Is Deep Plane Facelift Safe for a 72 Year Old?

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 conditions, the platelet count is adequate for stopping bleeding, but are there other bleeding issues? My colleagues are absolutely right that a workup with a hematologist is in order. They can tell you with pinpoint precision your risks. Platelets are just one small part of the puzzle.

If you're healthy physically and psychologically and have realistic expectations of the procedure, then 72 is not too old. However, you should discuss your platelet count with your surgeon before your procedure.

It sounds like your general health is good although you may gave mild neutropenia and thrombocytopenia.  Your surgeon will probably need to get medical clearance for you, but you probably will be able to proceed safely.

Dear, Kynn.Age is not a limiting factor in your ability to undergo
surgery. Most plastic surgeons
will evaluate the overall health of the patient to determine your ability to undergo surgery. Your plastic
surgeon can work closely with your internist and hematologist to thoroughly
evaluate your blood work and make sure you are not at increased risk of infection
or hematoma. I’ve found less
bruising and a more natural result with the deep plane facelift. Which type of procedure you undergo
will depend on your specific concerns and your surgeon’s experience with the
procedure.   

If your internist or hematologist feels it is safe for your surgery then yes a deep plane face lift if performed by a Plastic Surgeon experienced in the technique is safe. However, note that there is a good reason most facelift surgeons do not use the deep plane technique: long recovery, increased complication rate, and many other negative factors. It is however a great technique in the right hands but losing popularity because other facelift procedures also give great results with less risk and morbidity. Tingling and numbness can occur after many different types of face lifts, but prolonged swelling seems to be part of the recovery process in a deep plane technique that can last several weeks. The amount of potential complications differs with the Plastic Surgeon's experience so always pick the most qualified board certified Plastic or Facial Plastic Surgeon that specializes in face lift procedures.

No the deep plane facelift technique should not be banned as it is a good technique in the right hands.

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.

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!

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
 

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.

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.

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.