Can I have a facelift with sleep apnea?

Question

I have mild sleep apnea and am considering a facelift. I contacted an office locally and the intake staff said I couldn’t have elective surgery with them because of my sleep apnea. If I have a very mild case of the apnea does it matter? Are there other anesthetic choices?

Mark Karolak, DO, FAOCO · Answer

Anytime there are health problems, it’s best to coordinate care and decision making with your primary care physician or medical specialist as well as your surgeon. There have been significant advances in surgical techniques over the past 10-15 years that have made it possible and safer for patients with certain medical conditions to undergo a facelift. Facelifts can be performed safely and comfortably under local anesthesia. I have found that physicians are more likely to support and medically clear patients with certain medical conditions to have their procedures under local anesthesia than under general or even IV sedation.

Jeffrey R. Raval, MD, FACS, MBA · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. Yes, some surgeons may avoid a procedure where a patient has sleep apnea, but there are varying levels of sleep apnea. If yours is mild, I would schedule a consultation for a facelift and discuss your sleep apnea with the doctor at this appointment instead of the intake staff.Good luck!

Michael Kulick, MD, DDS · Answer

YES. Manny patients have versions of sleep apnea. This is not a reason to avoid a facelift. Do not rely upon information from the intake staff! Request that you speak with the doctor....and then have a consultation. You have many aesthetic choices regarding a facelift. Hope this helps.Sincerely, Michael Kulick MD

   Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

   Member of ASPS, ASAPS
   Recipient of the Klingbeil Award from ASAPS – Teaching Safe Techniques and Advanced Technologies

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Member of ASPS, ASAPS
   Recipient of the Klingbeil Award from ASAPS – Teaching Safe Techniques and Advanced Technologies

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Many patients with sleep apnea safely undergo surgery.  In your case it would depend on a number of factors including the severity of the sleep apnea as well as input from the anesthesiologist who would be taking care of you.

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

Mild sleep apnea should not preclude performance of a facelift.  In any case, medical clearance from your doctor is a good idea prior to surgery.  In addition, local anesthesia is the safest way to do these cases.  With any potential airway problem and abnormal laryngeal anatomy associated with the apnea, difficulties with general anesthesia lie in the intubation at the beginning of the case, and potential apnea in the recovery room after extubation at the completion of the case.  These are concerns associated with a general anesthetic.  Level 1 or local anesthesia is the safest option for you.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It may be possible to perform a facelift in a patient with sleep apnea.  There are different types of anesthesia that can be used for a facelift.  I would discuss this issue with prospective surgeons.

Lane Smith, MD · Answer

Hello, Sleep apnea does not necessarily disqualify you from having surgery. I would seek in person consultations with Board Certified Plastic Surgeons in your area to go over your options. There are many factors that would affect what your options are, such as amount of work needed, areas needed improved, severity of the apnea, etc. Depending on your circumstances there are options such as thread lift, minor lift under local anesthesia, or full on facelift under general anesthesia. After being seen in person, your surgeon can give you a better idea of what your options are. Hope this helps. Best Wishes, Dr. Lane Smith Las Vegas, NV

Yael Halaas, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. There are some surgeons who will avoid performing a faceliftwhen patient has sleep apnea and choose minimally invasive procedures such as threads, fillersand even laser therapy. However, it all depends on the severity of sleep apnea, your overallhealth and whether you rely on a CPAP.

John A. Standefer Jr., MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thanks for the question!  Sleep apnea that is very mild should not be a cause not to proceed with a face lift. The concern is whether or not your mask, nasal pillows, etc. can be worn safely after the procedure. The extent of the procedure certainly needs to be elucidated and the planned dressings and whether or not your equipment will adapt to the changes due to the dressing. Patients that are totally dependent on CPAP, require careful planning and coordination with the care giver postoperatively. If you are not totally dependent, there is less chance of problems. Discuss your options with your sleep doctor and find a surgeon who is comfortable with airway issues. My Best!John Standefer MD

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

so find a surgeon who can help you achieve what you wish to do.  Granted, your exam may raise more concerns to modify what kind of procedure you have but you should be able to have some kind of rejuvenation procedure.  If you use a mask, you should plan on using it post-op.

Can I have a facelift with sleep apnea?

Answers (16)

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