Face Changes from Weight Loss and How to Address Them

Weight Loss Can Significantly Change Facial Appearance

Losing a large amount of weight over a short period of time often results in noticeable changes to facial appearance. As the pounds come off, the skin adjusts and contracts back towards the facial muscles and bones.

Fat Loss in the Face

The face has less muscle and connective tissue compared to other body areas like the abdomen. This means the facial skin and tissues are more strongly impacted when fat stores are depleted rapidly.

Areas like the cheeks, jawline, chin and around the mouth tend to lose volume quickly when dropping weight. This leads to a more hollow, sunkissed and aged look in the face.

Skin Elasticity Issues

Losing fat fast also outpaces the skin's ability to contract back to its original elasticity. When facial skin stays loose instead of snapping back, this contributes to sagginess under the chin, around the nose and along the jaw.

A gaunt, loose or "deflated" facial appearance is common after major weight loss. This effect is amplified the older you get as skin elasticity naturally decreases with age.

Non-Surgical Treatments Can Tighten and Plump Facial Skin

There are a number of non-surgical cosmetic treatments available that can help tighten, lift and add volume back to facial skin that has lost elasticity due to weight loss.

Ultrasound Energy Treatments

Devices like Ultherapy use focused ultrasound energy waves to stimulate deep collagen production. This helps lift and better define facial tissues. Several treatments may be needed but results can last over a year.

Radiofrequency Energy Treatments

Radiofrequency energy devices like Thermage work similarly to Ultherapy but use RF energy instead of ultrasound. The heat stimulates new collagen for tighter skin and can be used on the face and body.

Injectable Fillers

Injectables like Juvederm and Restylane can replace facial volume in precise areas like cheeks, lips, temples and under eyes. Effects typically last 6-12 months. Multiple syringes are often needed to lift and smooth away sunken facial skin from weight loss.

Botox

While Botox does not replace lost facial volume, it can give skin a lifted appearance by relaxing muscles that pull downwards with repetitive animation. Common treatment areas include frown lines, crows feet and forehead.

Surgical Facelifts Most Effectively Reverse Facial Aging

For more mature patients with severely sunken and inelastic skin due to weight loss, plastic surgery procedures can provide facial rejuvenation with longer lasting results compared to non-surgical treatments.

Full Facelift

A full surgical facelift (rhytidectomy) involves repositioning and anchoring sagging facial tissues by tightening underlying muscle and connective tissue. Excess skin is also surgically trimmed. It provides an overall refresh with long lasting improvements.

Neck Lift

A neck lift (platysmaplasty) focuses specifically on treating loose neck skin and vertical neck bands that can result from weight fluctuations. The platysma neck muscles are sutured for a smoother, tighter neck contour.

Lower Facelift

A lower facelift, or jowl lift, concentrates on pulling up and removing loose, sagging skin along the chin, jawline and neck. This specifically addresses heavy or distorted lower facial areas from weight loss.

Non-Surgical Skin Care Can Also Help Rejuvenate Facial Skin

Implementing the right skincare routine helps enhance the tone, texture and appearance of facial skin that has lost elasticity due to weight loss. Key ingredients to focus on include:

Retinoids

Retinoids boost collagen production reducing fine lines and increasing facial fullness. They also stimulate new skin turnover revealing fresher skin layers.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

AHAs are chemical exfoliants that remove dead skin cells. Getting rid of this dull debris unveils the healthier looking skin underneath.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C shields skin from sun damage, improves discoloration and helps synthesize new collagen. Combined these effects create a brighter, firmer complexion.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that infuses skin with deep hydration. This plumps up facial skin from the inside out to reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Sun Protection

Daily broad spectrum sunscreen protects facial skin from UV damage including discoloration and collagen breakdown. This preserves skins tone and elasticity.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.