Optimizing Health for Facial Surgery: Addressing Skin Sagging

Ensuring good health is paramount not only for a successful post-surgery recovery but also for achieving optimal treatment outcomes. As part of our comprehensive consultation process, we delve into various aspects of your medical history, surgical history, medications, allergies, and lifestyle habits, including nicotine and alcohol use. Weight, in particular, is a crucial factor we discuss with our patients, recognizing its significant impact on the results of face and neck plastic surgery.

Maintaining a healthy weight and a favorable Body Mass Index (BMI) is ideal, and we consider both your current weight and any planned weight changes when evaluating your suitability for procedures such as Embrace, facelift, or neck lift. One of the key considerations is the potential impact of weight fluctuations on skin sagging, which can have a profound effect on the outcome of these surgeries. Post-surgery weight loss may contribute to skin sagging in the lower face or neck, while pronounced weight gain could obscure the improved contours achieved through surgery, especially in the chin or jawline area.

What’s the recommended weight before surgery?

Dr. Inessa Fishman, our esteemed facial plastic surgeon, advises patients to be within 15-20 pounds of their ideal weight before undergoing face and neck surgery. This guideline ensures the best and most predictable results from procedures like Embrace, facelift, or neck lift. It’s worth noting that weight changes do not impact the recovery or results of procedures such as brow lifting, lip lifting, and rhinoplasty.

Is Losing Weight Immediately After Surgery Advisable?

In short, no. While some patients may be tempted to embark on a post-surgery diet, Dr. Fishman emphasizes that this is not the time to focus on weight loss. The body requires additional energy to heal properly, and Dr. Fishman recommends sticking to a nutrient-rich, calorie-dense diet in the initial 6-8 weeks after surgery for the most predictable and problem-free healing.

Struggling with Weight for Years – Does That Rule Out Surgery?

Absolutely not. Dr. Fishman reassures patients that recent advancements in healthy weight management offer new possibilities. Collaborating with physicians specializing in weight loss and healthy lifestyles, our practice regularly refers patients to these experts both before and after surgery. Dr. Fishman highlights the effectiveness of medically supervised weight loss programs, making significant, healthy weight loss achievable for many patients, addressing concerns related to skin sagging. This can serve as a valuable tool in your health journey as you prepare for elective surgery.

Do you have questions about facial contouring surgery or need assistance with healthy weight management? Reach out to us today at (678) 974-8435 to explore your various treatment options and embark on your journey to optimal health!