Is it okay to have filler done a year prior to a face and neck lift?

Question

I would like to have a lower face and neck lift in about a year. I plan to do consultations and then schedule it next summer when I have some down time. Is it ok to do Restylane Contour in my cheeks and possibly Juvederm under my eyes or should I hold off so I have no fillers for surgery?

Bianca Knoll, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is best to have no filler treatments prior to a facelift. Often filler material can be found during the procedure despite the claim of being dissolvable. Swelling, internal scaring, lymph passages can be altered and may impact the facelift procedure and its outcome. The location of the remaining filler that cannot be removed may change location when undergoing a facelift. Filler related changes may occur afterwards as well. The less treatments or surgeries you had before undergoing a face- and neck lift , the better are the preoperative conditions to obtain the best possible result by your  facelift surgeon.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

In this day and age, many patients have fillers and subsequently have facelifts, so your plan is fine with some caveats. I would not recommend Juvederm under the eyes because it is very hydrophilic and leads to a bluish discoloration.  In general, fillers in the tear trough region are fraught with problems.

Lucian Ion, FRCS · Answer

Thank you for your question.

There is no major conflict between having injectable filler and subsequent facial rejuvenation and neck contouring surgery. This being said, it is better to have a moderate amount of filler rather than a large amount if you are planning to have the surgery within this timeframe.

It would be wise to have good quality photographs (ideally professional photographer) from the front three-quarter views and profile as well as in neck flexion from profile before you have the injectable filler to provide your surgeon with a reference of your facial shape.

With the injectable filler also it is useful to have a good map of where it is injected and have a conversation with your provider about the option of dissolving the filler prior to the surgery which gives you the best starting point for your operation.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in-person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan.  It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Jacob Tower, MD · Answer

Hello, hope you are well. The short answer is 'yes', it is okay to have filler a year before surgery--most or all of any hyaluronic acid dermal filler will have dissipated by then. However, I would suggest that you hold off on doing so until you have had your surgical consultations and scheduled surgery. It will at least allow your surgeon to assess your face in its natural state for surgical planning and give them an opportunity to weigh in. 
Best,Dr. Tower

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is not likely that residual filler or scar around it, would significantly alter the course of your face lift surgery. It is always best to discuss this issue with your surgeon. Good luck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, fillers can be done now, especially in areas that are not involved with facelifts. Your filler will probably last one year and may be gone once you reach surgery.  Otherwise, the filler can be removed prior to surgery.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Yes, it is certainly acceptable to undergo filler placement prior to the facelift procedure. The area that you're thinking about having it injected is not in area of the surgical facelift anatomy

Is it okay to have filler done a year prior to a face and neck lift?

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