Post-Weight-Loss Facial Procedures

Offered at our convenient location in Baltimore, Maryland

Post-weight-loss facial rejuvenation is often a necessary process after significant, rapid weight loss.

Everyone wants to look and feel good in their own skin, and losing weight is one of the best ways to make this a reality. However, with the rise of GLP-1 medications, many patients have grown concerned that their transformation has also altered their facial volume and aesthetics. With our post-weight-loss facial procedures, you no longer have to hold on to these worries as you continue through your weight-loss journey.

Dr. Alyson Wells is a double board-certified plastic surgeon and teaching physician at Valley Plastic Surgery & Medi-Spa. Dr. Wells’ certifications from The American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery showcase her deep expertise in performing complex procedures in these delicate areas of the body.

If you are ready to reignite a youthful, vibrant glow after a successful weight loss journey, contact us online or call our Baltimore office at (410) 628-8200 to schedule your consultation!

About Post-Weight-Loss Facial Procedures

Post-weight-loss facial procedures include several surgical and non-surgical treatments that address the physical facial changes of rapid weight loss. These procedures restore lost facial volume, eliminate excess skin, and reduce stubborn fat to achieve a lean, healthy, and vibrant facial appearance that emphasizes your successful weight loss.

About Ozempic Face

“Ozempic face” describes the physical effects that can develop after you undergo rapid, GLP-1-induced weight loss. It develops when you lose your facial fat too quickly, and your skin fails to retract to your new contours, resulting in sagging skin and a hollowed or gaunt appearance. However, many modern-day procedures, such as facelifts, neck lifts, or dermal fillers, can counter these effects.

Candidates

You may be an ideal candidate for post-weight-loss facial rejuvenation if you have recently lost significant weight, either through traditional means or GLP-1 medications, and now struggle with concerns such as sagging facial skin or stubborn fat.

To qualify for your procedure, you should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding your results. You should also be a nonsmoker or be willing to quit. It is also important that you have achieved a stable weight that you can maintain. Dr. Wells will determine your candidacy at your consultation.

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation, Dr. Wells will meet with you individually to discuss each aspect of your treatment. She will talk with you about your medical history, weight loss journey, personal concerns, and desired results. She will also assess your facial anatomy and skin quality.

Dr. Wells will use this information to decide the best post-weight-loss facial procedure, or combination of procedures, for you. She will also answer any questions you may have, as we want you to leave this consultation feeling empowered and excited about your upcoming procedure.

If you are ready to schedule this consultation and receive your tailored treatment plan, please contact us online or call (410) 628-8200.

Preparation

Once you have scheduled your post-weight-loss facial procedure, you will need to begin making certain preparations. To help you, Dr. Wells will provide you with a detailed set of instructions.

If you undergo a surgical procedure, you can expect instructions such as:

  • Avoiding Certain Medications: Unless medically necessary, stop consuming any blood-thinning medications or supplements.
  • Preparing Transportation: Have a trusted friend or relative drive you home, as you may not be able to.
  • Arranging Time Away: Prepare to take a step away from your personal and professional commitments and responsibilities.
  • Acquiring Your Medications: Before your appointment date, fill any prescriptions you will need for your recovery.
  • Ceasing Any Substance Use: Refrain from consuming any nicotine or alcohol in the weeks leading up to your procedure.

If you are receiving dermal fillers, your instructions may include:

  • Altering Your Routine: Stop using any skincare products that may affect your skin’s natural barrier function, such as retinols, retinoids, or chemical exfoliants.
  • Stopping Certain Medications: Refrain from taking any blood-thinning, anti-inflammatory, or certain over-the-counter pain medications.
  • Arriving Prepared: Arrive at your appointment with clean skin free from any makeup, skin care products, or facial jewelry.
  • Avoiding Alcohol: Refrain from consuming any alcoholic beverages at least 24 hours before your treatment.

Available Procedures

Dr. Wells can perform several surgical procedures to address the changes affecting the various areas of your face.

Chin Liposuction

Chin liposuction is a procedure that can address stubborn, diet-resistant fat beneath the chin and jawline. When performing this procedure, Dr. Wells will insert a thin, suctioning cannula beneath the skin to target and remove stubborn fat that may be contributing to a fuller facial appearance.

Facelift

A facelift, or a rhytidectomy, is a procedure that lifts and elevates your facial skin, soft tissues, and muscles to correct skin laxity, accumulated fat, loose muscles, and poorly-defined features. (1) Dr. Wells can perform several different variations of a traditional facelift to address specific regions of the face, such as a lower facelift to address the lower portion of the face or a mid-facelift to address the cheeks and cheekbones.

Neck Lift

A neck lift is a surgical procedure that can refine the appearance of your neck and create a seamless transition between the jawline, chin, neck, and shoulders. (1) Neck lifts are especially effective at addressing concerns such as skin laxity, accumulations of fat, or vertical neck banding.

