I think I have a mild case of Raynaud syndrome, can I still have a facelift?

Question

I have RA and really want a facelift but I think I have Raynaud syndrome but never diagnosed can I still have a facelift?

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

Depending on the severity of the condition, a facial rejuvenation procedure might still be possible. I agree that a formal workup and evaluation by your primary care doctor and/or rheumatologist would be indicated prior to proceeding with surgery, and that the surgical techniques might be modified in order to minimize the risks of complications such as skin loss. 
A formal in-person evaluation would also be helpful in order to determine what procedures might be the most beneficial and to obtain a customized treatment plan.
Be sure to see an expert surgeon who specializes in facial aesthetic procedures.
All the best,

Kevin Sadati, DO · Answer

If you have a mild RA, facelift is a good option.  I have performed facelift for 9 patients with mild Raynaud Syndrome.  It requires experience and different facelift methodology to have a good results.
You need to find a surgeon in your area who is familiar with your condition and has done many cases like yours.
Good luck. Dr. Kevin Sadati

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

I would suggest seeing a Rheumatologist to work up your symptoms.  If you do have Raynaud's syndrome this can be managed with medication prior to considering an elective cosmetic procedure such as a facelift.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

The best 1st step would be to have your primary care doctor test you for Raynauds so you know exactly where you stand.  There are several unknowns here.  1) do you have Raynauds, 2) what are you trying to correct and 3) what is your specific anatomy.  Raynauds affects small blood vessels mostly in the extremities, nose and ears.  Even with this reduction in blood flow, an improvement likely can be obtained by modifying the extent of the procedure, so your SMAS can still be elevated and your skin smoothed.  The exact extent of this would need to be determined by your plastic surgeon.  Although most surgeons try to avoid performing facelifts on smokers, due to the decreased blood flow in the skin, a limited incision/dissection facelift can still gain some improvement.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It is best to get clearance from your rheumatologist, once  you have been diagnosed with the syndrome.  Skin flap necrosis would be a potential concern due to restricted blood flow when performing a facelift procedure

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

Hi, I have performed many SMAS facelifts for over 30 years and have performed many minimally, invasive SMAS facelifts.  If you do have Raynaud's disease, this causes a lack of blood flow (arteriole blockage) in the hands, feet, nose and ears.  There are reported cases, in the scientific literature, of skin flap necrosis following facelifts in patients with this disease.  Since your safety is the number one priority, you should have the diagnosis confirmed (or ruled out) and if you have a mild case obtain medical clearance from your internist after which a very limited dissection type face lift "might" and I stress "might" be considered.
 If you have "jowls” these are sagging facial tissues and the main indication for some form of a SMAS facelift.  The underlying SMAS layer, of the face, must be dissected, lifted, trimmed and re-sutured (not merely folded or suspended with threads or sutures that will not last).  The excess skin is then removed and the facelift incisions closed.
 My most popular SMAS facelift is the minimally invasive, short incision SMAS facelift that has all the benefits of more invasive facelifts (traditional, mid-face, deep plane, cheek lift and subperiosteal facelifts) but with these added benefits:
very small incisions and no incisions extend or are placed within the hair.
minimal tissue dissection = less bruising and swelling = rapid recovery ( several days instead of weeks or months with the more invasive type facelifts mentioned)
can be performed in 90 minutes or less, with or without general anesthesia
no incisions within the hair = no hair loss
excess fat can be removed from the face and neck
excess skin removed from the face and neck
cheeks, chin and jaw line can be augmented with dermal fillers (I prefer Restylane Lyft) or facial implants
most patients fly back home to parts all over the world in as little as 3 days post-op
I combine facial shaping with every facelift procedure.  When jowls are present, these should be done in concert and not alone or separately in order to create a naturally, more attractive face.
Hope this helps.

I think I have a mild case of Raynaud syndrome, can I still have a facelift?

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