Does heavy weightliftng/powerlifting (starting 1 year post-op) affect the longevity of a deep plane facelit?

Thank you for your question. I don't think there are any definitive papers in terms of looking at this from a scientific perspective. However, I don't think heavy weight lifting is going to make a difference in the longevity of a deep plane facelift or any facelift for that matter after the tissue has healed. The scar tissue and adequate mobilization by releasing the ligaments should keep everything in place. All the best.

Thank you for your question. There are two mechanisms that can lead to poorer outcomes following deep plane facelift and deep plane neck lift when people take on heavy weightlifting.

First, heavy weightlifting leads to decreased body fat, and this will show in the appearance of the face.

Second, powerlifting and weightlifting usually require contraction of the muscles in the neck, including the tongue. This leads to a buildup of muscle volume under the chin and produces changes in the appearance of the neck, which also affects, to some degree, the appearance of the face.

This is incredibly incorrect. Powerlifting has nothing to do with facial aging. I would recommend seeing a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ideally with 6 years of integrated plastic surgery residency training and ALSO a 1 year aesthetic fellowship accredited by the Aesthetic Society).

There are many things that can affect the longevity of a facelift including varying degree of elasticity, sun exposure. Does weightlifting cause the skin to stretch? Hard to know and I’m sure it varies from patient to patient

Hello, hope you are well. That's a great question. A year after a deep plane facelift the soft tissues have healed to the point where the tensile strength of the scar tissue has reached its maximum and is supporting the lift (rather than sutures in or under the skin). Weightlifting will not undo the results because everything has healed into its new position and the excess skin has already been removed. Earlier in the healing phase, especially for the first 6 weeks, strenuous activity and neck range of motion should be limited.
Best,Dr. Tower