Can you have a deep chemical peel at the same time as a Facelift?

I frequently perform additional procedures along
with a facelift at my practice, including chemical peels, laser resurfacing,
liposuction, fat transfer, and cheek or chin augmentation. Facelifts will
address skin laxity, but they do not address wrinkles or acne scars, so if you
want to improve your skin texture at the same time, a chemical peel or laser
resurfacing procedure may be a good idea. It’s important to visit a skilled,
experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon for these procedures, since
it is very important to know where it is safe to perform a peel and at how
intense the peel can be before it is too risky.

The answer truly depends on where you plan on having the chemical peel. To keep it simple, in my opinion you should not have a chemical peel (or any type of invasive laser treatment) performed on the same day as your facelift if the area to be treated corresponds with the skin that is lifted and elevated in the facelift. One example that would be acceptable (because they are in completely different areas) would be having a facelift with a concurrent lower eyelid peel/laser treatment and/or perioral (aka around the mouth). Please address this concern with your surgeon and know that in the worst case scenario you would need to wait roughly 1 1/2 months before having a chemical peel/laser after a facelift (ie if you wished to treat the entire face).

You really have to go on the experience and comfort level of your surgeon. I routinely perform laser skin resurfacing during my facelifts, however, i go lighter on the skin around the ear which has just been operated. I am comfortable doing this as my facelifts are elevated in a deeper plane, so the skin is nice and thick and can tolerate resurfacing. My suggestion is not to push your surgeon to do something they are not comfortable doing. 

Thanks for your question. I'm inclined to agree with
your doctor, especially because you specify that you're interested in a deep
chemical peel. Deeper peels can be quite invasive and are likely incompatible
with facelift surgery. Undergoing the 2 procedures at the same time would
likely leave you quite uncomfortable as you recuperate, too. However, you may
be able to undergo the peel on certain areas of your face that won't be as
affected by your surgery. This includes your forehead and cheeks. Best of luck
with your decision.

Performing a lifting procedure and resurfacing procedure in the same surgical setting addresses all aspects of facial aging at the same time – sags and bulges, volume loss, and wrinkles.   There are tremendous benefits to this technique in experienced hands – one healing period, more natural and balanced results, and economic advantages as well.  In the wrong hands, the results can be devastating -- facial scarring and skin necrosis.  An experienced surgeon will be able to tailor the resurfacing and lifting to each patient to minimize the risk of complications.  Ask to see before and after photos from the facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon that you are consulting with!  Good luck!

Hi Shelly50This very much depends on the type of facelift you are having and your skin tone and quality. On consulation with your surgeon they will assess this and depending on the area you want the chemical peel for it can be performed , in most cases, at the same time.Good Luck with your research.

Generally, it's unwise to heavily peel the same part of the face that is lifted surgically.  But you can do the areas that are outside of the facelift zone - like the forehead, nose and peri-oral area.  Speak to your surgeon about this option.

Combining a facelift with a
chemical peel will decrease your recovery time and will
allow you to heal from all the treatments at once. Lasers and peels target the deep
wrinkles that a facelift will not remove, especially those wrinkles around your lips and eyes.
This should only be done in non-smokers to ensure patient’s safety. This should be done
in the hands of a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with expertise in facial rejuvenation.

You can have a peel or laser treatment at the time of your facelift. I would not do a Phenol/Croton deep peel over undermined surfaces due to blood supply, but I am conservative in this regard. A deep peel of the areas not undermined (around the mouth and eyes and all of the forehead), by laser or chemical or can safely be done.Dr. J

I personally would not do any deep skin treatment on the face that is involved with the facelift concurrently. Often times I will resurface around the mouth or the eyelids but not the cheek skin. This does not mean that is wrong to do so but it does subject the skin to a bit more risk.