Facelift in Patients with Massive Weight Loss

Rafael A Couto; Ali H Charafeddine; James E Zins

doi:10.1016/j.cps.2019.05.003

Facelift in Patients with Massive Weight Loss

Clin Plast Surg. 2019 Oct;46(4):559-571. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2019.05.003. Epub 2019 Jul 18.

Authors

Rafael A Couto¹, Ali H Charafeddine², James E Zins³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Plastic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
² Center for Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, 5333 McAuley Drive, Suite 5001, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA.
³ Department of Plastic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. Electronic address: zinsj@ccf.org.

PMID: 31514808
DOI: 10.1016/j.cps.2019.05.003

Abstract

Significant volume deflation and redundant inelastic skin is seen after massive weight loss (MWL). These changes parallel those found with natural aging; thus, patients exhibit accelerated facial aging appearance. A facelift procedure may enhance the cervicofacial contour and reduce the apparent age in MWL patients; nonetheless, fully correcting this facial deformity is challenging. Extensive skin undermining is the most critical aspect of the MWL facelift, as it allows the resection of the excess skin and adequate redraping. This article describes the surgical and medical modifications that need to be considered in the MWL facelift to ensure a successful outcome.

Keywords: Facelift; Fat transfer; Massive weight loss; Necklift; Platysmaplasty; SMAS.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Face / surgery*
Humans
Rhytidoplasty / methods*
Skin Aging*
Weight Loss*