I have had a spinal fusion in my neck. Can I have this procedure?

Patient did have had neck surgery can undergo a facelift although there will be extra care in positioning the patient and maintaining certain angles during the case.

Every surgeon may give you a different answer based on their experience and comfort level.  I would base that decision on your physical exam specifically the range of motion of your neck and your neurologic exam.  If there were any additional concerns I would speak to your neurosurgeon.  Earl Stephenson Jr, MD DDS FACS

A prior neck spinal fusion does not absolutely prevent having a face lift or neck lift. Plastic surgeons will perform a comprehensive evaluation for all cosmetic surgery patients for a safe procedure and recovery. For example, a neck spinal fusion may affect a face lift by the head turning/positioning or the type of anesthesia used during the procedure, and recovery after the facelift. A discussion between the plastic surgeon and spine surgeon is useful too. Only a comprehensive evaluation in-person can help determine appropriate options. If you haven't already, then speak with a facelift surgeon to discuss possible surgery.Best,Dr. Chaboki

A spinal fusion surgery should not prevent a patient from undergoing facial plastic surgery including a face or neck lift.  There are a couple of details that may affect some nuances of the procedure.  Items that would be important to me:1)  Where was the incision for your spinal fusion?  What it on the front or behind the neck?  The location of the incision may change how I perform the procedure?2)  What is the stability of your neck?  Do you have full range of motion?  Would it be safe to turn your head all the way to the left and right during surgery?  I would get these answers from you spinal fusion doctor?3)  Have you been hoarse or having difficulty swallowing after spinal fusion surgery?  If you have these symptoms, it may change they type of anesthesia we would use.I hope this helps.  

Dear cathy, thank you for your question.Facelift surgery can dramatically improve the
cheeks, temple area, jawline, and neck. Consult with a board certified facial
plastic surgeon who can offer a variety of options. Good Luck!

It is certainly possible to do facial surgery after a c-spine fusion, but your surgeon will have to evaluate how hard it will be to do based on how much mobility you have left.

Having a spinal fusion procedure does not preclude you from having facial cosmetic surgery. I would make sure that the surgical team is aware of your surgical history and take the appropriate steps to keep you as comfortable as possible. You may also have soreness and stiffness after surgery. 

It is certainly acceptable to undergo facial cosmetic surgery after a cervical fusion procedure. The neck will be more stiff and less mobile.

Having had a cervical fusion does not preclude you from having any form of facial plastic surgery. it would be important, however, that your surgeon knows this as it could be an important detail when undergoing a facelift procedure for example where the head needs to be turned.

In general, a prior spinal fusion should not be a contraindication to undergoing a facelift. I would suggest that your plastic surgeon discuss your individual situation with the surgeon who performed the spinal fusion to see if any specific precautions needed to be taken during the procedure.It is important to realize
that following the advice from a surgeon on this or any other website who
proposes to tell you exactly what to do without
examining you, physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired outcome,
taking a full medical history, and discussing the pros and cons of each
operative procedure would not be in your best interest. I would suggest you
find a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and
ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with
that surgeon in person.

Robert Singer, MD FACS

La Jolla, California