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I have Fibromyalgia. Is it OK to have a facelift with general anesthesia?

Dr. Dean Kane Q & A shutterstock_18586922Q. I have Fibromyalgia. Is it OK to have a facelift with general anesthesia? A. Fibromyalgia is a medical condition characterized by chronic widespread pain and heightened, painful response to pressure, numbness and tingling. Other symptoms including fatigue, sleep disturbance, joint stiffness, swallowing, bowel and bladder dysfunction, cognitive problems and stress symptoms (per Wikipedia). Patients with Fibromyalgia have undergone many elective and emergency procedures including facelifts. There is no contra-indication to the surgery itself if there are no other medical concerns increasing the risks of surgery over the benefits of the results. My experience is that there is no greater healing problems in patients with Fibromyalgia but the recovery may be prolonged because of associated symptoms of depression and heightened pain and dysethesias (sensory changes).   ​ ​While there is no contra-indication to the use of general inhalant anesthesia, you may wish to review the possibility of a local / sedation combination with the anesthesia associate. Please consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or ENT Facial Surgeon what options are best for you. They may request medical clearance from your Primary Care physician and a Neurologist to optimize your care and outcome. I hope this has helped. All the best!
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