Technically, it is OK to have Juvederm or Restylane (or...

Jonathan Hoenig, M.D. answers: Can I get Juvederm or Restylane while I'm "under the knife"?

I am having breast reduction surgery and while I am under anesthetic I thought I would have either restylane or juvederm injected in the "parenthesis" near my nose/mouth.  Is that a wise decision?  It it wiser to be awake when you have this done?  I am 47 years old and in good health.  


Jonathan Hoenig, MD
22 months ago

Technically, it is OK to have Juvederm or Restylane (or other filler) injections while "under the knife", assuming that you have discussed the risks, benefits, and alternatives with your doctor ahead of time and have signed a written consent.

Since you are already undergoing anesthesia and will have stopped blood thinners like aspirin and Advil, having the treatment at that time will allow you to avoid the discomfort of the injections and minimize bleeding (although injections into those "parentheses" or nasolabial folds are not too uncomfortable, especially when a topical anesthetic is applied to your skin prior to treatment).

Having said that, you may wish to ask your doctor to perform the treatment while you are mildly sedated, such as in the pre-op period (before surgery), rather than when you are totally asleep so that you can sit up, smile, frown, and make other facial expressions during the course of the treatment. This may allow your injector to obtain the best possible result.

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A: Fillers during surgery

Brent Moelleken, MD
8 months ago

It has become more the rule than the exception that patients get their Botox or injectables while they are asleep.  Patients experience no pain, and awake with the fillers in place.

Communication and informed consent is very important with your surgeon since you won't be able to communicate while asleep.

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