Heavy lower face - how can this be treated? (Photo)

Question

I am 20 years old and had a baby 6 months ago, during my pregnancy I gained a lot of weight. I went from 130lbs to 200lbs by the end of my pregnancy and my doctors couldn’t figure out why. After pregnancy I dropped weight again very quickly and am now at 135lbs, I notice that I now how more defined smile lines and more of a heavy lower face and I absolutely hate it. I’m not sure what it’s caused by or if it will go away but I am really hoping I’m not stuck with it forever. Can anyone explain it?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your concerns and congratulations on the birth of your baby. It sounds like you've been through significant changes with your weight during and after pregnancy, which can indeed affect the appearance of your face.

Here are some potential explanations and treatment options for the changes you're noticing in your lower face:

Volume Loss and Skin Laxity: Rapid weight gain and loss can lead to changes in facial volume and skin elasticity. The loss of fat can make smile lines more pronounced and give the appearance of a heavier lower face due to skin laxity.

Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy and the postpartum period involve significant hormonal shifts, which can also impact your skin and facial structure.

Natural Aging Process: Even though you are only 20, the combination of rapid weight changes and hormonal fluctuations can accelerate some aspects of the natural aging process, such as the development of smile lines.

Treatment Options:

Dermal Fillers: Fillers can be used to restore volume to areas that have lost fat, such as the cheeks, which can help lift the lower face and reduce the appearance of smile lines.

Skin Tightening Treatments: Non-invasive treatments like radiofrequency or ultrasound therapy can help tighten loose skin and improve overall facial contour.

Facial Exercises: Certain exercises can help tone the muscles of the lower face, potentially improving its appearance over time.

Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and incorporating regular exercise can support overall skin health and elasticity.

Consultation with a Specialist: It's important to consult with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who can assess your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment options for you.

It's reassuring to know that there are multiple options available to address your concerns, and with the right approach, you can achieve improvements in your facial appearance. I recommend scheduling a consultation with a specialist who can provide personalized advice and treatment plans.

Best wishes,

Kenneth Brito, MD · Answer

Dear lookingforoptions2203,
Heaviness on the lower face can be due to descent of facial fat compartments or increase fat depositions in key areas. This includes deepening of nasolabial folds, jowling, loss of jaw definition, lack of midface volume leading to squaring of the face. This often happens during massive weight loss causing the tissues to sag and unable to retract.
In your age group, I suggest exploring non-surgical options first such as biostimulators, threadlift, Emface or Ultherapy to try to lift the facial fat compartments to their original locations. Wise use of HA fillers can also improve the overall appearance.
Sincerely yours,Drkenbrito

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You may find that you'll have the best results from a combination of treatments.  Botox can be used to help slim the jawline by injecting into the masseter muscles.  Fillers can help contour the mid face and improve facial harmony.  We also recommend using medical grade skin care products like Transform MD and wearing sunscreen every day to keep skin healthy.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Based on your singular photograph, your masseter muscles may be a bit on the large side. That can be associated with TMJ issues at times. If the fullness that you're concerned about is at the back of your jawline, just below your earlobes, perhaps Botox treatments may be considered. Good luck with the baby! Sincerely, Dr. Joseph

Stefan Weiss, MD · Answer

I would suggest a combination of fillers and laser. The laser will help tighten the collagen that may have been impacted by the sudden weight gain and loss. The fillers can help raise the cheeks and correct the smile lines.

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