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?
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January 22, 2019
Answer: Scleroderma, autoimmune disease, and facelift
Hi there and thanks for your question. The biggest worry with any injury after a facelift is a hematoma, which is a collection of blood under the skin. In this case, the blood may need to be drained from the face. However, after 11 days everything should be healing nicely. If you see or fee...
One possibility is that during your facelift some blood drips into your ear and formed a clot, which can impair hearing. This often resolves spontaneously within a few months, but can persist. The other possibility is that you had a buildup of wax in your ear and the surgeon inserted a cotton...
Thank you for your question. It is not uncommon to have firm, often rubbery lumps after facelift surgery. Sometimes in the area you mention, it can be the suture that holds the SMAS up. If it is a long term absorbable suture, it will eventually dissolve. If it is a permanent suture, it will...