Facelift and Blepharoplasty with Fibromyalgia

Question

Hello Doctors, I'm 52 and would like an upper and (transcutaneous) lower blepharoplasty and a full face and neck lift. Here lies the rub: I have fibromyalgia. Is it a given that plastic surgery will permanently worsen the condition? I am prepared for a slower the normal recovery period, as well as some exacerbation of fibro symptoms. Has anyone had any non-eventful (aka good) recovery stories?

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I see no contraindication to having elective cosmetic surgery of the face in a patient with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. The procedure should be performed however with the approval of all Physicians involved in your care.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Fibromyalgia, in of itself, is not a contraindication for facelift surgery.  However, each patient has unique physiology and may take various medications as well have different degrees of severity of fibromyalgia.Seek guidance from your primary care physician or rheumatologist in mangement during the procedure.

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

I am not aware of any increased problems in recovery or healing from facelift surgery in patients with fibromyalgia. Check in with your internist or rheumatologist for their opinion.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

We have performed face lift and blepharoplasty procedures on patients with fibromyalgia  and they have all done very well.  It is a good idea that you have a letter of clearance from your primary care physician.

Mohsen Tavoussi, MD, DO · Answer

Facelift and blepharoplasty can be performed with patients with fibromyalgia successfully since these procedures are not as painful as they may appear. However, adequate preoperative consultation and preparayiou.comtion as well as use of pain pumps in case severe cases can be considered.

Todd C. Miller, MD · Answer

I have performed face-lifts on several patients with fibromyalgia. All of my patients have had great final results. The recovery process is variable. Every patient heals in their own unique way. I caution my fibromyalgia patients to prepare for an uncomfortable healing period however several have had a very uneventful recovery with great final results.

Roy A. David, MD · Answer

Fibromyalgia can complicate the facelift recovery, but not the final result, and I am not aware of any long-term effects on the overall condition. You and your surgeon should expect and prepare for a higher level of pain post-op (most facelifts have minimal discomfort).

Chase Lay, MD · Answer

thank you for the questionAn General you may experience more discomfort and a prolonged healing process but on the other hand you may not.  Patients with chronic systemic disease such as autoimmune disease or patients who have had chemotherapy within the last 5-7 years I feel due heal slower than others.  That being said I have done fairly large surgeries, both cosmetic and reconstructive, on patient's with rheumatoid arthritis and they healed quite well.  It's really difficult to say near case for sure but I would just work under the assumption that he'll have some issues with healing after surgery.  Be sure to get a number of consultations with experienced board certified facial plastic surgeons before proceedingand perhaps very pointedly asked the surgeon's if they are willing to deal with you and any healing issues you may have after surgery.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

I have no experience with a facelift patient having worsening of their fibromyalgia. It is a difficult problem to have but not made worse in my experience.

Facelift and Blepharoplasty with Fibromyalgia

Answers (9)