Can Sculptra or a previous mini lower facelift cause complications for a future full facelift?

Question

I read that Sculptra can create problems for a face lift as well a previous mini lower face lift can complicate a future full facelift.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

There is no doubt that use of tissue fillers and non-surgical facial techniques-remedies,  create a permanent changes in the facial tissue. This is in particular the case with repeated and over-use of any of these. Scarrinng, loss of natural planes, possibly changed pattern of healing may change the course of surgery and recovery to a certain degree. However, an experienced surgeon, who performs significant number of face lifts, especially if made aware of previous procedures, should be able to coupe with this ostacle successfully. Hope it helps.

Talal Munasifi, MD · Answer

You can still have a lift; however, it will be a bit harder to perform the surgery, but it is a common procedure that I do. Secondary lifts are easy in the right hands. While Sculptra, and previous mini lift and previous ultrasound or radiofrequency treatments do alter the tissue and can affect elasticity, you still will have a great result!

Goretti Ho Taghva, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding the interaction of Sculptra and previous mini lower face lifts with future full facelift procedures. It's great that you're doing your research and considering all aspects of facial rejuvenation.

You are correct in understanding that the presence of Sculptra, as well as the scar tissue resulting from a previous mini facelift, can technically make a subsequent full facelift more complex. Sculptra, being a biostimulator, creates a collagen response that can alter the tissue planes typically encountered during a facelift. Similarly, scar tissue from a previous mini lift can change the anatomy, potentially making a future procedure more challenging.

However, it's important to note that such scenarios are quite common in aesthetic surgery. Experienced plastic surgeons frequently encounter patients who have had various non-surgical treatments like filler injections, thread lifts, or previous surgical interventions like mini facelifts. Due to this prevalence, skilled surgeons are well-equipped to navigate these complexities safely and effectively.

In my practice, managing patients with previous facial treatments, including those with Sculptra or a history of a mini lift, has been a regular part of our surgical planning and execution. While it adds an element of complexity, it has not been a prohibitive factor in achieving excellent results. The key lies in detailed preoperative assessment, meticulous surgical technique, and adapting the approach to each individual's unique facial structure and treatment history.

Hope that helps!

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Plastic surgeons have plenty of experience with patients who have had all kinds of fillers and previous surgery. It should not be a problem

Sudeep Roy, MD · Answer

This is a fantastic question. As a facelift specialist who performs hundreds of primary and revision facelifts on patients who have had previous non-surgical and surgical treatments, I have seen a wide variety of tissue effects related to these previous procedures. Ultimately, you are dealing with scar tissue (which some people will also refer to as "collagen") deposition and this can certainly pose unique challenges to both surgeons and patients. That being said, in experienced hands, risks can be minimized and excellent results achieved. I think it is important to understand the long-term sequelae of having any previous treatments done in the areas that are typically dissected in future facelifts and avoid them if possible, but also recognizing that safe and effective surgery can still be performed under the care of a skilled and experienced surgeon.

Can Sculptra or a previous mini lower facelift cause complications for a future full facelift?

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Answer: Collagen stimulating fillers and previous facelifts affecting future surgery

Answer: Collagen stimulating fillers and previous facelifts affecting future surgery

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Can Sculptra or a previous mini lower facelift cause complications for a future full facelift?

Answers (5)

Answer: Facelift

Answer: Facelift

Answer: Collagen stimulating fillers and previous facelifts affecting future surgery

Answer: Collagen stimulating fillers and previous facelifts affecting future surgery

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift Revision

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