Facial Cosmetic Procedures After WLS ...

**Ann2** · 10-11-2014 05:32 AM

Yesterday, while at the hospital with hubby, who was having a minor procedure, in the hallway I ran into the city's "best cosmetic surgeon" (per the local mag's "Best of" annual issue). I introduced myself and told him I was a VSG patient of Dr. X and asked if he could answer some questions about facial cosmetic surgery after WLS. He said, "Sure, ask away!"

He recommends that a patient lose ALL their weight before having any facial cosmetic procedures done, including injectables. He said I might want to wait a year after surgery. He said that even after weight loss my facial tissues could continue to shift and change a bit. Of course, he invited me to visit his clinic to find out what options are possible. (Good marketing!)

His comments were consistent with a post I've read here by a forum member (can't remember who -- sorry) who said the same thing about our faces continuing to change after weight loss.

Just wanted to throw that information out there. I'd love to hear others' experiences with post-op facial cosmetic procedures and any other advice they've had from cosmetic surgeons regarding WLS patients.

Thanks in advance.

sraebaer · 10-11-2014 06:43 AM

That's the same thing I heard from a surgeon, stay at your goal weight for one year before doing anything.

**mokaza** · 10-11-2014 09:27 AM

At the next meeting of my support group the nutritionist who runs it has scheduled a plastic surgeon that specializes in WLS patients. I can't wait to hear his talk. Have heard that most won't operate till you have been at a stable weight for a year. I am still losing about a pound a week so it may be awhile for me.

**kleb42** · 10-11-2014 01:46 PM

Fillers only last 3-6 months, so if you were to do something, you can go back in and make adjustments later.

**Journey Tobeme** · 10-13-2014 09:54 PM

I have heard of people having plastics after only 6 months. Since they had already lost all their weight. I have heard of people waiting 12 plus months.

I plan to do mine quickly. Once I reach my goal weight. I'm not sure about waiting. It seems to vary by surgeons. Also I was told people of ethnic backgrounds have less trouble with skin and can successfully have surgery sooner. Sounds fishy but I can't imagine he made it up lol. But I'm not convinced. I plan to have eye surgery and neck. Maybe more once I have lost weight. Who knows but I do know I won't wait a year after I lose the weight. Doubt I will wait a year total.

**azladyrider** · 10-13-2014 10:51 PM

Originally Posted by Journey Tobeme

I have heard of people having plastics after only 6 months. Since they had already lost all their weight. I have heard of people waiting 12 plus months.

I plan to do mine quickly. Once I reach my goal weight. I'm not sure about waiting. It seems to vary by surgeons. Also I was told people of ethnic backgrounds have less trouble with skin and can successfully have surgery sooner. Sounds fishy but I can't imagine he made it up lol. But I'm not convinced. I plan to have eye surgery and neck. Maybe more once I have lost weight. Who knows but I do know I won't wait a year after I lose the weight. Doubt I will wait a year total.

Probably not up to you; up to the doctors. I'm sure you could find one in Mexico to do it sooner but I wouldn't. I lost all my weight within 6 months but my body has shifted over the two years since I made my goal.

**christine53** · 12-06-2014 05:07 AM

Oh yes mine is still changing, but did have a body lift at 1 yr and going back for thigh lift in feb

sraebaer · 12-06-2014 08:39 AM

We had a plastic surgeon visit our support group and he said the same thing, be at goal for one year before considering plastics.

**cowgirljane** · 12-09-2014 12:32 PM

So, your skin etc DOES keep changing. I did Lower Body lift and breast stuff about 8 months after hitting goal, around 2 years post WLS. The point was (and not just Mexican surgeons, local plastic surgeons agreed) that I had so much extra skin that the change would not really impact any surgical decisions or outcomes. I lost 160# so definately massive weight loss and my tummy skin was NOT gonna bounce back. Great results, no regrets - that was good timing for me. My weight has stayed very stable over the year since my plastics too - so I think I am maintaining in a pretty good place, even though I would love to weigh 10# less..haha!

I thought my face had changed alot too, but I was just looking at photos taken for a passport in Feb 2013 - the month i hit goal, and my face basically looks the same as it does now. I could have sworn I had more neck wattle back then but now I am thinking my "head trip" around it has changed more than my actual skin. Interesting

**sociologist** · 01-30-2015 07:14 PM

I am 13 1/2 months out and hover between 143-147 dince 9 months out. I had my neck and arms done a month ago. Having lower body done in June and boob lift.