Input please, regarding IPL treatment a week before face and neck lift.

Question

I have a face and neck lift scheduled in two weeks and an IPL scheduled for next week. I’ve had IPLs before with great results and minimal irritation after procedure. My surgeon is on vacation till next week, so I can’t get his opinion immediately- but the aesthetician says there is no problem with doing IPL ten days prior to surgery. Your general opinions are appreciated... and I’ll ask my surgeon too as soon as he returns- a couple of days before scheduled IPL. Thank you.

Boris M. Ackerman, MD · Answer

All of your concerns regarding preoperative preparation should have been addressed by your surgeon well before your surgery.  Short answer - no, you should not undergo IPL. I'm sure your surgeon's office can reach your surgeon for a more specific recommendation.  In my facelift practice, we schedule a pre-operatie visit with our patients approximately 3 weeks before surgery. At that time thorough instructions are given to the patients regarding various issues, as we have a specific protocol that patients follow to optimize their result.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Definitely do not get the IPL without your surgeon’s approval.  Who knows if it matters but why take the chance?

Jennifer Greer, MD · Answer

I would not recommend getting an IPL laser treatment just before a facelift. Although IPL is non invasive, it can cause some inflammation which might affect your surgery results.

Jeffrey Joseph, MD, FACS · Answer

Although you would probably be fine, I have had an instance where a facelift had to be postponed following IPL.  I would call your surgeons office to check with them.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

There would be no problem doing an IPL a week before.  We often do it at the same time as the facelift.  IPL is a very superficial treatment and will not affect healing.

Milind K. Ambe, MD · Answer

Personally I think a week to ten days before a facelift is too soon.  I would wait a good three to four weeks before just to be safe.  The last thing you want to do is compromise your result or have to postpone your surgery.

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

I would suggest not doing the IPL soon before a facelift.I would also suggest that your plastic surgeon be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and one who is ideally a member of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person. 
 Robert Singer, M.D., FACS
 
 La Jolla, California

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello Lainey B,I would avoid IPL the week before surgery.  IPL can be a great option for skin improvement, but it can affect the microvasculature in the area (the small blood vessels).  As a result you would be at a higher risk for skin loss from the facelift.  Confirm this with your doctor, but I would advise my own patient to hold off before surgery.  I hope this helps and good luck.

Diana L. Elias, MD (retired) · Answer

Facelift surgery is quite complex and invasive. The overlying skin must not undergo any excessive trauma (IPL) ahead of time. My strong advice is to postpone your IPL until you are fully healed and your surgeon gives you medical clearance. It is also good to avoid excessive sun exposure pre-operatively for the same reasons.

Michael J. Rodriguez, MD, FAACS -Account Suspended · Answer

I recommend cancelling the IPL treatment prior to your surgery. You can reschedule for sometime 6 to 8 weeks after your facelift. Although an IPL is noninvasive and superficial, it may cause swelling which could interfere with your surgical results. Best of luck!

Input please, regarding IPL treatment a week before face and neck lift.

Answers (11)

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