Will Losing Weight First Help with Facial Scar Revision?

Question

i'm considering having a revision done of a widened scar on the apple of my cheek. i am about 50 pounds overweight. could losing the weight prior to undergoing a revision cause the skin on the cheek to be more lax, and thus help to reduce tension on the incision after revision, lessening the chance of widening?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Although it is hard to know whether scar revision will be helpful for you,  I think your reasoning is correct.  Loss of approximately 50 pounds may allow for more tissue laxity in the area and less tension upon closure.

	Again, I think your thinking is correct.

	When the time is right I would suggest in person consultation with a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon.

	Good luck!

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

Weight loss will result in some relative laxity of the skin as there would be less tissue stretching it out. Whether or not that will be of any consequence to the outcome of a scar revision is impossible to determine without any additional information including the location, orientation, width and length of the scar as well as the general elasticity of your skin now aand the degree of tautness.

	For more information, you should see a board certified plastic surgeon

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Weight loss in an of itself does not improve the contour of a scar but due to more laxity from loose skin, it may help.

Will Losing Weight First Help with Facial Scar Revision?

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Will Losing Weight First Help with Facial Scar Revision?

Answers (3)

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