors

• Chest X-ray if age >60 or respiratory risk

• Uncontrolled hypertension

• Cardiac arrhythmias or unstable angina

• Active respiratory infection

• Uncontrolled diabetes

• Recent anticoagulant use

• Blood clotting disorders

• Active smoking (wait 4 weeks)

JCI (Joint Commission International):

• Verifies facility standards for patient care and safety

• Requires regular inspections and quality audits

ISO 9001 Certification:

• Quality management system certification

• Ensures consistent, documented processes

RETHUS and REPS Registration:

• Colombian health authority licensing and oversight

• MD from accredited medical school

• Full plastic surgery residency (3–5 years post-MD)

• Board certification (SCCP or international)

• 10+ years practice, facial surgery focus

• 500+ facelift cases, 200+ deep plane

• Active RETHUS and REPS registration

• No disciplinary actions

Anesthesia Management:

• Board-certified anesthesiologist

• Continuous monitoring (ECG, SpO2, BP, ETCO2)

• Emergency equipment and medications available

Surgical Team Coordination:

• Pre-operative briefing (team huddle)

• Careful tissue handling

• Precise hemostasis (stopping bleeding)

• Identification and protection of facial nerves

• Surgical drains to prevent complications

• Meticulous closure in anatomic layers

Immediate Recovery (first 2 hours):

• Continuous vital sign monitoring

• Oxygen supplementation

• Pain control assessment

• Drain output monitoring

• Nausea/vomiting management

Inpatient Monitoring (Days 1–2):

• 24-hour nursing care

• Drain management and removal (usually day 2–3)

• Wound assessment

• Surgeon visits day 1 and day 2

Post-Op Visit Schedule:

• Visit 1 (Day 1): Immediate assessment

• Visit 2 (Day 3–4): Drain removal

• Visit 3 (Day 7): Suture removal

• Visit 4 (Day 10–14): Pre-travel clearance

• Virtual (Weeks 3, 6, 12): Remote monitoring

Potential emergencies during surgery:

• Cardiac event → Immediate medication, possible abort

• Anaphylaxis → Epinephrine injection, airway management

• Massive bleeding → Direct pressure, possible abort, hospital transfer

• Airway compromise → Advanced airway management