Autologous Fat Transfer

An autologous fat transfer addresses hollowing, deflation, and volume loss. Dr. Wells performs this procedure by using liposuction to take fat from other areas of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, before purifying it and reinjecting it into various areas of the face. (2)

Injectable Treatments

Dr. Wells can also administer various dermal fillers to precisely target and refine more delicate facial regions and features. They include Juvéderm, Belotero, and Radiesse. During your personal consultation, Dr. Wells will explain their differences and help you decide, along with her professional recommendation, which injectable best suits your concerns.

Juvéderm

Juvéderm (JUVÉDERM®) is a hyaluronic acid (HA) filler that can address visible signs of aging and volume loss in various areas of the face. Juvederm’s unique formulation contains cross-linked HA particles, which provide greater resistance to chemical and physical degradation. (3) This filler is known for its soft look and feel, as well as its ability to improve your skin’s hydration levels. The effects of Juvéderm can last between six and nine months, but this will vary depending on the area of injection and your own metabolism. (4)

Belotero

Belotero (Belotero®) is a smooth and cohesive HA-based filler that is more flexible and utilizes a second cross-linking stage, as well as non-cross-linked HA. (5) Belotero can effectively address more delicate or hard-to-reach areas, such as your under-eye hollows, tear troughs, or smile lines, and provides results that you can enjoy for up to one year.

Radiesse

Radiesse (RADIESSE®) contains calcium hydroxylapatite (CAHa), which is a substance naturally present in our teeth. This filler is biostimulatory, which means that it stimulates the production of new collagen after injection. (7) This filler is ideal when addressing more significant concerns, and its effects can last for up to 18 months. (4)

Recovery

After your post-weight-loss-facial procedure, you can expect some swelling or bruising around the treatment areas. Your specific recovery will vary depending on the specific procedure(s) you received.

If you received injections, you can expect any swelling or bruising to subside shortly after your treatment, and you can typically return to your routine immediately after your appointment.

If you undergo a surgical procedure, your recovery will take longer. You will need to take approximately one to two weeks away from your responsibilities to give yourself time to return to normal functions, but swelling and other recovery symptoms may persist after this period.

No matter what post-weight-loss facial procedure you undergo, Dr. Wells will provide you with detailed instructions so you can easily navigate each phase of your recovery.

Results

You will be able to notice the full results of your post-weight-loss facial procedure after recovery. While your results will vary depending on the type of procedure and corrections Dr. Wells performed, you can expect smoother, tighter-looking skin, restored facial volume, accentuated facial contours, and more balanced proportions.

Cost of Post-Weight-Loss Facial Procedures in Baltimore, Maryland

The cost of your post-weight-loss facial procedure(s) will vary depending on several factors. These can include the type of procedure you undergo, the severity of your concerns, the type of corrections Dr. Wells performs, and the overall complexity of your procedure. Once she has discussed each of these details with you, she will give you a comprehensive cost estimate.

To learn more about our pricing, please request a consultation online or call (410) 628-8200.

FAQ

What post-weight-loss facial procedures does Dr. Wells offer?

Dr. Wells offers a variety of surgical procedures and non-surgical treatments, including facelifts, neck lifts, chin liposuction, autologous fat transfer, Juvéderm, Belotero, and Radiesse.

How long will my recovery take?

Your recovery timeline will depend on the type of procedure you underwent and the rate at which your body heals itself. During your consultation, Dr. Wells will discuss this with you so you have a full understanding of what to expect.

Will the results of my post-weight-loss facial procedure be permanent?

This will vary depending on the type of treatment you undergo. If you receive dermal fillers, your results may last between six and eighteen months. If you underwent surgical intervention, you will experience longer-lasting effects that you may enjoy for years to come.

Can Dr. Wells perform multiple post-weight-loss facial procedures in one appointment?

Dr. Wells may be able to integrate several procedures into your treatment plan, depending on the type of procedures and corrections you are interested in undergoing. We encourage you to schedule a personal consultation for personalized suggestions based on your desired results.

References

  1. Yang AJ, Hohman MH. Rhytidectomy. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564338/
  2. Vasavada A, Raggio BS. Autologous Fat Grafting For Facial Rejuvenation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557860/
  3. Walker K, Basehore BM, Zito PM. Hyaluronic Acid. Nih.gov. Published July 3, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482440/
  4. Sánchez-Carpintero I, Candelas D, Ruiz-Rodríguez R. Dermal Fillers: Types, Indications, and Complications. Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas (English Edition). 2010;101(5):381-393. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s1578-2190(10)70660-0
  5. Rohrich RJ, Bartlett EL, Dayan E. Practical Approach and Safety of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2019;7(6):e2172. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000002172
  6. Shino Bay Aguilera, McCarthy A, Saami Khalifian, Z. Paul Lorenc, Goldie K, W. Gregory Chernoff. The Role of Calcium Hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) as a Regenerative Aesthetic Treatment: A Narrative Review. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2023;43(10):1063-1090. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjad173