Scleroderma and Facelifts: what are the usual complications for those of us with autoimmune diseases? (Photos)

Question

I have systemic sine (no skin hardening) scleroderma and am currently somewhat stable and on no medications. I also have associated mild interstitial lung disease which is stable. I want a facelift and you will see why by my photos. I’m thin which may make matters worse. I know to consult with rheumatologist first. What are the usual complications for those of us with autoimmune diseases? I have Raynaud’s so how does that effect surgery?

Ben Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. While we would all like to have optimal conditions before surgery, they do not always exist. Sometimes the risk is not worth it, but not all patients with scleroderma are the same. It is best to consult a qualified plastic or facial plastic surgeon who does a lot of facelifts (not everyone does). Risks can be assessed by taking a thorough history, and if it is determined that the procedure can be carried out with a high likelihood of success, then you can consider for yourself whether you want to proceed. The main concern here is wound healing and blood supply. The technique can be tailored so that there is minimal tension on the wound, and the skin flap can be designed with the most blood supply. In my experience with scleroderma patients, they have all healed well with good results....again, this is due to individual patient selection.

Ryan Chastant, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Right out of the gate, I recommend that you schedule a consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon. They can examine your skin, review your medical history, and work with your rheumatologist to ensure that you are healthy enough to undergo a facelift. If not, there are a variety of nonsurgical procedures available that can offer you skin lifting and tightening benefits without the trauma of surgery. Good luck!

Louis W. Apostolakis, MD · Answer

Hello,I am glad to hear that you are in a remission of sorts from your autoimmune disease.  However, I would be hesitant to proceed with a facelift.  Scleroderma is a process in which skin elasticity is destroyed as normal skin structure is replaced by tight, non-elastic, fibrous tissue.  These changes do not lend themselves to a good result in a facelift.  You say you don't have skin hardening, so I'm not sure if the scleroderma diagnosis is from other tissues "hardening" or if it is based on immune markers.  Either way, I don't think you should tempt fate.Best Regards,Dr. A

Val Lambros, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

II've  done pts with scleroderma and they seem  to have behaved like everyone else, ie no problems referable to the scleroderma. I don't know if anyone has a real series or not.

Scleroderma and Facelifts: what are the usual complications for those of us with autoimmune diseases? (Photos)

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Answer: Scleroderma and Facelifts

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Scleroderma and Facelifts: what are the usual complications for those of us with autoimmune diseases? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Scleroderma and Facelifts

Answer: Scleroderma and Facelifts

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Everything you need to know about Facelift

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