Will plastic surgeons still perform a facelift and liposuction on a person who has had a thyroidectomy?

Every surgeon has their own preferences but I have no issue with performing facelifts in patients who have had thyroidectomies. I usually recommend a three to six month wait depending on the situation and a clearance by the endocrinologist and head and neck surgeon.

The previous thyroidectomy is not a contraindication to doing facelift. The scar might actually be improved by the operation.

Yes, plastic surgeons will perform a facelift, neck lift, or neck liposuction for patients who have had thyroid surgery. For safety, however, there should be sufficient recovery time between the operations. The reason for having the thyroid surgery is also important too. Your facelift surgeon will recommend to perform the thyroid surgery first, then after several months consider the cosmetic face and neck procedure. Only after a comprehensive evaluation can a plastic surgeon help determine appropriate options for you.Best,Dr. Chaboki

Your medical doctor may recommend that you have the thyroidectomy first and wait at least 6 months not only to assure you are well healed, but also to make sure that your thyroid hormone and calcium regulation are appropriate. Once you have medical release from your physician, there should be no contraindication to having cosmetic surgery.

Thank you for your question.  In short, yes, it is possible to have cosmetic surgery after a thyroidectomy.  It would be wise to have the thyroid surgery first and let your body heal sufficiently prior to facelift or liposuction procedures.  The thyroid surgery will not negatively impact subsequent results.  Best of luck.

Yes, it is possible to have a facelift and liposuction after having had a thyroidectomy.  I would recommend waiting for the thyroidectomy to heal first before proceeding with the cosmetic procedures though.

Your thyroid surgery should have no bearing on any plastic surgery that you have in the future.  Plastic surgeons will likely want to check your thyroid function which will reflect the control that you have on your health using the thyroid replacement drugs that you will be given.  As long as your health remains good, you should have no problem with future plastic surgery.

Linda,A thyroidectomy will certainly not stop you from having a facelift and liposuction in your future.  The scars from Thyroidectomy typically heal very well, and often undetectable, thanks to the creases in our skin.  You will of course need to let your body heal and insure your thyroid levels are well regulated prior to having a facelift.  Take care of yourself and your health, and be assured you can still have a facelift. 

The two most important considerations are that you have several months to heal after your thyroidectomy and that your thyroid hormone has been adequately replaced to a stable level after surgery. As long as those requirements are covered, you should be able to move forward with surgery. I hope this information is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

It is certainly acceptable to undergo facelift and liposuction after a thyroidectomy. It is probably a good idea to make sure  6 months of time between the 2 operations to enable full healing  before undergoing elective cosmetic surgery. We have performed many facelifts in patients who've had a thyroidectomy in the past.  It is important to make sure your thyroid levels are within the normal range after the surgery. For many examples, please see our facelift photo Gallery below