I have Von Willebrand's Disease. Will I be able to get a Deep Plane facelift?

Question

My von Willebrand's is Type 1 and I respond to DDAVP. I know it would need to be coordinated with my hematologist, but I'm not sure if performing a facelift on a von Willebrand' patient is ever something a plastic surgeon would/could do. Should I just forget about it entirely? Thanks!

Christian L. Stallworth, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question - I have performed elective, cosmetic surgeries on patients with von Willebrand's disease and even forms of true hemophilia - the key is guidance and a collaborative effort with your hematologist.  Some patients are better/safer candidates than others.  And though the risks are very real, they can be mitigated.  In your case, pre- and post- treatment with DDAVP can go a long way.  I have even had patients continue their DDAVP postop but again, only under the guidance of their hematologist.  Many surgeons like my self are also using tumescent solutions at the time of surgery that contain medications like epinephrine and tranexamic acid that help to minimize bleeding and enhance clot formation.  Discuss this options with your hematologist and then visit with a board certified facial plastic surgeon for a formal consultation before forgetting about this entirely.  
Best wishes.

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

Indeed you would need to coordinate this operation between the team of doctors who would be your haematologist, your plastic surgeon and your anesthesiologist. To answer your question- some of the plastic surgeons would not accept to perform this operation taking the excess risk, however, depending on the report from the haematologist and after understanding the exact risks one can make the decision whether to proceed or not.

Edwin F. Williams, III, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. As long as you are cleared by your hematologist and they help to manage the DDAVP prior to surgery, there are no issues with doing a deep plane facelift. I have performed many facelifts on patients with Von Willebrand disease and have had no issues. Best of luck!

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You can still get a facelift with von Wilibrands  but you need to get infusions of the mussing clotting  factors.  Some surgeons might not want to do it because of the extra. Work involved and risk.

I have Von Willebrand's Disease. Will I be able to get a Deep Plane facelift?

Answers (4)

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