Is it a Good Idea to Lose Weight Before Facelift Surgery?

Losing weight – when done safely and in a healthy way – has a virtually endless list of health benefits. From reducing your risk of heart disease and other illnesses to improving your appearance and self-confidence, weight loss can be life-changing. When it comes to losing weight before facelift surgery specifically, many patients have questions about if weight loss will impact their results and, if so, how. As you prepare for your facelift procedure, review the information below from board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Kelishadi, founder of SSK Plastic Surgery in Orange County, CA, to better understand if – and why – you should consider losing weight before a facelift.

What happens during a facelift?

During facelift surgery, Dr. Kelishadi will use a combination of various techniques based on the patient’s facial anatomy, concerns, and desired outcome. In general, most facelift procedures involve manipulating the facial musculature to create a more youthful contour and removing excess skin. The remaining skin is then redraped over the newly sculpted muscle layer for a smoother, tauter look, with great care being taken not to create an overly tight or artificial look. Some of the most common age-related facial concerns that are addressed during facelift surgery include:

• Loose skin
• Deep wrinkles
• Deep facial folds
• Nasolabial folds
• Drooping jowls
• Sunken cheeks
• Tired or angry look
• Downturned mouth

In many cases, facelift surgery is also combined with a neck lift, which helps to slim and firm a loose, hanging neck.

Should I lose weight before my facelift?

Overall, losing weight before any surgical procedure may be beneficial for the patient’s health and safety, as being overweight is associated with higher anesthesia-related risks, delayed healing, and other complications. In the case of cosmetic surgery, and specifically face or body contouring procedures, it is important to consider how weight loss may impact the aesthetic outcome of the procedure as well. Because weight loss often results in loose, excess skin – particularly in older patients – losing weight prior to a facelift may actually be beneficial. For example, if a patient loses weight before a facelift, the surgeon may be able to remove a greater amount of loose skin and achieve a more desirable result. If the patient loses weight after the facelift, on the other hand, they may develop loose skin that compromises their original results. Most importantly, patients should be committed to maintaining a stable weight following surgery in order to preserve their outcome over time.

Am I a good candidate for a facelift?

With so many types of facelifts available today – including the traditional facelift, mini facelift, lower facelift, and others – patients of almost any age and in good health stand to benefit from facelift surgery. For patients considering a facelift, Dr. Kelishadi will conduct a thorough consultation to assess the patient’s anatomy and concerns, review their health history, and determine if they may qualify for the procedure.

Turn back the clock by up to a decade or more with facelift surgery in Newport Beach, CA

Once you have reached your goal weight and have maintained a stable weight for at least 6 – 12 months, you may be ready for facelift surgery. To learn more about the effects of weight loss prior to a facelift, as well as what results may be possible for you, call SSK Plastic Surgery to schedule your initial consultation for facelift surgery in Orange County with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Kelishadi.