I am 67 and on immunosuppressants and prednisone. Am I a candidate for a mini (lower face lift) for sagging? (photos)

Question

Ive recently lost weight and my jowls have become very pronounced as well as lines around my mouth. My skin has been great and youthful for many yrs but now the sagging (and thinner face?) have aged me . Im on immunosuppressants and prednisone but hopefully off soon. And if not, I could likely stop for a month or so. I have an auto-immune eye disease, am stable and on mainteneance meds. In my case, is it best to stick with nonsurgical solutions?

Larry Weinstein, MD · Answer

Having surgery while on Prednisone and medication that affects your immune system is not a good idea. You would have to stop the medications for one month before the surgery. You would benefit from   a facelift and peel. It looks like you have lost weight and it would be best to see a metabolic specialist to assist you in regaining a little weight. Good luck seeing a caring board certified plastic surgeon....

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, as long as you are cleared by your doctor, you can have a mini-lift. Some people require surgery to get the best improvement, however there are several non invasive options for improvement, which include:
thermage radiofrequencyultherapy high intensity ultrasoundPDO nova threads or  nstalift for liftingsculptra injections for collagen productionbtl exilis ultra, venus legacy, and thermi250 for constant collagen stimulationJ plasma or thermiRF internal tighteningI recommend getting a formal evaluation with an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

You seem to be a good candidate for face/neck lift. We have done defferent procedures including face lift on patients who were on imuno-suppresants for long time; therapy was stopped for short period of time before and after surgery in coordination with a medical consultant. We did not see much of a problem regarding long term results. There is a question of using epinephrine in this particular group of patients; some transplant surgeons do not recommend it due to possible tissue necrosis? Detailed discussion with your immunologist and plastic surgeon is recommended. Good luck.

Tom D. Wang, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Jpenni, thanks for your question and pictures.  As you mentioned, weight loss can certainly accentuate the appearance of jowls and make the face look more hollow.  If you are able to temporarily suspend taking immunosuppressants and prednisonse, you should be able to undergo rejuvenation of your lower face and neck area.  You may wish to also consider the addition of fillers, either your own fat or synthetic options to help improve the deflation that you have noticed.  Best of luck to you!

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It's best to get medical clearance from your physician before undergoing elective cosmetic surgery on immunosuppressants. You'll have a much higher incidence of healing issues or infection. Mini lifts tend to give mini results, and we do not perform them. At age 67, a comprehensive lower face and neck lift will be required to rejuvenate both the face and the neck. This accomplishes tightening loose facial and neck skin, tightening loose facial and neck muscles, lifting the jowls, and removing fatty deposits in the neck along with a platysma plasty. For more information and many examples, please see the link and the video below

I am 67 and on immunosuppressants and prednisone. Am I a candidate for a mini (lower face lift) for sagging? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Am I a candidate for a mini (lower face lift) for sagging?

Answer: Am I a candidate for a mini (lower face lift) for sagging?

Answer: I am 67 and on immunosuppressants and prednisone and would like a facelift

Answer: I am 67 and on immunosuppressants and prednisone and would like a facelift

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Everything you need to know about Lower Facelift

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I am 67 and on immunosuppressants and prednisone. Am I a candidate for a mini (lower face lift) for sagging? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Am I a candidate for a mini (lower face lift) for sagging?

Answer: Am I a candidate for a mini (lower face lift) for sagging?

Answer: I am 67 and on immunosuppressants and prednisone and would like a facelift

Answer: I am 67 and on immunosuppressants and prednisone and would like a facelift

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lower Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.