Facelift and stroke - can I have a facelift using sedation and not general anesthesia?

Question

3.5 yrs ago had stroke resulting in limited mobility. Walk unaided at home, aide accompanies me going anywhere to prevent falls. Recently my eyelid on affected side spasms and will not fully open. I also have RA, under tx. I am considering Botox, for eyelid (medical) & cosmetic reasons. I really prefer facelift. Can I do this using sedation, not general, for safety reasons?

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

I see no contraindication to a facelift in your case if your heat and lungs are normal and your physician gives you medical clearance. Many surgeons including myself always use local anesthesia with sedation ( sedation administered by an anesthesiologist in your case) . I prefer sedation because it is a gentler form of ancestor the patient and there is some data suggesting less bruising g and bleeding.

Zeshaan Maan, MD · Answer

You could certainly have a facelift under sedation, even just oral sedation is possible. The best way to determine if you are a candidate is to have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon so that they can examine and fully evaluate you.

Thomas Spalla, MD · Answer

It sounds like there may be a couple issues present.
The spasms around your eye, blepharospasm, would not be affected by a facelift. Neurotoxin treatment, such as Botox/Daxxify/etc, would be first-line treatment. If it persists and lifelong neurotoxin treatment isn't desired, then selective neurolysis can be done.

A facelift can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation, but there are still inherent risks to any degree of sedation. Discuss these with your provider(s). Seek guidance from your primary care physician and neurologist as well.

If you are higher risk, the risks may not outweigh the benefits.

Make sure your procedure is done at an accredited facility equipped to handle medical emergencies should they arise.

Facelift and stroke - can I have a facelift using sedation and not general anesthesia?

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Facelift and stroke - can I have a facelift using sedation and not general anesthesia?

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Everything you need to know about Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.