Do I need to dissolve the fillers in my jaw line before a facelift?

I frequently use fillers or fat transfer as part of the treatment plan to address the volume loss that can occur in some patients during the aging process. I have not found there to be any issues performing facelifts on patients who have had prior fillers. Combining procedures helps to rejuvenate the face by addressing the three components of the aging process - loss of skin elasticity/collagen, loss of volume, and muscle laxity.  

Thank you for your question.  In most cases, the amount of filler present in the jawline is minimal and as such it will not generally impact a facelift procedure.  I would recommend discussing this further with your chosen operating board certified plastic surgeon.

The amount of filler in a jawline or chin is negligible when it comes to lifting.  It will not tether or hold back the soft tissue that is being lifted in a face or neck lift. Rest assured,there is not need to remove it prior to lifting. 

There's no reason to have fillers enzymatically eliminated prior to facelift. The plastic surgeon may indeed encounter the filler but it really doesn't influence the operation.

It is difficult to say whether you should or should not have the filler removed.  If there is a large amount of filler or you look dramatically different without the filler, then, yes, I would prefer to see your face in its most natural state.  However, you don't "need" to have it dissolved because the facelift can be performed so that your skin is redraped based on your skeletal features and natural bone.  The filler is just a supplemental treatment but does not substitute true soft tissue resuspension which will make you look substantially smoother and younger than any filler could.

Filler along the jawline typically is a very small amount, maybe only 1 cc.  Unless the amount of filler is drastic to the point of the surgeon being concerned that the elevation of the tissues will cause a distortion, in general I think dissolving would be overkill.Best of luck!
Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Every plastic surgeon is different in what they recommend and why.  Perhaps he wants a "clean slate" for lack of a better term to do your facelift.  I would simply ask him/her why they want them dissolved.  If you are having any doubts, be sure to consult with another board-certified plastic surgeon.  Best of luck!

Thanks for the question, most commonly, there is no need to dissolve temporary fillers unless there is a large amount. In most situations, this doesn't cause any trouble.However, there are many ways to perform a facelift and I'd suggest you discuss with your surgeon prior to any decisions. 

Thank your for your question.  I understand your concern of not wanting your previous fillers to interfere with your facelift.  It is certainly reasonable to dissolve a hyaluronic acid based filler with an agent such as hyaluronidase beforehand.  However, I would discuss with your surgeon, as he/she has a surgical plan in place.  In addition, fillers in the jawline shouldn't interfere with you lift and/or final result.Be sure to consult with a board certified facial plastic or plastic surgeon who specializes in facelift surgery.  I hope that this helps!-David Gilpin

While it is not necessary to dissolve fillers before a facelift, I would personally recommend doing it. Any filler that has a suspension effect on your facial tissues should be removed before. If not, the effect of your facelift may be lost over time with the filler. It can always be refilled later on, but isn't the point of the facelift to maybe need less fillers?