Can Sculptra and Radiesse cause scarring in the face that may result in necrosis during the healing of a facelift flap?

Question

After necklift/lower facelift consults, a doctor asked about fillers/location. I've had 6 syringes Sculptra over 2 years-in temples/ upper cheeks; 2 syringes Radiesse: cheeks, nasal folds, marionette. Surgeon is concerned fillers caused scarring while building collagen and compromise flap healing, resulting in necrosis-but would not be able to tell until performing the surgery. How likely is this to happen? I do not have excessive skin in the neck or cheeks--just tightening jawline and neck.

Thomas P. Sterry, MD · Answer

For the average person I think Sculptra and Radiesse are exceedingly unlikely to cause problems for your facelift.  That said, I will say that I've seen a few patients who had years of regular Sculptra injections for liposdystrophy and their tissues were hard and "crispy" to the touch.  I certainly would not perform a facelift on someone who was in that situation because the blood supply would clearly be unreliable.After a measly 6 injections you are probably just fine.Good Luck!

Marwan R. Khalifeh, MD · Answer

Certainly your prior injection history is a factor to take into consideration.It would not be the major factor in determining your healing.  More important would be your medical health status (especially diabetes), your history of smoking, etc etcprior injections can cause scarring and complicate surgery, however that risk is quite low.good luck.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Radiesse and Sculptra are usually placed in a deeper plane than where facelift dissection is performed.  For this reason they should not adversely affect it.  Liposuction can result in more scarring that may be harder to dissect through but should not cause skin necrosis.

Joel Aronowitz, MD · Answer

The prior treatments  you described can certainly cause subcutaneous fibrosis or scar tissue. Usually this is not a major factor during a face or neck lift procedure however. An experienced surgeon should be comfortable dealing with any additional scar tissue or fibrosis encountered and give you a good result.

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

In most cases Sculptra and Radiesse are injected just over the bone and any scarring from these injections should be deep to the face lift flap.  Although, it is possible that the injections could cause difficulties with the surgery, the risk should be quite low.  I don't think the injections will significantly increase the risk of flap necrosis.  However, your surgeon has the advantage of having examined you.  I would defer to their judgement. Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.

Can Sculptra and Radiesse cause scarring in the face that may result in necrosis during the healing of a facelift flap?

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Answer: Facelift after fillers

Answer: Can Sculptra and Radiesse cause scarring in the face that may result in necrosis during the healing of a facelift flap?

Answer: Can Sculptra and Radiesse cause scarring in the face that may result in necrosis during the healing of a facelift flap?

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Can Sculptra and Radiesse cause scarring in the face that may result in necrosis during the healing of a facelift flap?

Answers (7)

Answer: Facelift after fillers

Answer: Facelift after fillers

Answer: Can Sculptra and Radiesse cause scarring in the face that may result in necrosis during the healing of a facelift flap?

Answer: Can Sculptra and Radiesse cause scarring in the face that may result in necrosis during the healing of a facelift flap?

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Everything you need to know about Lower Facelift

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