Should I have my face lift during my weight lost or after? (Photo)

Small amounts of weight change prior to surgery are inconsequential, however, substantial fluctuations in weight can alter the surgical plan. In this case, I think it is absolutely best to lose the weight prior to the face lift operation. Significant weight loss will not only increase the amount of skin laxity present but can unmask significant issues with bone structure and facial volume. Following weight loss your surgeon may realize an unforeseen need for facial fat injections or a facial implant (e.g. chin implant). Congratulations on your ambitious goals and I wish you the very best.  

The ideal scenario is that patients undergoing a facelift or neck lift are at their ideal weight or within 10-20 pounds. Over the past 12+ years in practice, I have not found small weight fluctuations to effect the longevity or results of these procedures. With a goal of losing 50 lbs, the results will be effected. It's best to get as close to your goal weight as possible before surgery. Your goal weight should also be something that you can maintain going forward. For some of my patients who have put off having a facelift/necklift and had a hard time losing the weight, having a facelift has been a motivating factor to being more successful in weight loss. Even if the weight loss is significant after surgery(i.e. more than 10-20 lbs), patients will still look better after losing weight and having had a facelift than they would if the didn't have the procedure. In that situation, if more improvement is desired after the weight loss, procedures can be performed to address the residual skin excess and muscle looseness.  This is always best discussed during the consultation with the surgeon who you entrust with helping you reach your surgical goals.

If you are planning to lose around 50 pounds, it is generally preferable to reach a stable weight before undergoing a facelift. Significant weight loss can change facial volume and skin laxity, potentially affecting your surgical results. Once your weight has stabilized, your surgeon can better assess the degree of facial and neck laxity and determine whether a facelift, neck lift, or fat grafting would best address your concerns. An in-person consultation can help you plan the timing and approach most suitable for your goals.

Thank you for your photo and your question. Congratulations on the beginning a weight loss journey, that is a major accomplishment. I think the best investment is definitely surgery after you have lost the weight. A lower facelift includes lifting the cheeks, contouring the jawline, and tightening the neck. Although this is more pricey initially it will give you the most long lasting results. Hope this helps.

Thank you for your question. If you intend to lose a significant
amount of weight, I highly recommend that you do so before your procedure.
Significant weight-loss after a facelift can lead to fat loss of the face
and/or excess skin which can impact the result of your procedure. I recommend
discussing your weight-loss plans with your surgeon as well. Best of luck!

Small amount of weight change usually doesn't effect the results of facial cosmetic surgery.  However, larger amounts (20 lbs or more) of weight loss will have a negative effect if occurs after the facial rejuvenation procedure.  Thus, if you are planning on losing 50 lbs, you would be better to lose that weight first, then have the face lift.  After losing 50 lbs, you will see significant skin laxity of the neck, submental region and jowls.  Thus, performing the face lift after this occurs will ensure that you get a nice improvement in this added skin laxity.

Hello, thank you for your question and congratulations on your weight loss journey! Since you are getting a facelift, I would definitely wait until you have achieved your weight loss goal, or feel confident in what you have lost. Any significant weight loss (or gain) shows in the face, so bare that in mind. I would also bring this question to the board-certified surgeon you are using for your procedure, as they will have the best insight. Good luck!

If you intend to lose a not so little amount of weight, it might be best to wait to have your surgery. Substantial amounts of weight loss can cause changes in the facial appearance and structure. After the weight loss, assessment of the amount of extra skin to be removed will be more clear. And any hollowness or volume loss to the face can also be improved along with your facelift.

Hope this helps,Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

Thank you for your question, and congratulations on considering having a facelift.  Your question is one that we hear quite often from our patients.  I typically will recommend that if a patient is considering weight loss, they should do this before having a facelift.  The reason for this is that weight loss after surgery can cause loosening of the skin of the face and neck, which can compromise your results.  That being said, though, as long as you're healthy you can have a facelift while maintaining your current weight.
I would consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon who specializes in facelifts.  Here you will have a full evaluation and be able to discuss your goals for surgery

I hope that this helps!–David Gilpin

I much prefer that a patient reach their goal weight prior to facial rejuvenation surgery.    The facelift will then be pulling much loser skin.  Best Wishes!!

it would be a much better idea for you to lose all of your weight, and be at a stable weight, for several months prior to having your facelift. A certain amount of skin tightening and deep tissue lifting is done at the time of a facelift. If the volume of your face shrinks more after your facelift you may not be happy with the smoothness of your skin. Discuss this with your plastic surgeon but I’m almost certain that your surgeon will recommend you get to a normal weight, and be stable at that weight for a couple months prior to considering your facelift.