Transparent Dressing for Rhytidectomy

Several dressings have been proposed for rhytidectomy. At present, the type most frequently used consists of flat cotton strips soaked in mineral oil placed on the incisions and along the mandibular line. Gauze sponges are then placed on the cheeks and an elastic net is wrapped around the head and left open anteriorly to expose the face and eyes. Despite its widespread use, this technique presents problems. It is uncomfortable for the patient, it is tight and confining, it obstructs hearing, complicates hygiene, attracts unnecessary attention, and, most importantly, does not permit visualization of the surgical site or of the complications that might arise, such as hematomas. Thus, we propose a more efficient dressing made of sterilized, transparent PVC film of the type used to protect food in the refrigerator (Saran Wrap?-like). This dressing has proved to be more comfortable for the patient, is not tight or confining, does not cause changes in hearing, facilitates local hygiene, does not attract unnecessary attention on the part of the patient himself or of third parties and, most importantly, it is transparent and adheres to all points of the skin flap, permitting early visualization of complications, such as hematomas.