Considering a facelift, but I have Vitiligo.

Having performed facelifts on patients with vitiligo, I have not seen any exacerbations of the condition.  However, there is always a small risk that this could be the case.  This is a situation where Patient and Surgeon need to weigh out the risks and benefits of a procedure.  Ultimately, it is up to the patient to make a decision about how whether the psychological impact of aging changes are worth taking a risk.  Some patients will proceed and others will not. 

Greetings
Although vitiligo can be somewhat unpredictable, I would not expect it to worsen with a facelift.  Good luck.

Hello,You have two concerns - your skin laxity and if there would  be any change in your skin pigment "if" you corrected your skin laxity. Vitiligo can happen for many reasons. I have operated on patients with vitiligo without any negative consequences. I do not know of any medical studies that have researched your two questions. Hope this helps.Dr K

I have successfully treated patients with vitiligo without negative impact on this autoimmune disease. Although there will never be 100% certainly, it is very reasonable to plan your facelift procedure. I would make sure though that the disease is not progressing at the time of your surgery. 

Vitiligo is a condition where melanin cells are destroyed.
The cause is unknown so a decision such as cosmetic
surgery may be difficult. I am not aware of cases where
a facelift operation may have cause worsening of the
condition. You may want to consider time to document
that the Vitiligo is stable prior surgery. Usually about 3 years. 
A team  approach between your dermatologist and a board 
certified plastic surgeon may be beneficial. Best wishes.

Go ahead and schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss a facelift. Although vitaglio can be a bit unpredictable, it should not be affect by or affect your facelift. Best of luck.

procedures should not aggravate your condition but your condition is also unpredictable.  Bottom line, if your vitiligo is such that you will have to use makeup to help blend you skin, the facelift will not make it any worse that what you already have to do.

It is acceptable to undergo a facelift with vitiligo, and the vitiligo should not get worse with a facelift procedure. It's always best check in with your dermatologist or autoimmune specialist prior to the surgery.

 I have performed many facelifts, including minimally invasive variants over the past 30 years.  Having a SMAS facelift with facial shaping to rejuvenate your face shouldn't have any impact nor be impacted by your vitiligo.  Non smiling photos of your face from the front and side would help in the evaluation.
Hope this helps.

The risks of your vitiligo worsening are probably small however you should discuss those risks with your dermatologist.  I've operated on a patient with vitiligo of the trunk who did well after surgery but there are no guarantees.  Enjoy the video above about face lift procedures.  Good luck and best wishes,
Jon A Perlman MD FACS 

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 

Extreme Makeover Surgeon ABC TV

Best of Los Angeles Award 2015, 2016 

Beverly Hills, Ca