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Is Deep Plane Facelift Safe for a 72 Year Old?

I am 72 and considering a Deep Plane Facelift. I am not overweight, work out every day, but I have what is called unspecified Neutropenia with no change in test results WBC 3.4. I also have a lower than normal platelet count of 137. Is it safe for me to have the facelift?

Asked 27 months ago by Kynn in WA

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Deep plane facelift for patients with thrombocytopenia

The deep plane facelift has been replaced in many practices (including ours) by techniques that address volume much more, and rely less on pulling of facial tissues. The pulling is actually just one of many things that can now be done to harmoniously rejuvenate the face. We have found that this yields a much more natural result, and uses all the deep volume to maximal benefit, rather than by reducing it or by creating a high lateral vector that looks unnatural. Regarding your medical... more

Doctor's Website

Brent Moelleken, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Facelifts for a 72 year old

Dear Kynn, It sounds as though you might have some stable medical conditions and these probably don't mean you can't have a safe facelift. The deep plane technique was popular several years ago but has largely been replaced by other techniques that create a great, natural result with a quicker recovery. Don't do your research based on the "name" of the procedure but on whose results look the best to you. Check my web site and RealSelf photos for examples.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Deep plane lift safe for older patients

Deep plane lift, Smas lift, skin face lift are ok for any patients as long as the patient is cleared for surgery. The technique is not the important thing, it's the patients health that is important. Low platelet counts should be evaluated by a hematologist to determine if the patient can undergo surgery safely. Good luck.

Carlos Wolf, MD

Miami Facial Plastic Surgeon

It seems you're healthy for Deep Plane Facelift

Hi Kynn, It appears that you are you are healthy aside from the unspecified nuetropenia. As long as you medical doctor has cleared you for surgery, you can absolutely have the procedure. I would recommend doing it under local with mild sedation. In my experience there is always less bleeding with mild sedation vs. general anesthesia.

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Oleh Slupchynskyj, MD

New York Facial Plastic Surgeon

Safety of Deep Plane Facelift VS other Facelift Methods with low white cell and platelet counts

A consultation with a Hematologist is in order. A low white count may be associated with a higher risk of infections while a lower platelet count may be associated with a high risk of bleeding and hematoma. That being said - Which Facelift should you have should NOT be a contest between titles and catchy monikers - it should be the result of what features you which corrected and based on that - pick the least involved Facelift method that would deliver it. I share the opinions voiced below.... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Deep plane facelift is a safe procedure for a 72 year old

Regarding your specific condition of having a low platelet count. I would suggest, as I hope your surgeon would, getting a hematology consult before having surgery. A qualified hematologist can work with your surgeon and discuss the risks as well as potential downside of surgery with a low platelet count. A deep plane Facelift may actually be a plus for you. Published reports discuss that the rate of hematoma (blood collecting under the skin) is lower in a deep plane than in a traditional... more

Steven J. Pearlman, MD

New York Facial Plastic Surgeon

Deep Plane Facelift

There are several preoperative concerns I would like to address, the first of which is age. 1) Age has a chronological and physiological component. In other words, many patients are physiologically healthier at 72 than many others at age 52. Given that you work out every day and are not overweight, chances are you could be a suitable candidate. 2) Neutropenia and Platelet levels: Your platelet level is numerically acceptable. The question I would have for you is, "how functional are... more

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Stephen Prendiville, MD

Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon

Age is not an obstacle to deep plane facelifting

Your age alone has not bearing on the safety of a deep plane facelift. You somewhat abnormal lab values, by themselves, also do not particularly concern me, so long as your clotting and infection fighting abilities have been clinically normal. I think your chances of a safe result are good with an experienced facial plastic surgeon. Best, Mike Nayak

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Laxmeesh Mike Nayak, MD

Saint Louis Facial Plastic Surgeon

Deep Plane Facelift, from San Diego, CA

Your plastic surgeon should address this question with your hematologist. Any special pre-surgical preparation should be arranged in advance, and contigency plans developed should intra or post surgical bleeding occur. Extra care during the procedure to achieve absolute hemostasis is important. If anything, deep plane is less vascular, so you should be safe.

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Steve Laverson, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Facelift should only be performed after clearance by your primary doctor

Hi Kynn, You should only consider having any cosmetic procedure once you have been cleared by your primary care physician. Your surgeon can give you the details of the procedure, including the risks and benefits of the procedure; however, your primary care doctor should be involved to make sure that there aren't any other issues that may make surgery unsafe for you. Good luck!

P. Daniel Ward, MD

Salt Lake City Facial Plastic Surgeon

Most likely you are safe for the facelift

All of my deep plane facelift patients get cleared for surgery by their primay physician. Your lab values seem fine for a deep plane facelift, and if you are otherwise healthy, I think you are a good candidate for this very sophisticated and very rejuvenating technique of facelifting. Andrew C. Campbell, M.D. Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

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Andrew Campbell, MD

Milwaukee Facial Plastic Surgeon

Facelift at 72

Whatever facelift tehnique is chosen to give you the best result, is fine but you have to be healthy and obtain medical clearance.

Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Face lift and anesthesia

Only your board - certified plastic surgeon and your primary physician can answer this question. The question is one of whether you are able to tolerate a 4 - 6 hour operation.

Samer W. Cabbabe, MD

Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon

Type of facelift used is not primarily affected by age

The type of facelift that many plastic surgeons use is influenced by numerous factors including their personal beliefs about the long-term results of the surgery. Age is not a primary reason to not have a deep plane facelift. The only reason one may not consider a deep plane facelift at your age is the length of time that the plastic surgeon may need to do the procedure. With longer surgery times does come some increased risk. Deep plane facelifts do usually take longer than other types... more

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD

Indianapolis Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Deep plane facelifts are safe in healthy 72 year olds.

The choice of which type of Facelift should depend more on your goals and tissues. Your plastic surgeon will help you with that. As to your specific blood issues. You should see a specialist, (hematologist), in that area. You have a low WBC count which in some cases may decrease healing, and a low platelet count, which in some cases can lead to increased bleeding. Hopefully these issues can be addressed to make sure you are safe for the O.R. more

Jeffrey Roth, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Deep plane facelift is safe for a 72 year old in most cases

The deep plane or composite facelift is a safe procedure for a patient of any age. You should proceed with surgery, however, with the advice and consent of your hematologist or internist.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Deep Plane Facelift Information

As is true with most cosmetic surgery, the deep plane facelift is safe for anyone who is in good enough health to undergo face lift surgery. From the standpoint of the procedure, most people are excellent facelift candidates, depending on their anatomy. You must discuss with your primary care physician if undergoing a 3-5 hour procedure is safe considering your health profile and co-morbidities. Remeber that safety must be the number one concern when choosing to have any type of elective... more

Jacob D. Steiger, MD

Boca Raton Facial Plastic Surgeon

Deep plane facelift is a safe technique regardless of age

The most important question to answer is, are you a good surgical candidate form a health standpoint? After that question is answered then you can consider undergoing a surgical procedure. As far as the deep plane facelift vs the vertical facelift vs a modified or hybrid deep plane/smas lift, the appropriate technique completely and solely depends on your anatomy and the problems that bother you. The deep plane facelift is more appropriate for younger patients who need neck and jawline and... more

Jason B. Diamond, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Facelift in a 72 year old.

I would clearly consult with your hematologist regarding preparing for surgery but your conditions are not generally considered contraindications to surgery. As Dr. Rand mentioned, the deep plane facelift is not as popular a technique as it was several years ago. However, it does remain a option.