Should all filler be removed before facelift?

Question

I had filler removed in cheeks and as a result cheeks have sagged and have a dip in them, im not suitable for threadlift as have fatty tissue under chin. Going to get short scar lift as I can have this area treated with liposuction, I feel as though there is still some filler in my face as I have no nose to mouth lines... I also had some in chin, is it best to have it all removed before I have the facelift? Thanks.

Bao L. Phan, MD · Answer

Fillers and/ or fat transfers to the face alone to restore volume can really be effective in restoring youthfulness.  Using them in conjunction with a facelift can make the results not only more dramatic but more natural and longer lasting.  The only reason I can think of to try to remove the fillers prior to a facelift is if fat transfers were planned for the areas where you currently have fillers (so you know where and how much fat to graft) otherwise you will have no idea how much fat to graft in the areas currently occupied by the fillers (which will eventually go away after the facelift).  If this is the case, the other option would be to wait until the fillers are gone before you proceed with the facelift and fat transfers.  All this should be discussed with a board certified plastic surgeon during your consultation prior to proceeding.  Best wishes.

Scott K. Thompson, MD · Answer

No it is not necessary to have filler removed prior to facelift surgery.  However, if a volumizing procedure is planned such as fat grafting, it is best that all filler is dissolved and gone prior to surgery so that appropriate volumization is possible.  Good luck!

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

Your fillers do not need to be removed. Obtain a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to get their opinion about what needs to be done. Often this includes a face and neck lift with liposuction and fat injections to deficient areas.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Persistent fillers in the face are not a problem for a facelift.  You do not need to have them reversed or allowed to dissipate before proceeding.

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.It is usually not necessary to completely remove the Fillers before a Facelift. Please make sure that your Plastic Surgeon understands where and how much Filler you have in place. It is not uncommon to use Fillers (Autologous Fat or others) with a Facelift in certain areas. Your Plastic Surgeon can advise you the best course of action based on your particular needs and his practice. All The Best !

Todd C. Case, MD · Answer

Removing filler is really not possible.  Filler is usually injected in small amounts in different levels of the tissues with each pass of the needle to inject the filler.  Thus, as you can see it would be difficult to remove.  Also, almost all fillers are not permanent.  The material is broken down by the cells in the tissues and sometime replaced with native cells and material.  What product did you have injected?  Fillers or fat transfer are frequently used in conjunction with facelifts to help improve the result at by adding in more fullness to areas that need it.  You should consult with an American Board of Plastic Surgery certified plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns, goals and options.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It is not necessary to remove fillers prior to a face lift.  In our practice,the face/necklift addresses tightening the SMAS and  lifting the jowls, tightening loose facial and neck skin, tightening the neck muscles in 3 locations, and removing the fatty deposits in the neck above and below the platysma muscle including a platysma-plasty.  Fillers placed in the cheeks have no bearing on a face lift. For many examples, please see the video and the link the below

Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately this is impossible to answer without any photos. One thing to remember is: Volume is youthful, and fat people don't look old, because they have a full face. When you go to discuss your surgery listen carefully and discuss how tissue re-positioning can help give you volume.I hope this helps.Good LuckStephen M. Davis, MD, FACSGreen Hills Plastic Surgery

Dominic Castellano, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

The simple answer is no.  Filler should not have to be removed before surgery - in actuality, most patients elect to have some type of filler injected while undergoing surgery (eg folds).  Please make sure to have a consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon before undergoing any type of procedure.  Good luck!

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

There is no need to remove fillers before a facelift.  The fillers should be an adjunct for facial beauty with the facelift.

Should all filler be removed before facelift?

Answers (12)