Botox, Fillers and Facelift

Dr. Irwin
October 9, 2010
Should one wait until your Botox has relaxed and all fillers out when you decide to have a facelift, so that the doctor can tell how much skin to lift?

I think it makes sense to let the more temporary fillers like Juvederm/Restylane/Perlane – all the hyaluronic acid fillers –  wear off so you can get the optimum result from the surgery.  If you are having Sculptra injected into the cheeks once a year for volume, and you plan to maintain it, I recommend continuing your once a year maintenance on that.  It takes 2 years for it to completely disappear.  And, since it builds your own collagen, moves naturally and feels completely natural when done well, it shouldn’t change what the surgeon does.  If you don’t plan to maintain the Sculptra, then stop and see the surgeon a year or two from your last injections.

On the Botox, I usually recommend letting it wear off completely in the upper face if the surgeon is working around the eyes at all.  If your surgeon is just working on your lower face than it’s fine to maintain the Botox in the upper face in the meantime.  Also, ask when you call for a consultation, what the surgeon would prefer when she/he sees you the first time.

I really recommed getting at least 2 opinions when facial plastic surgeons are consulted.  And, if they disagree on their approach, get a 3rd opinion.  Also, make sure your surgeon is a board certified plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon.  I don’t recommend going to a “cosmetic” surgeon even if board certified.  This is a very short, unimpressive training program that is not nearly as good as the other two.  It serves mostly to confuse the unsuspecting public.  Ask specifically if the surgeon is board certified in plastic surgery or ENT facial plastics.  And, not a bad idea to check online with their board.  Hope this helps.  Dr. I

 

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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