Is it safe to have a deep plane facelift with an Acoustic Neuroma?

Question

I am exploring having a Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift & Upper Blepharoplasty. I was recently diagnosed with a very small acoustic neuroma. Is it even something that needs to be brought up or discussed

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

A small acoustic neuroma will require ongoing observation to determine if surgery is ever required.  However, it should have no bearing on planning for a facelift.  It should be included as part of the discussion of your medical history, but will not change the approach to the procedure.

Brian M. Harmych, MD, FACS · Answer

This brings up a great point. You should always discuss your complete medical history with your surgeon - even if it may be seemingly unrelated to the deep plane facelift procedure. Many acoustic neuromas don't require operations but they can lead to imbalance issues that might effect your recovery from deep plane facelift. I highly recommend you bring this up with both your surgeon and your primary medical doctor during your preoperative risk stratification.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi S,
Yes, it is safe to have deep plane facelift, neck lift, and blepharoplasty in patients with a small acoustic neuroma.  You should include it in your medical history with your facial surgeon.  William C. Harris, MD (Encino, CA) is my recommedation as an expert deep plane facelift, necklift, and blepharoplasty surgeon.  As with any aesthetic procedure, make sure to choose your surgeon most carefully. Good luck and be well.
Michael Persky, MD

Cory Bovenzi, MD · Answer

Your surgeon should be aware of your full medical and surgical history before any treatment. That said, the existence of a small acoustic neuroma should not change the facelift surgery. The exception is that if you had surgery for the acoustic neuroma in the past, some surgeons will ask for the operative notes since the sites behind the ear between the two surgeries can overlap and it is good to know exactly what was done.

Marc Polacco, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. While the neuroma doesn't prohibit a facelift, it is imperative that you let your surgeon know. The reason is that during a facelift, especially deep plane, there is a risk of injury to the facial nerve, the nerve that allows us to move the muscles in our face. An acoustic neuroma, when large enough, may compress the facial nerve further "upstream", also resulting in facial weakness. Thus if facial weakness occurs, your doctor will need to factor in both potential causes. I hope this helps, and all the best to you. 
-Dr. P

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A small benign acoustic neuroma will have no bearing on performing a lower face and neck lift. In our practice, we perform a high SMAS lower face and neck lift which is much safer and the deep plane facelift. A deep plane facelift has a higher incidence of facial nerve paralysis. Acoustic neuroma is on the nerve that goes between your ear and your brain. Choose your facelift surgery wisely based on extensive experience producing natural results. Best to study your prospective surgeon's before and after facelift photo Gallery and make sure that it is extensive with natural appearing results.

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hello! Great question. I would bring up the acoustic neuroma. The likelihood of causing interaction would be low. But, getting verification with your Otologist would be worthwhile. Swelling can do funny things and you wouldn't want to exacerbate a problem if you don't need to. Hope that helps!

Is it safe to have a deep plane facelift with an Acoustic Neuroma?

Answers (7)

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