Is it likely that I have ligament damage and facial laxity after weight loss?

Question

I am 30 years old and my weight went up and down in my twenties, probably about 12 pounds or so at a time (I'm 5'8). I am very insecure about my mid-face and sagging under my eyes and nasolabial folds. How much impact would these weight fluctuations had on my facial ligaments in my 20s? Will ligaments tighten after weight loss. Is my face showing signs of premature ageing? Can I tighten my ligaments?

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and questions. It is unlikely that modest weight fluctuations are going to cause significant changes in your facial appearance. The concerns you have are more likely due to normal early aging changes, anatomical differences, and genetics. If you have concerns about your appearance, go have a consultation with a local plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. They can discuss possible options for intervention.Hope this helps!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

Kathylee Santangelo, MD · Answer

Hi, Sociable7986,
It is unlikely that the laxity you are experiencing is caused by the weight fluctuations you experienced in your twenties. This is great news because it means you have many noninvasive treatment options that can address the concerns you have with your aging process.
 Here at Totality, we offer many treatment options that can address the laxity in your face. My medical recommendation would be treatment with the NuEra TIGHT. NuEra TIGHT uses radiofrequency heat to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin and visibly tighten the skin around various areas of the body, especially the face. It is noninvasive and feels like a warm, relaxing massage. After 6-8 initial treatments, it requires a minimal maintenance of 1-2 treatments per year. 
Another option that may work for you is microneedling. My office uses SkinPen, an FDA approved micorneedling procedure that promotes the body's production of collagen and elastin to improve sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, and other minor skin impurities. 
While either of the options may be a good fit for you, I recommend consulting with a specialist to design a unique treatment plan that will give you the best results.
Best wishes,
Dr. KathyLee Santangelo

Anna Toker, MD, FACS · Answer

The aging process is associated with fat loss in the face, thinning skin, and bone resorption. It becomes more obvious after the age of 29. So, weightloss can affect your appearance but the ligament issue is not as important as skin laxity. I would suggest skin tightening with radio frequency- add nanofractiong or skin resurfacing to improve tone. Then, consider filler along zygoma- not too much. Most importantly, look to dietary habits. A clean diet does more for your complexion than almost anything else.

Randy Dean, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!A 12 lb. weight fluctuation will not significantly affect facial aging, which would be manifested by skin laxity, not ligamentous stretching. The culprit is gravity which continuously exerts a downward force, gradually stretching the skin over the years. Excessive sun exposure will hasten the process.  From your photos, your facial appearance appears normal for a 30 year old. There are no excessive wrinkling or skin folds noted. In our practice, we treat early facial aging with the Fraxel laser, which involves no downtime and provides significant improvement. Visit a board certified plastic surgeon for in-person evaluation and discussion.Best wishes...

Is it likely that I have ligament damage and facial laxity after weight loss?

Answers (4)

Answer: Treatment of early facial laxity

Answer: Treatment of early facial laxity

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Skin Tightening

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

Is it likely that I have ligament damage and facial laxity after weight loss?

Answers (4)

Answer: Treatment of early facial laxity

Answer: Treatment of early facial laxity

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Skin Tightening

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