Is it possible for a facelift to make my fibromyalgia worse?

Question

Hello, I’m thinking of getting a facelift, but I’m worried about it, making my fibromyalgia worse. Thoughts?

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello ! Thank you for your question Without your face photos it is very hard to make an evaluation of your case. If you could provide photos and more information I would be able to evaluate your case in a more appropriate way. But from my experience but in general, facial surgeries are not effective for the face very independent
Thank you ! regards

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

A facelift does not directly cause fibromyalgia, but any surgery can potentially trigger a temporary fibromyalgia flare. The triggers are usually the physical stress of surgery, anesthesia, disrupted sleep, postoperative discomfort, limited activity, medication changes, and emotional stress around recovery.

Fibromyalgia is not automatically a contraindication to facelift surgery, but it does mean planning is important. Ideally, your symptoms should be stable before elective surgery. You should discuss the plan with your primary doctor, rheumatologist or pain specialist if you have one, the anesthesiologist, and your plastic surgeon. Make sure everyone knows your current medications, previous reactions to anesthesia or pain medication, and what usually triggers your flares.

It can help to have a clear postoperative pain-control plan, nausea prevention, good sleep positioning, help at home, and a slower recovery schedule than someone without chronic pain. Some patients do very well; others may have a flare for days to weeks even when the surgery itself heals normally.

Before deciding, ask your surgeon what the expected recovery feels like, how long you may have tightness, numbness, neck discomfort, and sleep limitations, and whether they are comfortable managing recovery in a patient with fibromyalgia. If your fibromyalgia is poorly controlled right now, I would stabilize that first before moving forward with elective facial surgery.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Thoughtful324078, thank you for your question. Although a facelift by itself isn't associated with fibromyalgia getting worse, some patients may experience worsening symptoms after any operation. To make a well-informed decision, it's critical to discuss your medical history and concerns with your plastic surgeon and primary care physician. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP).

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

Any type of surgical or nonsurgical treatment can cause nerve irritation and worsen or create neuropathic pain. Typically, this is in the form of numbness or tingling rather than a painful exacerbation. The exception to this would be a neuroma (scar tissue within the nerve) that can worsen nerve pain following a surgical procedure. Your best chance at avoiding this is to make sure that your fibromyalgia is well controlled with your oral pain medications prior to pursuing surgery.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

There's no direct association between a surgical facelift and a chronic medical condition like fibromyalgia. If you have a questions, get Clarence from your primary care physician

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

In over 35 years of practice I did not see patient having signs of fibromyalgia after face lift. However, any stressful condition like surgery and surgical recovery, it may trigger condition like fibromyalgia. Hope this helps.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Facelift surgery is a major surgical procedure that involves making incisions in the skin, repositioning and tightening facial tissues, and removing excess skin. While it is generally considered safe, it is important to note that any surgery comes with some risks and potential complications.

As for your concern about facelift surgery worsening your fibromyalgia, there is currently no direct evidence linking facelift surgery to the worsening of fibromyalgia symptoms. However, it is important to note that any surgery can be stressful on the body and may result in temporary increases in pain and fatigue, which could potentially worsen fibromyalgia symptoms.

It is important to discuss your concerns with your doctor or surgeon, as they will be able to give you a better understanding of the potential risks and benefits of facelift surgery in your individual case. Your doctor may also be able to suggest strategies for managing your fibromyalgia symptoms both before and after surgery, such as taking pain medications, using relaxation techniques, and engaging in gentle exercise.

Ultimately, the decision to undergo facelift surgery is a personal one, and it is important to weigh the potential risks and benefits carefully before making a final decision.

Is it possible for a facelift to make my fibromyalgia worse?

Answers (7)

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