If a thirty pound overweight person gets a face lift and then loses weight, will another face lift be needed?

Question

I will be turning 60 soon and I have been losing and gaining the same 30 pounds for the past 10 years. I’ve been wanting to have a face lift but I have not been able to maintain an ideal weight.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Weight loss after a facelift can cause some degree of loosening after weight loss. It’s hard to be very specific without photos and you do not mention your current weight..

Brian M. Harmych, MD, FACS · Answer

Fluctuations in BMI will effect the results of a facelift. I recommend patients be as close to their ideal body weight (as determined by the patient and their primary doctor) as possible before undergoing facelift, including deep plane facelift. I would recommend seeking the guidance of your primary doctor with respect to weight loss to rule out a general medical condition that might be contributing to the higher weight primary to considering facelift.

Jigar Sitapara, MD · Answer

Good morning from Washington DC!
That is a very common question. I do a lot of deep plane lifts for patients who have undergone massive weight loss (100+ lbs) so a rule of thumb to consider is the "20 lb rule". If you are within 20 lbs of your goal weight, you should not have any issues after a deep plane facelift. If you lose 30lbs after your facelift, you may end up with some mild skin laxity which may necessitate skin tightening treatments like radiofrequency mirconeedling or a small revision surgery. I hope that helps!
Wishing you all the best,Dr. SitaparaChevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgery

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

You’ve asked a great question, and one I hear often. Weight loss, to some degree, can lead to facial sagging, especially if you lose a substantial amount of weight. However, more is at play than your weight alone. Existing skin laxity, bone health, sun exposure, and skin care all affect facial sagging. It’s impossible to predict how you might look if you lost weight after a facelift. In general, I recommend losing weight before the procedure if you’re planning to lose a substantial amount of weight.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Phyllis AnnI appreciate your concern and frustrations and it is ideal to complete any weight loss plan and maintain that weight prior to most cosmetic operations. A major weight loss after face lift can alter the outcome, requiring a revision. I recommend that you try to identify a reasonable and achievable weight goal, lose that weight, and then have your facelift surgery. When ready, be certain to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in our area. Good luck.

Lesley A. Rabach, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! The necessity of another facelift is really dependent on the individual. Losing weight can loosen the skin on the face a bit, so if possible I would recommend having the surgery done after losing the weight. If you gain and lose the weight again and your skin is not feeling as tight you may benefit from treatments like Ultherapy to tighten non-surgically. I recommend consulting with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon to discuss your options.

Dean P. Kane, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Phyllis Ann A,
Thanks for noting your concern. This issue affects many of us. 
  
Including weight fluctuations, there are many other factors which affect cosmetic surgery procedures including sun exposure and weathering, skin care, chronic medical conditions, heredity, a supportive companion and timing in life. 
  
If you feel you are at a stable weight and this facelift will make a significant improvement in your personal life then discuss it with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for a proper evaluation and recommendations.
  
Stay well. I wish you the very best.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

A substantial weight lift can certainly alter the achievement of a facelift.   You should have the surgery after reaching your goal weight, which you have done repeatedly in the past. It may be an incentive to maintain that weight in order to keep the positive surgery result intact. Best wishes.

If a thirty pound overweight person gets a face lift and then loses weight, will another face lift be needed?

Answers (8)

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