Weight loss is a journey. The path can take many twists and turns, but in the end, the satisfaction of dropping those pounds is worth it. For those who have used medical weight loss methods where weight is shed rapidly, the path may have had a slightly unexpected detour in the form of unwanted facial changes. If you've lost weight and are now seeing sagging skin, hollow features, or other sudden signs of aging, there are options, both surgical and non-surgical, for facial rejuvenation.
Trending: Injectable Medical Weight-Loss Medication
Whether you've recently lost weight or are considering medical weight loss, you've most likely heard about semaglutide and tirzepatide, the miracle drugs sweeping the nation's medical weight loss community.
Semaglutide, sold under the brands Ozempic and Wegovy, and tirzepatide, sold under the brand Mounjaro, are specialized medications often used to treat diabetes, but they can also be used off-label for patients struggling with weight issues. These medications are known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists and mimic the naturally produced GLP-1 hormone. GLP-1 helps to regulate blood sugar and insulin and produces the body's sense of satiety.
This means appetite control and a longer-lasting feeling of fullness, which in turn leads to eating less and eventual weight loss, often with a few other lifestyle changes. These medications are administered as a once-a-week injectable and are an incredibly simple and effective way to stimulate rapid weight loss.
Medical Weight-Loss and Facial Fat Loss
Rapid weight loss can be fulfilling, but for some, it can also come with unintended consequences like the gaunt, sunken appearance sometimes known as Ozempic face. But this isn't caused specifically by semaglutide or tirzepatide, as any weight loss can contribute to facial fat loss that may begin to appear extreme for some patients. Excess fat pockets in the face may have been contributing to a rounder, more youthful facial contour, and when this fat disappears, signs of aging may begin to appear more significant.
Surgical Aesthetic Treatments for After Weight Loss
After significant weight loss, many individuals seek aesthetic treatments to address changes in their facial appearance. These treatments are not exclusive to women, with many men also greatly benefiting from restoring youthful contours and rejuvenating their appearance after facial fat loss. A skilled plastic surgeon can help determine which procedures are best for you and customize a treatment plan to meet your aesthetic goals.
Facelift
By tightening underlying tissues and removing excess skin, a facelift can restore a more youthful and refreshed appearance. This procedure, also known as rhytidectomy, can address sagging skin, deep creases, or wrinkles on the face and neck. Either a traditional or mini facelift may be used depending on each individual's specific concerns and desired outcomes.
Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, targets sagging or drooping eyelids or a sunken undereye area. Excess skin may be removed, and fat pockets may be repositioned in the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both to rejuvenate the eyes and create a brighter, more youthful look.
Neck Lift
Along with skin laxity in the face, the neck and jowl area may see significant changes after weight loss. A neck lift can address this by removing excess skin as well as adjusting underlying muscles to tighten and contour the neck area, eliminating wrinkles, lines, and creases.
Venus Legacy Skin Tightening
For those who would prefer a non-invasive option, Venus Legacy utilizes multi-polar radiofrequency and pulsed electromagnetic fields to tighten skin and reduce wrinkles without surgery. By stimulating collagen production, Venus Legacy improves skin elasticity and firmness, restoring a youthful look to the face and neck.
Forma Skin Tightening
Another great option for non-surgical facial rejuvenation is Forma Skin Tightening. This procedure uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production, tighten loose skin, and improve the appearance of wrinkles. This painless procedure can be performed on nearly any area of the body, including the face, neck, and decollete, resulting in smoother and firmer skin.
Morpheus8
Morpheus8 combines the tried and true rejuvenation method of microneedling with radiofrequency energy to improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and tighten loose skin. This innovative and restorative treatment can target deep layers of the skin, producing long-lasting results with minimal downtime.
Celebrate Your Success More Fully
If you're ready to get even more excited about your weight loss by addressing facial fat loss, it's important to consult with skilled and trained aesthetic professionals like Dr. Michael Horn and his staff at Michael Horn Plastic Surgery & Med Spa. Stay well informed by booking a consultation today to find out the best treatment plan for you and your unique needs.
