39, 80 pound weight loss - Am I a good candidate for the deep plane facelift? (Photos)

Question

I'm 39. I got nasolabial folds at 21, after a 80-lb weight loss. Recently, I noticed saggy jowls, marionette and neck lines. Will the deep plane facelift erase those lines? If I lose 20 lbs, will it affect results? What do you recommend for neck lines and dark spot under the eyes? Thank you.

Carl Truesdale, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos and your question, and congratulations on your weight loss. Since you are still in the process of losing weight, I would recommend starting with facial fat transfer to replenish volume that has been lost and restore support in areas that contribute to a youthful appearance, such as the under-eyes, cheeks, nasolabial folds, temples, chin, and the pre-jowl sulcus. Volume loss is a major contributor to early folds after significant weight loss, and replacing that volume can make a meaningful improvement while you continue your journey.
We typically recommend moving forward with a deep plane facelift once you are within about 10 pounds of your goal weight and feel confident you can maintain it. At that stage, you would be an excellent candidate for a deep plane face and neck lift to reposition the descended facial structures, improve jowling, soften the nasolabial and marionette lines, and refine the neck contour. Losing additional weight after a facelift can affect the results, which is why timing surgery close to your stable goal weight is ideal.
Overall, a staged approach&mdash;starting with volume restoration now and planning surgery once your weight stabilizes&mdash;would provide the most natural and long-lasting result. Thank you for your question.

Javier Parada, MD · Answer

A deep plane facelift can significantly improve jowls, marionette lines, and jawline definition, and it also helps soften nasolabial folds by repositioning deeper facial structures. However, it will not completely erase all fine lines, especially those related to skin quality and volume loss.Losing 20 lbs after surgery is not recommended, as it can affect facial volume and potentially compromise long-term results. It’s best to be at a stable, maintainable weight before surgery.For under-eye darkness, treatment depends on the cause and may include lower eyelid surgery or non-surgical options like laser or targeted fillers.Overall, a facelift addresses structure and sagging, while skin quality and under-eye concerns often require complementary treatments for the best result.

Pedro Literas, MD · Answer

Significant weight loss &mdash; like your 80 lb change &mdash; often leads to early facial aging, even in patients in their 30s.Based on your concerns (jowls, marionette lines, neck laxity), you are describing structural descent, not just a skin issue. That distinction is key.Would a deep plane facelift help?Yes &mdash; in the right patient, a deep plane facelift is one of the most effective ways to address:early jowlingdeepening nasolabial foldsmarionette linesneck laxityUnlike skin-only techniques, it repositions the deeper facial structures, which is exactly what tends to be affected after weight loss.But here is the critical point:At 39, the goal is not to “tighten” aggressively, but to restore a natural, rested version of your face.In younger patients like you, I typically favor:a conservative deep plane approachsometimes combined with volume restoration (fat grafting) if there is deflation from weight lossWhat about losing another 20 lbs?This is very important. Ideally, you should be at or very close to your stable weight before surgeryFurther weight loss after a facelift can:reduce facial volumepartially affect the final aesthetic balanceThat said, it won’t “ruin” the result, but it may make you look slightly more deflated over time.Neck linesThese are often a combination of:skin qualityplatysma activityvolume changesA deep plane facelift (with proper neck work) can significantly improve them, but skin quality treatments (laser, resurfacing) may be needed for optimal refinement.Dark circles under the eyesThis is usually a separate issue from the facelift.Depending on the cause (hollowing vs pigmentation), options include:lower blepharoplasty (if fat herniation or hollowness)fat graftingskin treatments (laser, skincare)Bottom line:.You may be a good candidate, especially given the post-weight-loss changes.But timing (stable weight) and a natural, conservative approach are key to getting an elegant result

39, 80 pound weight loss - Am I a good candidate for the deep plane facelift? (Photos)

Answers (3)

More Deep Plane Facelift Questions

CO2 laser before Deep Plane facelift - how long should I wait in between?

52, female - Surgical options for facial aging and asymmetry? (Photos)

Will a future face or neck lift affect otoplasty results?

Does face/neck CO2 laser ablation increase the risk of a poor outcome of a future facelift?

Three years post deep plane facelift - cheek flat, smile crooked. How can this be fixed? (Photos)

Facelift Revision Specialists: How Do You Correct Bilateral Pixie Ear and Tragus Deformity? (Photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS