Losing Weight After a Face Lift Okay?

Question

Hi there I just had a face/neck lift among other things. I lost 20 lbs before surgery and had 14 left to lose. Well after being sedentary,+ the blues I gained about 12 lbs back. I now have 26-30lbs to lose. The problem I have is that (I am 51) I am struggling with is that I am wondering if that will affect my results. If so, is the down time and cost the same? Do all people need revision in my situation.? When I lose weight it shows in my face. I am not going to get "skinny" just trim and toned.

Babak Azizzadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

It likely will increase facial laxity with that amount of weight loss. 5-10 pounds ok, but more will likely affect your results. However, it is much more important to he healthy than worry about the face. You can always get touch up surgery.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

Losing 10 to 15 pounds probably won't cause a noticeable difference but if you were to lose 20 pounds or more you could end up with loose skin as the volume decreases. Facial fillers or fat transfers could be done to restore volume. Good Luck!

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Weight loss can cause facial aging due to volume loss. Having said that, you should continue to reach your weight loss and health goals. Once you have reached your goal weight,  you can then address any volume loss with either injectable fillers or fat transfer.  It is uncommon to have to repeat a face and neck lift for repeat laxity caused by modest weight loss. Best wishes on your recovery and fitness goals.

Jason Hess, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, weight loss does tend to affect facial volume. Less volume in the face can contribute to the appearance of aging. However, if the SMAS was tightened by your doctor during your facelift procedure, subtle fluctuations in weight should not affect your long term outcome. The most potent and lasting effects of facelift surgery are addressed beneath the skin. Tightening of the skin does not provide lasting results. Your overall health is much more important than facial aesthetics, as you know. I would focus on achieving your ideal weight. Then, you may not need a revision. If you do, it should be a minor revision. Good luck!!

Boris M. Ackerman, MD · Answer

Ideally, the patients should be at a steady weight prior to undergoing a facelift. But it is not uncommon for our patients to loose some weight after cosmetic surgery, as they feel happier, more energetic and take better care of themselves. Minor weight loss should not significantly change the appearance of a facelift. but if the patient looses significant weight there could be some settling if facial tissues.

	 

	 In my practice the patients undergo deep tissue facelift correction as well, the so called “muscle” lifting. If there is some settling that occurs after a weight lose, a simple skin tightening can be performed, with less cost and shorter recovery

Constance M. Barone, MD · Answer

Losing weight after a facelift with cause you skin to be loose. It is best to lose your weight before the surgery. The patients that have the longer lasting facelift results are the patients who start off with a good bone structure, thin face and stable weight. So try to select a reasonable weight goal before your surgery and maintain it.

David L. Cangello, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.

	There is really no way to predict how much weight loss will effect the results of your surgery.  I tell my patients that they should really be within 10-15 lbs of their ideal weight before undergoing any plastic surgical procedure, but there are no absolutes and this is a guideline. My best advice is that you voice your concerns with your plastic surgeon and  together figure out the best plan for your weight loss and desired surgical outcome.

	Best of luck you.

Sean Freeman, MD · Answer

terrora, the best results are seen in patients who are within 10% of their ideal body weight before they have surgery. I then advise them to maintain this weight in possible. Losing or gaining over 10% of you weight will affect the result but no surgeon is going to tell you not to lose weight! You can always get a simple short flap lift under local later on. Good luck!

Shepherd G. Pryor, MD · Answer

It's possible that the number one location you might notice a change with 30 pounds of weight loss would be your submental region directly under your chin. It's possible that some of the bands of the platysma could become more visible once again. You wouldn't necessarily need another procedure based on how much recurred. If you tend to lose more volume in your cheeks secondary to weight loss I wouldn't suggest more surgery would help from a lifting standpoint but in that scenario, you'd benefit from a fat transfer.

Sheldon S. Kabaker, MD FACS (retired) · Answer

Lose the weight and see what happens. You seem to have little problem gaining weight and if your face changes unfavorably, you can put on some pounds again.

Losing Weight After a Face Lift Okay?

Answers (11)

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