The new generation of GLP-1 weight loss medications has been a game-changer for people seeking to shed weight. But their impact can extend beyond the scale. While they’re effective at reducing body fat, these drugs often result in noticeable facial volume loss—a side effect dubbed “Ozempic face.” A facelift after weight loss addresses this unwanted aftereffect, restoring a vibrant, youthful look to your appearance.
Understanding Post-Weight Loss Facial Aging
Significant weight loss, while incredibly beneficial for your health, also affects your facial appearance. As you lose weight, the facial fat that once kept your skin plump and youthful-looking diminishes. This rapid loss of facial fat can lead to sunken cheeks and temples, making the bones of the face appear more prominent. Additionally, the skin may lose elasticity and sag, accentuating existing wrinkles and fine lines.
The skin sags after significant weight loss because carrying extra weight for an extended period can damage the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, making it difficult for the skin to bounce back after the weight is lost.
Common post-weight loss facial changes include:
- Deepened nasolabial folds (those lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth)
- Jowls that seem to appear out of nowhere
- Hollow cheeks that make you look gaunt
- Loose skin around the neck, creating the dreaded “turkey neck”
Many patients find that a facelift helps them fully realize the benefits of their weight loss journey by restoring a more youthful and vibrant appearance.
How To Treat ‘Ozempic Face’
A few surgical and nonsurgical options can reverse signs of aging after weight loss. I may recommend combining treatments to get the best results. Nonsurgical options such as dermal fillers temporarily restore volume with minimal downtime but won’t address more significant facial and neck skin laxity.
Alternatives to a Facelift
Some of the nonsurgical facelift alternatives that address volume loss or lax skin include:
A Customized Facelift
As a facelift specialist, I tailor each procedure to address the patient’s unique needs. Advanced facelift techniques restore volume, redefine contours, and create harmony with other facial features.
The benefits of a post-weight loss facelift include:
- Skin tightening: Part of my signature Traceless Facelift involves removing excess skin and carefully redraping the remaining skin to create a smoother, more youthful appearance.
- Muscle repositioning: I tighten and reposition the layer of muscle and tissue underlying the skin to provide long-lasting support.
- Fat redistribution: I often use fat transfer techniques, taking surplus fat from another area of the body and reinjecting it into the face.
- Jaw and neck contouring: Special attention is given to the lower face and neck to address jowls and loose skin.
In some cases, a mini facelift or a standalone neck lift may be enough to address your concerns. Or you may choose to combine a facelift with laser skin resurfacing or microneedling to improve the skin’s resilience and complexion.
Our Comprehensive Approach: GLP-1 Medications and Surgical Solutions
At our practice, we understand that weight loss and facial rejuvenation often go hand in hand. That’s why we offer:
- Medical Weight Loss: We provide access to GLP-1 medications as part of our comprehensive weight loss solutions.
- Customized Facelift Procedures: Our experienced plastic surgeons tailor each facelift to address the unique needs of post-weight loss patients.
- Combination Treatments: In some cases, we may recommend combining a facelift with other procedures, such as a neck lift, for optimal results.
When To Schedule a Facelift After Weight Loss
If you’re still in the midst of your weight loss journey, hold off on scheduling that facelift just yet. Here’s why:
- Your weight should be stable for at least 6 months before surgery.
- Further weight fluctuations can affect your results.
- Your body needs time to adjust to its new normal.
Use this time to focus on maintaining your lower weight and establishing healthy habits. Then, begin searching for a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in plastic surgery after weight loss.
How Long Does a Facelift Last?
Facelift results can last for at least 10 years or more. Remember that while a facelift helps you turn back the clock, it does not stop the aging process. You can maximize and preserve your facelift results by taking good care of your skin, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding sun exposure.
Let’s Talk
Choosing to have a facelift after weight loss is a deeply personal decision—one you should make with careful consideration and expert guidance. Facelift surgery is the gold standard for reversing signs of aging and helping you look as youthful as you feel. I customize facelift techniques based on your skin’s condition and the goals you describe during the consultation. You can request a consultation to meet with me personally by using the online form or calling our office at (310) 300-1779.
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