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

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

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Answer: RA and Raynauds affecting facelift.

Answer: I think I have Raynaud syndrome, can still have a facelift?

Answer: I think I have Raynaud syndrome, can still have a facelift?

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

Answers (6)

Answer: RA and Raynauds affecting facelift.

Answer: RA and Raynauds affecting facelift.

Answer: I think I have Raynaud syndrome, can still have a facelift?

Answer: I think I have Raynaud syndrome, can still have a facelift?

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Everything you need to know about Facelift

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