After dramatic weight loss from either bariatric surgery or a strict diet and exercise regimen, patients are thrilled when the excess pounds are gone. Unfortunately, many patients have the unwelcome side effects of massive weight loss, which can often manifest as the face and neck losing its youthful appearance with either sagging skin or a deflated appearance. For many patients, the face is where you express your pride and happiness in your accomplishment, and you want it to look as good as you feel.
Facelift, necklift, browlift, and eyelid lifts after weight loss are quite popular and can reshape, tighten, and eliminate excess skin from these areas, creating a beautifully rejuvenated facial profile.
To rejuvenate the face of the weight loss patients, it is important to consider two key elements. First loose, sagging structures need to be removed and re-suspended, and second, volume needs to be reestablished. In fact, many patients undergo volume fillers such as fat grafting, Sculptra® or Radiesse® to help with this aspect of the rejuvenation.
Facelift/Necklift After Weight Loss
Depending on the unique aesthetic needs of each weight loss patient, a certain amount of facial and neck skin is usually removed, and the underlying muscle layer is tightened and reshaped. After the facelift/necklift surgery is completed, the skin is gently re-draped and sutured back in place. If necessary, volume, sometimes with the patient’s own fat, is used to restore to the cheekbones and temporal region at the time of the facelift procedure. These changes result in a more youthful, and well-defined face and neckline, one which could not be achieved without surgery. The incisions are well hidden, and run within the creases around the ear and under the chin.
Facelift patients can either undergo a “twilight” anesthesia or a general anesthesia depending on the extent of the procedure. Most facelifts will take between three to five hours, depending on your age and the complexity of the procedure. In some cases, drainage tubes are left in place under certain areas of the skin for to reduce post-surgical swelling. Most patients return to work or socialize in approximately two to three weeks after this surgery. Your hair will help to hide any scars, which will fade with time. During your consultation with Dr. Schwartz at his practice in New York City, each of these methods will be discussed and explained further.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark H. Schwartz or to find out more about Facelift and Necklift After Weight Loss procedures.
Eyelid Surgery After Weight Loss
Unfortunately, dramatic weight loss can cause a sunken and sagging look in the skin around the eyes and can accentuate the “bags” above and underneath the eyes. This is due to the thinness of the skin in this area.
An upper eyelid lift can treat loose or sagging skin that creates folds or hides the natural contour of the eyelid and can sometimes impair the vision. It can also improve the excess fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the upper eyelids.
A lower eyelid lift can treat the bags under the eyes as well as excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid.
These surgical procedures include small incisions made within the natural creases of the eyelids. Depending on your choice to treat the upper or lower eyelids, NYC plastic surgeon Dr. Schwartz will remove or redistribute the excess fat, muscle, and skin to best smooth and brighten the appearance of your eyes at his practice in New York City.
Most eyelids lifts are performed with a “twilight” anesthesia and will take one to three hours depending on your age, health, and the complexity of the procedure. Most patients return to work and resume activities in approximately seven to ten days after eyelid surgery. The appearance of scarring is minimal, if at all, and can be covered with light makeup after one week.
Eyelid surgery results in a noticeable improvement in eye contour, and youthfulness without the burden of a noticeable scar. The extra energy that you have after the weight loss will show even more with your refreshed look!
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark H. Schwartz or to find out more about Eyelid Lift After Weight Loss procedures.
Forehead Lift After Weight Loss
A forehead lift, also known as a browlift, is another way to rejuvenate your face after weight loss, also commonly known as a brow lift. This is especially true with weight loss patients, who can have excess skin and heaviness of the brow region that can hide the eyes and makes them appear tired. A forehead lift can go a long way toward refreshing and brightening your look and can ease the furrows from your brow.
There are a variety of techniques used to perform brow lift surgery. The type of technique depends on various factors including patient preference, the position of the eyebrows, the amount of excess upper eyelid skin, and the height and configuration of your hairline. The procedures include the traditional brow lift where an incision is made within the hairline and extends across the scalp from just above the ears. The endoscopic brow lift is a relatively new procedure that involves multiple small incisions, which allow the surgeon to insert an endoscope to tighten the forehead muscles. The temporal brow lift places small incisions within the temporal hairline and elevates the lateral ends of the brow.
These procedures are usually performed with a general anesthetic, however, in certain cases they may be performed with a twilight anesthetic. Most brow lifts take one to two hours depending on the extent of the procedure and the technique chosen. Most patients return to work in seven to fourteen days after the brow lift procedure, and this may depend on other procedures that are performed along with the brow lift.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark H. Schwartz or to find out more about Forehead/Browlift procedures.
