Facelift After Weight Loss

A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a procedure designed to help reposition and eliminate excess facial skin and tissues to help restore a more youthful appearance. When individuals lose a significant amount of weight around their face and neck, they often experience drooping or sagging skin. Recently termed “Ozempic Face,” dramatic weight loss has also left many with hollowing in the cheeks, temples, and jawline. Over time, facelifts have grown in popularity, with over 78,000 procedures performed in the country during 2023 alone. ⁽¹⁾ As weight loss has become more achievable with GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide, many individuals seek treatments like facelifts to enhance their appearance after successful weight loss.

Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg is a double-board-certified plastic surgeon as well as the founder and medical director of Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology. With over 30 years of experience, he has been repeatedly voted as one of the Best Cosmetic Surgeons and was recently named one of the 10 Best Plastic Surgeons for Patient Satisfaction by the American Institute of Plastic Surgeons.

If you are interested in starting your facelift journey, please schedule your personal consultation by calling (844) 568-6717 or contacting us online.

Before and After Photos

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About Facelift After Weight Loss

Facelifts after weight loss are a variation of the traditional facelift procedure that is designed to tighten and lift loose skin resulting from a significant amount of volume loss. The effects of weight loss often leave many patients with excess, redundant skin that will not contract, resulting in a gaunt, aged look. The face is composed of layers of muscles, fat pads, nerves, vessels, and bones, all of which respond to significant fluctuations in weight. ⁽²⁾ A facelift can effectively eliminate excess facial skin, restoring a slimmer, revitalized appearance in patients, helping them reach the finish line in their weight loss journey. Oftentimes, Dr. Greenberg recommends cosmetic injectables such as dermal fillers or facial fat transfer to replace volume in the cheeks, under-eyes, or jawline. Combining with non-surgical treatments like Morpheus8, microneedling, or radiofrequency to tighten skin can provide a more dramatic result.

Benefits of a Facelift After Weight Loss

Many benefits can be experienced after undergoing a post-weight loss facelift, including:

To learn more about how you may benefit from a facelift after weight loss, please call (844) 568-6717 or contact us online.

Suitable Candidates

Individuals seeking this procedure are typically those left with excess, lax skin or soft tissue that will not contract after losing a significant amount of weight. Patients experiencing sagging or drooping skin around the neck, jaw, and face are highly recommended for this procedure.

All candidates interested in a facelift after weight loss should be in good overall health, free from any underlying medical conditions that may impair healing. Patients should be at a stable, maintainable weight for several months and hold realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure. Candidates should also be non-smokers or prepared to quit until fully healed. A surgeon will determine each patient’s candidacy during their personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

Each patient is asked to attend a personal consultation at Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology before scheduling a facelift. This consultation not only helps us recommend the best surgical strategies to employ but also allows us to tailor the procedure to each individual. We will first ask individuals a series of questions regarding their medical history, current medications, desired results, and concerns. An examination may also be performed to evaluate each patient’s facial anatomy.

Once the surgeon has gathered an adequate amount of information, they will craft each patient’s procedure, customizing each aspect to help them reach their ideal aesthetic. Personalized preparation and recovery instructions will also be provided, in addition to a price quote. Patients are encouraged to ask questions or voice any concerns they may have, as we want each patient to feel informed and comfortable regarding their procedure.

Consultations can be scheduled at any of the following locations:

To schedule your personal consultation, please contact us online or call (844) 568-6717.

Preparation

Each patient will receive a set of preparation instructions to guide them on how to prepare for their facelift. Before their procedure, patients may be asked to undergo bloodwork and testing to ensure that they are healthy and ready for their facelift.

We may also ask patients to avoid certain medications and supplements, especially those with blood-thinning properties. Patients who smoke will need to quit weeks before their appointment, ceasing full use until at least one month after their procedure. ⁽³⁾ Patients will need to pre-arrange transportation home after their procedure, in addition to any time away from work and social commitments.

Procedure

Each patient’s procedure will begin with the cleansing and sterilization of the skin before general anesthesia is administered to ensure a comfortable procedure. This means the patient will remain unconscious while being treated.

Your surgeon will discreetly place incisions near the ears or along the hairline to help minimize any visible scarring. The exact surgical techniques and incision patterns used will depend on each patient’s facial anatomy and the extent of corrections. They will then carefully lift the skin, accessing both the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) layer of tissue and the deeper underlying muscle layers. Your surgeon adjusts these layers for a more natural-looking outcome as well as longer-lasting results. The underlying muscle and SMAS layer will then be repositioned and tightened to create a more sculpted and youthful appearance and contour. The malar pads, or apples of the cheeks, may also be moved or adjusted to achieve more youthful definition in the mid-face region.

Recovery

Facelifts are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning the patient will be released home after their procedure to continue healing. Swelling or bruising may be experienced at the treatment site, but these effects are common and will subside within several weeks. It is recommended that each patient sleep with their head elevated to help further reduce swelling. Any discomfort experienced may also be alleviated through the use of prescribed or over-the-counter medications. Many patients can return to work within 2-3 weeks, but should continue avoiding physical activity or exercise for several weeks. Sun protection should also be prioritized when leaving the house. Any further recovery instructions will be provided during each patient’s consultation and before they leave our facilities.

Results

Immediately following the procedure, many patients will notice a significant difference in their facial composition. However, the final results will become more apparent as any residual swelling dissipates. Each patient will be able to experience a more youthful appearance and tighter, smoother facial aesthetics. Redundant, sagging skin will be eliminated, leaving the face and neck more defined, proportionate, and contoured. Any visible scarring will be minimal and continue to fade until barely noticeable. The results of each facelift are long-lasting, with many patients experiencing their results for up to a decade. ⁽³⁾

Cost of a Facelift After Weight Loss in Long Island, New York

The cost of each facelift can vary, as each patient’s procedure is fully tailored to address their concerns and unique anatomy. During the patient’s consultation, the surgeon will provide a quote for each patient once their treatment plan has been established and agreed upon. Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology has also partnered with multiple reputable lending companies to help qualifying patients finance the cost of their facelift.

To discover the full cost of your procedure, please submit our online contact form or call (844) 568-6717.

FAQ

References

1. ASPS. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner.; 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
2. Nguyen J, Duong H. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Face. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551530/
3. Yang AJ, Hohman MH. Rhytidectomy. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564338/