Getting Healthy: How A Facelift Can Improve Your Look After Major Weight Loss

john park plastic surgery Getting Healthy How A Facelift Can Improve Your Look After Major Weight Loss

Getting Healthy: How A Facelift Can Improve Your Look After Major Weight Loss

The Pros and Cons Of Getting Healthy

For some of the millions of overweight or obese Americans, significant weight loss is a fantastic achievement. A healthier body, mind, and improved physique are the expected benefits. Unfortunately, there are some downsides too. For example, losing considerable weight leads to sagging skin that can even translate to the face. These changes can impact self-esteem and confidence. Today, many people seek cosmetic procedures to sculpt, tone, and tighten after major weight loss, and a facelift is top of the list.

Skin and Weight Loss

Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce sickness, depression, anxiety, and other health complications. However, losing weight too quickly can cause skin elasticity to break down, depending on the time being overweight. The longer skin stretches, the less likely elasticity will return. Rapid weight loss, often of 100 pounds or more, causes saggy skin.

Should you get a facelift?

A rhytidectomy or facelift is a cosmetic procedure to create a younger appearance. The process tightens the underlying tissue by removing excess facial skin and deep wrinkles. Facelifts also tighten loose, hanging skin around the jawline, forehead, cheeks, brows, and eyelids. Most facelift patients are middle-aged and want to feel rejuvenated. However, some may need the same help after major weight loss.

What happens during surgery?

In a facelift, the surgeon makes an incision in front of the ear, into the hairline. The surgeon then lifts the skin of the facial muscles, gently pulling the skin upward while moving muscles and tissue. The excess skin is then removed after reattaching the repositioned tissue. Facelift surgery is an inpatient procedure that can take from 2 to 5 hours. In addition, some surgeons perform a weekend facelift, a technique with smaller incisions and a faster recovery time.

Can a facelift improve your appearance?

Facelift surgery can take years off a patient’s appearance by tightening loose skin. Healthy skin elasticity and bone structure will give the best results. Patients rate themselves as looking an average of 12 years younger after surgery. As any residual post-operative swelling subsides, patients will continue to see gradual improvement. In general, the results from a facelift will look excellent after about 1 month and look best at 6 months. Typically, the results last from 7 to 10 years. For those with major weight loss, facelifts bring a much-needed addition to the body transformation journey.

Taking care of your facelift after surgery

Self-care during the first 3 weeks will aid in a speedy recovery and minimize the risk of complications. Most patients see improvements as early as 3 weeks after surgery. However, residual swelling and occasional sensations such as tingling or tightness will still be a factor. Scars may appear visible for another month or two of recovery. Listen to the surgeon and follow wound care instructions as directed. Do not pick scabs that develop on the wound. Avoid strenuous activity or aerobic or sports. Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 3 weeks and use SPF 30 or higher sunscreen as needed. Again, following the surgeon’s instructions will bring the best results.

Finish the weight loss journey

Everyone’s weight loss journey is different. For some, however, the result could be stretched, droopy skin on the face. A facelift can improve appearance for a more youthful and refreshed look. However, all surgeries come with risks. Always speak to a surgeon to weigh all options and for guidance when considering a facelift. Nevertheless, for suitable candidates, a facelift after significant weight loss can be transformative.



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