Whether through lifestyle changes, surgery, or sheer willpower, losing weight is worth celebrating. But sometimes, even after all that work, your skin doesn't get the memo that you're supposed to be looking better than ever. You may have noticed that your once-plump cheeks look a little sunken, and your skin isn't as firm as it used to be around your face and neck. Don't worry - you're not alone! Facial volume loss after weight loss is common, and the good news is there are plenty of ways to bring back that youthful, refreshed look.
Why Does Facial Volume Loss Happen After Weight Loss?
Your body burns fat from all over as you lose weight, including your face. That layer of fat that once gave you soft, rounded cheeks and smooth contours starts to disappear, which can leave your face looking hollow or even a little gaunt.
Beyond just fat loss, the skin plays a major role in how your face looks. Skin has amazing stretching qualities, but it doesn't always bounce back so easily. The more weight you lose (especially in a short period), the harder it is for your skin to keep up, leading to sagging and a loss of definition.
Aging also causes our bodies to slow down on collagen and elastin production. This makes your skin become looser and less smooth. Combine this with weight loss, and you'll likely notice more pronounced wrinkles, saggier skin, and an overall tired appearance.
But don't stress! There are several effective treatments to restore lost volume and give you back that youthful, vibrant glow.
The Best Treatments to Restore Facial Volume
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are perfect for replacing lost volume subtly and over time. They have zero downtime, though the results are not as drastic and do not last as long as other, more invasive treatments. Facial injectables can help plump up hollow areas and revitalize sunken facial contours that are common after significant weight loss.
During the process, your skilled injector will administer the dermal filler in strategic areas like the cheeks, temples, jawline, and under the eyes to restore shape and give you the naturally youthful look you had before the volume loss.
The procedure takes about half an hour, and the results are immediate. You can return to your daily routine right away. Slight swelling or bruising may occur. Your results can last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the type of filler used and the treated area.
Fat Transfer
Want a longer-lasting solution to volume restoration? A fat transfer involves taking fat cells from your abdomen or thighs and relocating them into areas of your face needing volume. Think of it as recycling your own fat for a refreshed, natural look.
A small amount of fat is removed via liposuction, processed, and then carefully injected into areas like the cheeks, temples, and jawline. Since this procedure involves liposuction and injections, there's a bit more downtime—about one to two weeks of swelling and bruising. Once healed, results are long-lasting and feel completely natural.
Facelifts
At a certain point, your skin is unable to produce enough elastin on its own to keep you looking tight and fresh. A facelift may be perfect if you are experiencing severe skin laxity and sagging. Unlike fillers or fat transfers, a facelift involves surgically lifting and tightening the skin. This lets your provider reposition your facial tissues for a more youthful look.
A plastic surgeon makes small incisions (usually around the hairline and ears), tightens underlying tissues, and removes excess skin to restore a firmer, smoother appearance.
Recovery takes about two to four weeks, with swelling and bruising gradually fading. The results, however, can last over ten years, making it an excellent long-term investment.
Alternative Skin Tightening Treatments
While fillers, fat transfer, and facelifts address volume loss, combining them with skin-rejuvenating treatments can take your results to the next level.
Suppose sagging skin is an issue, but you're not quite ready for surgery. In that case, non-surgical skin tightening treatments like radiofrequency, ultrasound therapy, and laser treatments can help stimulate collagen and firm up loose skin over time.
Microneedling
Microneedling involves creating tiny micro-wounds deep in the skin to boost collagen production, and when combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), it enhances healing and rejuvenation for firmer, healthier-looking skin.
Skincare and Lifestyle Maintenance
At-home maintenance is key to both preventing future skin laxity and maintaining treatment results. Medical-grade skincare products with retinol, peptides, and hydrating ingredients can keep your skin plump and youthful. Ask your doctor or your aesthetic provider for recommendations that will best fit your skin type. Staying hydrated and maintaining a nutrient-rich diet also helps support skin health and can keep you looking younger for longer.
Choosing The Right Treatment
The best way to determine the most fitting treatment for your situation is by scheduling a consultation with a board-certified surgeon or aesthetic medical professional. Getting the best results from a treatment or procedure begins with the one performing them, so do your research before jumping right in.
Restoring Your Youthful Glow After Weight Loss
Today's advanced cosmetic treatments make restoring lost volume and achieving a refreshed, natural-looking appearance easier than ever.
Whether you choose to go for a non-invasive treatment, a surgical approach, or a combination of both, it's important that you do what makes you look and feel the best in your own skin.
