Is Botox before Facelift consultation and surgery okay?

Question

I receive about 80 units of Botox injections into my forehead and near my eyes from a neurologist every 3 months due to migraine headaches. I am planning on getting a forehead lift and face/neck lift. Is it important to have the Botox out of my system for the consults? What about the surgery? What do you tell your patients and why? I am worried that discontinuation of the Botox will make my headaches come back. Thank You!

Sergei Kalsow, MD · Answer

Hi, botox is okay before a facelift.  The facelift treats the mid/lower part of the face.  The botox the forehead.  Even if procedures on the forehead are performed after botox, they do not interfere with each other, since botox just shrinks the muscles a little, and everyone has different size muscles anyway.  It does not matter if the muscle is full size or half thickness for the surgery.

Cory Bovenzi, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question! I would recommend having botox out of your system for any consult or surgery for a forehead lift (browlift) or eyelid surgery since Botox can change the position of your brows and eyelids. In fact, if you have lower eyebrows that may be due to the botox to your forehead. For a lower facelift it does not matter if you have botox on board around your eyes or forehead.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I have no problem with patients getting Botox prior to a facelift. But plastic surgeons are particular so make sure you ask. Just because I say it's ok with my patients doesn't mean all plastic surgeons feel the same.

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

Having operated on numerous patients who get Botox, there is no reason to discontinue it before surgery.

Keep in mind, that following the exact advice from a surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you what to do without examining you, physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history, and discussing the pros and cons of the proposed operative procedure may not be in your best interest. I would suggest you find a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person.

Robert Singer, MD FACS

La Jolla, California

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

It is important that you are migraine free during the healing period of your facelift. Stopping Botox can lead to migraines, hence do not stop your Botox. Just make your surgeon aware so she/he can compensate for it in the surgical plan.
Regards
Dr. J

Is Botox before Facelift consultation and surgery okay?

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Answer: Is Botox before Facelift consultation and surgery okay?

Answer: Is Botox before Facelift consultation and surgery okay?

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Is Botox before Facelift consultation and surgery okay?

Answers (9)

Answer: Is Botox before Facelift consultation and surgery okay?

Answer: Is Botox before Facelift consultation and surgery okay?

Answer: Botox for migraine before facelift

Answer: Botox for migraine before facelift

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Everything you need to know about Facelift

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