Weight loss and face and neck lift?

Question

Will weight loss affect a face and neck lift? I would like to lose 20-30 pounds. If I lose it after the lift will it alter the results? Should I lose the weight before the procedure?

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

The answer is that it depends. Its best to be at your ideal body weight,  but 20lb weight loss should not be an issue. One thing that negatively affects a facelift result ans longevity is big fluctuations in weight. That's 40-50 lbs for most body types.

Ignacio De Las Fuentes, MD · Answer

Weight loss can indeed affect the results of a face and neck lift. If you lose a significant amount of weight after the procedure, it may lead to changes in skin elasticity and volume, potentially altering the results of the lift.
Achieving your weight loss goals before the face and neck lift can lead to more satisfying and long-lasting results.

Arthur Dean Jabs, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

20-30 pound weight loss is significant. It will affect your facial appearance. It would be best to obtain a stable weight that you like, then be evaluated for a lift. Most likely a procedure to address the deeper strtuctures that have laxity would be best.

Bottom line: lose the weight first

All the Best,

Dr. J

Bottom line: lose the weight first

All the Best,

Dr. J

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! I always suggest having elective plastic surgery when you're at a stable weight. If you're currently losing/gaining weight or wanting to lose/gain weight then I would suggest waiting until weight is stable to get a facelift or necklift procedure as that will affect the results. I would love to see you in person and verify that you're a good candidate for this procedure. Schedule a consult with a board certified plastic surgeon like myself so we can make a surgical plan for you and help you reach your goals!

James M. Economides, MD, FACS · Answer

Weight loss can impact the results of a face and neck lift. If you lose weight after the procedure, it may lead to changes in the skin's elasticity and overall facial volume, which could alter the final appearance and potentially diminish the lift's effects.

I recommend reaching your goal weight before undergoing cosmetic procedures, as it can help ensure more predictable results. If you plan to lose 20-30 pounds, it might be beneficial to do so first, allowing your surgeon to assess your skin's condition and contours based on your new weight.

It's always best to discuss your specific situation with your surgeon, as they can provide personalized advice based on your health, skin type, and desired outcomes.

Michelle Lee, MD · Answer

Great question! While it's always ideal for patients to be at their goal weight prior to undergoing surgery, weight changes of less than 10-15 pounds shouldn't alter your surgery results. That being said, I recommend getting a bit closer to your goal weight before proceeding.

Marguerite E. Aitken, MD, FACS · Answer

If you loose 15-20% of your body weight after surgery it will have an impact on your results. Its best to be at an ideal weight for the best results.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

I would definitely recommend weight loss before the facelift as the skin will sag again after loss of fat in the face and you may need a revision.

Michal Brichacek, MD · Answer

Losing weight following surgery can negatively impact your results, especially anything more than 10 pounds. You should reach your goal weight prior to surgery, and maintain a stable weight following surgery for optimal results.

Lucian Ion, FRCS · Answer

Weight loss after face and necklift thank you for your question. It is a very pertinent one for many people.

A lot of the impact depends on the characteristics of the skin. In someone who has relatively little sun damage and good skin elasticity, the impact could be minimal. In someone who has more significant sun damage and therefore the skin elasticity has become poorer, some of the benefits of the facelift and necklift can be lost. This this may subsequently require a skin tightening procedure to restore the balance between the surface area and volume contained.

Effectively, the surgery does not produce elasticity in the tissues. It tries to mimic elasticity by matching the container (skin), to the volume contained. When the volume contained decreases, if the skin does not have enough elasticity to accommodate, the contours will be less favourable.

I generally advise patients that if they are contemplating losing more then 10 pounds in weight it is preferable to do this prior to the surgery.

William Townley, MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Hi there. Thank you for your question. I would make sure you are at your ideal weight before surgery as you may lose some shape or form with significant weight loss after surgery. Good luck!