I had 4 infusions of rituxin, can Facelift be done a week after last treatment?

Rituxin is a potent medication with significant side effects and other drug interactions. A facelift probably could be done safely week after the last infusion depending on a number of variables. I would prefer that you wait at least 2 to 3 weeks before proceeding with an elective facelift but this is a very subjective opinion.

 The medicine that you're currently taking us to help ramp down your immune system.   I don't know what type of blood borne disease (ie Lymphoma) that you may have but it's obvious that this medication is helping control that.  Overall it does not sound like you're a good candidate for elective surgery. Proceeding with surgery in your particular circumstance may lead to severe complications including severe infection. 

Facelift surgery is a major elective cosmetic surgery that has some inherent risks and complication such as flap necrosis and pour healing.  Undergoing chemotherapy compromises the immune system and therefore increases the risks of sever complications. You need to discuss this matter with your oncologist and your primary care physician. A board certified surgeon would not risk his patient's healing process. You may need to get a second cosultation as when would be an appropriate time to get a facelift after your chemotherapy.

Fillers before or after a facelift can be okay, just make sure you notify your plastic surgeon of this before the surgery.

Thank you for the question and sharing your photo and concerns. I would discuss elective surgery with the physician prescribing the Rituxin, as to when it would be safest for you.   I would consider evaluation by a facial plastic surgeon or other cosmetic surgery specialist to discuss your options."This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Thank you for the question. Facelift is a major surgery and I would not recommend comproming your results. I would wait till your body completely recovers as you want the best results and healing. It is best to have a medical clearance prior to your procedure and inform your board certified plastic surgeon of this. Good luck.

Thank you for your question.A facelift should not be performed one week after Rituxin therapy. If done, you are at high risk of wound healing problems. The half-life of Rituxin is ~22 days (half of the drug is removed from the body), so waiting 4-6 weeks, or longer, is preferred.Regards,Manish Champaneria, MD

Hello Barbara21,Rituxan is a very effective immunomodulator.  It can be used for several diseases including lymphoma and rheumatoid.  Whether you could undergo surgery would depend on several factors including why you are receiving treatment.  It will affect your ability to heal after surgery so if you could defer the surgery for a few more weeks you would likely have an easier healing process.  The final answer on whether you can undergo surgery one week later would depend on your surgeon's willingness and the physical who is treating you with Rituxan to clear you for surgery.  It is not an absolute contraindication to surgery but you would have the weigh the risks and benefits.  I hope this helps and good luck.  

Hi Barbara, Rituxan can inhibit wound healing. It is better that you give your body time to recover from the Rituxin treatments before considering a facelift. I would wait at least 6-8 weeks before surgery. Make sure to let your surgeon know what your status is with your chemotherapy treatment.

First of all, it's important to get medical clearance from your physician who has placed you on Rituxin. It is best to wait 2 months after the  infusion so that should have optimal healing