My face is aging from weight loss and age. I have Ehlers Danlos. What are my options? (Photo)

Question

I am 45. Until 3 months ago, I had a youthful face. I've lost weight over the last year, about 20 pounds. I weight 105 and am 5'2.5". Lines around my mouth are forming that weren't there before and I have mildly lax neck skin. I'm also wrinkling around my eyes. I've been told to stay away from lasers, as a treatment burned and scarred me. Retina-A made my pores worse. Honestly, with Ehlers-Danlos, what are my options for this aging -- do I have any? Or is my best course to regain a few pounds?

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Thanks for the questionI agree with the other docs, volume addition may be the safest and easiest way to get you where you want to be

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

patients with this connective tissue disorder may find the benefits of the facelift don't last as long. Another concern is the tendency for scars to widen which should be an issue when the incision is in the posterior hairline.

Dean P. Kane, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear NeckTroubles:Thank you for sharing this photo. You appear to have lost significant weight creating a more laxed skin as well as creasing around the lips. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a constellation of elastic tissue problems due to improper production of the various forms of collagen in the skin, joints, intestines, blood vessels and other organs and tissues. Depending on the type of inherited problems you have will there be different options for you. It will probably take a university hospital group effort with your Dermatologist to provide the best opportunities in achieving a more youthful appearance. For greater fullness, fillers with different properties may help. Consider the use of Sculptra to stimulate greater fibroblast formation of skin molecules such as collagen. Ask about the use of laser or light therapies. As you probably know, surgery may not heal well. As this is not my super-specialty, I can only offer you these usual options to consider.I hope this has been somewhat helpful. All the best!

Jeffrey K. Scott, MD · Answer

My suggestion would be to gain a few pounds or consider injectable fillers to augment the area around your mouth. Do to your Ehlers-Danlos syndrome I would not recommend a facelift yet. The lift can still be considered as the aging process progresses, however unfortunately the results will likely not have the longevity compared to those without Ehlers-Danlos. Best of luck!

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Facial laxity and aging is an often overlooked issue after weight loss. Abdominal skin excess is much talked about, however facelift can also be an important procedure. We suggest you explore a facelift procedure rather consider weight gain.

My face is aging from weight loss and age. I have Ehlers Danlos. What are my options? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: What are my options for this aging with Ehlers-Danlos?

Answer: What are my options for this aging with Ehlers-Danlos?

Answer: My face is aging from weight loss.

Answer: My face is aging from weight loss.

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My face is aging from weight loss and age. I have Ehlers Danlos. What are my options? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: What are my options for this aging with Ehlers-Danlos?

Answer: What are my options for this aging with Ehlers-Danlos?

Answer: My face is aging from weight loss.

Answer: My face is aging from weight loss.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.