Springfield Plastic Surgeons

Sagging Skin After Weight-loss at 21. Is a Facelift my Only Option? (photo)

I’m 21 and I’ve been overweight most of my life. I’ve recently dropped 55 lbs over the course of a year. (180, now 125 at 5’2”) I’ve noticed sagging or loose skin and I’m definitely concerned about my face. The sagging became noticeable when my face started slimming about 5 months ago. Should I lose more and my face will firm? Should I look into a facelift or are there other non-surgical ways? Does my skin just need more time and/or a specific care regimen? Facial exercises? Glycolic Peels?

Losing significant amounts of weight can remove some of the support of the skin in any area.  With rapid weight loss, there may be some later redistribution of fat as well.  It is always better to wait until your weight is stable for a prolonged period before addressing skin laxity.  In a young, healthy individual, it is rare to need to perform a facelift.  With time, there will be some recoil of the skin previously stretched out.  Enjoy your new healthy personna.  If in six months you remain interested in an appearance change, seek a board certified plastic surgeon to help evaluate what might be the safest avenue.

Glen Brooks, MD

Springfield Plastic Surgeon

Ear Lobe Reduction

Can a male who is 16 get ear lobe reduction surgery even if he is still growing. He is only maybe midpoint of puberty( late bloomer). His ears do not have deformities just above average size/

Earlobe reduction can be performed for a variety of patient demographics.  The most common is older females who find their enlarging earlobes less attractive.  For the younger age groups, the ears are nearly full grown in the early teen years so if surgery is perfomed to correct a deformity, it will have long lasting benefits.  Seek a board certified plastic surgeon to assist in his care.

Glen Brooks, MD

Springfield Plastic Surgeon

What Can Help with Low Back Pain After Hips Liposuction ?

What Can Help with Low Back Pain After Hips Liposuction ?

Many abdominal or hip procedures can leave patients with back pain.  Sometimes it is a direct operative site such as liposuction that hurts because of swelling, bruising, or both.  Ice helps early on in the first few days.  After that heat may be more helpful.  Back pain may also result from patient positioning after liposuction of the abdomen or hips or abdominoplasty.  Many patients can't stand up straight or cannot sleep in their usual positions leading to back pain.  Warm compresses or baths, massage and time are the best cures.  Certainly, there are rare causes of back pain not directly related to the surgery such as kidney problems that can occur during the perioperative period.  If the pain persists, discuss the details with your surgeon.

Glen Brooks, MD

Springfield Plastic Surgeon