Sagging cheeks after weight loss. Can the skin be excised?

Question

I have lost about 100 lbs in weight, and feel like I have too much sagging skin around my cheek area. The cheeks are drooping. I would like to ask what options do I have to remove the excess skin? Can it be excised? I personally get the best result when I push the loose skin in the direction of my nose. Can an excision be made there? On either side of my nose? It seems to look more natural than when I pull the skin to the side of my face, it only distorts my face when I pull it to the sides.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

A combination approach would give the most improvement. Deep wrinkles and smile lines can be improved with a combination of Botox and/or fillers for the lines themselves and to build anatomical support with Sculptra for collagen building. Ultherapy is a great skin tightening device, but works best in combination with other treatments like J Plasma, RF treatments, lasers, microneedling/PRP, salt facials, Cosmelan for skin tightening and improve skin tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Kimberly Lee, MD · Answer

Congratulations on the weight loss!  Generally speaking, excising the skin in the cheek/nasal area is not recommended.  However, there is a minimally invasive way to tighten the skin to achieve a tighter appearance.  Please consult with a board certified specialist who can assist you with achieving the results you seek.

Terrence Murphy, MD · Answer

More details about age weight etc would be helpful here and also photos but in general removal of skin near the nose is not an option due to scarring etc.  Excess skin of the face is performed as a cheeklift or facelift  and the incisions are laterally around the ears. Depending on your anatomy the results are typically pleasing and natural with an experienced surgeon.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Congratulations on the weight loss.  Many times, patients losing that amount of weight need to have skin removal.  Without photos, or knowing your age, it is really hard to give advice.  Excising skin from the nose area is NOT recommended!  The reason it doesn't look natural when you pull your skin to the side, is because that is not natural!  When you have skin removed from the face (as in a facelift), it is done back and up and the muscle is also addressed.  This gives a natural look to the face.

Sagging cheeks after weight loss. Can the skin be excised?

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Answer: Sagging cheeks after weight loss. Can the skin be excised?

Answer: Sagging cheeks after weight loss. Can the skin be excised?

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Sagging cheeks after weight loss. Can the skin be excised?

Answers (4)

Answer: Sagging cheeks after weight loss. Can the skin be excised?

Answer: Sagging cheeks after weight loss. Can the skin be excised?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Cheek Augmentation

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