How much weight loss is safe after a facelift?

Question

I’m almost 5 weeks post op face and neck lift. I’ve lost a little over 10 pounds post op. I lost twenty pounds prior to my face and neck lift, and now a little over 10 pounds post op. I’m a healthy weight and don’t desire to lose more weight, but the pounds just seem to be shedding. Will this ruin the result of my face and neck lift? How much weight is too much weight to lose post op? Thank you in advance for your time and answers.

Brian Maloney, MD, FACS · Answer

There can be many reasons for this. I would follow up with your medical doctor to rule out thyroid, stomach issues, or emotional concerns. The newer anesthetics generally do not have a delayed effect and tend to wear off quickly.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

If you have not had a change in diet and exercise you should see your medical doctor to find out why you are losing weight. Depending on how much fat you have in your face will determine how much of an effect continued weight loss will have on your results. Good luck.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Weight loss after a facelift can impact the appearance and cause some ptosis or drooping of the face.  The amount of weight loss which can manifest in the face is different but as little as 10 lbs can show dramatic differences in the face and neck.  Seek advice from a facial expert on how to combat any visible post procedure signs of aging including use of fillers, lasers, etc.  Best Dr. Anil Shah

Scott C. Sattler, MD, FACS · Answer

I don't see a problem with mild to moderate weight loss after facelift surgery - you may see some thinning of the face, but you should not encounter facial skin laxity

Tom D. Wang, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there, we recommend for all of our prospective facelift patients to be within 5 lbs of their target weight prior to having the procedure.  Losing weight after a tightening lift will always cause some further relaxation of the tissues.  For most patients 5-10 lbs should not cause significant change although that is somewhat dependent of overall facial fullness to start with.  Certainly loss of more than 15 lbs will lead to noticeable deflation of the face and so should be avoided if possible.  Hope this is helpful!

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

but if you do lose a lot, your results will lose some tightness as your fill (aka fat), diminished.  You will still have a marked improvement over where you started from but your relaxation will be more rapid than if you were able to maintain your weight.  More concerning is if your weight loss is just happening on its own without any changes in activity and diet, I would suggest you see your primary doctor to find an explanation for why that is happening as there are some concerning issues that do cause unintended weight loss.

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

Congratulations on undergoing your weight loss and your facelift surgery. I normally would advise patients against a 10 pound weight loss after the procedure but if you're satisfied with your appearance, I would suggest that you're okay. If further weight loss makes you look tired, hollows your cheeks or  makes you tired or unhealthy looking, then I think you would probably have little difficulty restoring your weight through changes in your diet. If necessary you could even consider receiving filler injections. Obviously simply regaining the weight would be desirable under the circumstances. Best wishes,Jon A. Perlman, M.D., FACSDiplomate, American Board of Plastic SurgeryAssociate Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery Geffen/UCLA Medical CenterExtreme Makeover, ABC TV plastic surgeonBeverly Hills, Ca.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

The answer will depend on how much fat you have in the facial structures.d If you have a thin face and lose weight you are unlikely to see any significant changes. The opposite is true for a patient with a heavy face.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

I would not lose more than 15 to 20 pounds after a facelift.  You were right to lose the majority of weight prior to surgery.  Follow up with your surgeon so he or she can monitor your progress.

Michael J. Rodriguez, MD, FAACS -Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question. I would recommend if you are planning to lose any weight after a facelift that it is no more than 15 to 20 pounds. Reason being, you risk more laxity in the facial area. If you are thinking of losing more than 20 pounds, I recommend you wait until after that prior to having your procedure done.

How much weight loss is safe after a facelift?

Answers (10)

More Facelift Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (10)

More Facelift Questions

My face is much wider than before facelift. Is this just swelling or will it thin out? (Photo)

I am 2 weeks post face and neck lift. What can reduce under skin hardness? (Photo)

Question re: Pony Tail lift. What would other names does it go by?

Brazilian Blowout hair treatment 3 months after facelift?

Do you think I would benefit from a mid face or cheek lift? I have Malar bags and mid face sagging. (Photo)

If someone needs a temple lift is it better to wait and just get a mid face lift?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS