Face and Neck Lift Surgery after Weight Loss

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Why Weight Loss Can Alter Your Face and Neck in Unexpected Ways

Losing a significant amount of weight is often a life-changing experience. For many people in the UK, it brings renewed energy, better health, and improved self-confidence. But the journey doesn’t always end once the weight is gone. In fact, many people find that dramatic weight loss leaves behind a new set of challenges—especially when it comes to loose or sagging skin around the face and neck.

This type of skin laxity can be especially noticeable because the face is always visible. When the cheeks appear deflated, the jawline becomes soft, and the neck starts to show bands or folds, it can be disheartening. People often expect their face to look younger and firmer after weight loss, but in reality, the skin doesn’t always retract fully, especially if the weight loss was rapid or occurred later in life.

At Centre for Surgery in London, we are experts in facial rejuvenation, offering personalised solutions such as face and neck lift surgery to help restore definition and harmony to the face after major weight loss.

How the Face Changes After Weight Loss

As fat is lost throughout the body, the face naturally becomes slimmer. However, the amount of fat lost in the face can sometimes be more than expected, leading to a gaunt or hollow appearance. The areas most affected tend to be the cheeks, under-eye region, and temples. While this reduction in facial volume may look sharp and contoured at first, over time it can exaggerate the appearance of wrinkles, folds, and sagging skin.

The skin around the lower face and neck is particularly vulnerable to sagging because of gravity, age-related changes, and reduced collagen. Jowls can start to form, the neck may look creased or droopy, and the overall facial shape may appear less youthful.

This is not a reflection of poor health. It’s simply how the skin and soft tissues respond once the underlying fat support is diminished. And while non-surgical treatments can help in some cases, they are usually not enough to correct the degree of laxity left behind by major weight loss.

What Face and Neck Lift Surgery Can Achieve

A face and neck lift is designed to address these very concerns. By tightening the underlying muscles and removing excess skin, the procedure can restore natural contours to the jawline, lift the cheeks, and smooth out the neck. The aim is not to create a different face, but to reveal the version of yourself that feels hidden underneath sagging or deflated skin.

The procedure does not affect the entire face. It focuses on the mid-face (cheeks), lower face (jawline and jowls), and neck. If the upper face also shows signs of ageing, this can be addressed through complementary procedures like eyelid surgery or brow lift, either at the same time or later.

A well-performed face and neck lift should never look stretched or unnatural. At Centre for Surgery, our specialist plastic surgeons use refined surgical techniques that aim to reposition deep tissues rather than simply pulling the skin tight. This helps achieve results that are both natural in appearance and long-lasting.

Different Types of Lifts for Different Needs

Not all patients require the same extent of surgery. Some individuals may benefit from a mini face lift, which targets early signs of sagging around the lower cheeks and jawline. Others may need a full face and neck lift to correct more advanced skin laxity.

The neck can be particularly challenging after weight loss. Sometimes, skin hangs loosely like a “turkey wattle,” or muscle bands (platysmal bands) become more obvious. In these cases, a neck lift is often performed together with a face lift to address both issues in harmony. Neck liposuction may also be used to remove stubborn fat deposits under the chin if needed.

The technique used depends on the individual’s anatomy, goals, and extent of skin laxity. Our surgeons at Centre for Surgery always tailor the procedure to the patient’s specific concerns and facial structure.

Planning Your Surgery: What to Expect

At your consultation, your surgeon will examine your facial features, skin quality, and overall health. They’ll ask about your weight loss journey—how much you lost, how long ago, and whether your weight has stabilised.

Your weight must be steady before having surgery. Fluctuations can affect the final outcome. Your surgeon will also review your medical history, assess your skin elasticity, and take detailed measurements and photographs to plan the procedure.

This is also your chance to discuss any concerns you have about your appearance, and what you hope to achieve. Some patients want subtle improvements. Others are looking for a more transformative result. Both goals are valid, and your treatment plan will reflect that.

The Surgical Procedure in Detail

Face and neck lift surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes between two and four hours, depending on the complexity.

The incisions are carefully placed around the ears and sometimes extend into the hairline or under the chin. These incisions are designed to be discreet and heal very well over time. Through these access points, the surgeon tightens the deeper layers of tissue (SMAS layer), repositions the skin, and removes the excess.

If the neck is being lifted as well, an additional incision under the chin may be used to tighten the platysma muscles and improve neck contour. Any remaining fat under the chin or along the jawline may be gently removed with liposuction for a cleaner finish.

Once the tissues are repositioned and excess skin is trimmed, the incisions are closed with fine sutures. A bandage or supportive garment is usually applied to help reduce swelling and promote healing.

Recovery and Aftercare

After surgery, most patients go home the same day. You’ll need someone to accompany you and stay with you for the first 24 hours. Swelling and bruising are common during the first week, but they start to improve quickly.

We advise taking one to two weeks off work, depending on the extent of your procedure. It’s important to rest, avoid strenuous activity, and keep your head elevated during the early recovery phase.

Our surgical team at Centre for Surgery will provide detailed aftercare instructions. You’ll attend regular follow-up appointments to check healing and remove any stitches. We also offer 24/7 post-operative support if you have any questions or concerns at home.

Most patients begin to see real results within a few weeks, with full healing continuing over several months. The incisions usually fade into faint lines that are barely noticeable over time.

How Long Does a Face and Neck Lift Last?

A face and neck lift won’t stop the ageing process, but it will set the clock back by several years. Most people look fresher, younger, and more alert after surgery. The effects typically last for ten years or more, especially if you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.

The ageing process will continue, but you’ll always look younger than if you hadn’t had surgery. If needed, non-surgical treatments such as skin tightening, laser resurfacing, or injectables can be used in the years following to maintain or enhance the results.

Psychological and Emotional Benefits of Facial Surgery After Weight Loss

It’s not just about physical appearance. For many people, face and neck lift surgery helps them feel more in tune with the way they feel inside. After working so hard to achieve weight loss, the leftover loose skin can feel like a reminder of the past.

Surgery offers a way to close that chapter and fully embrace the transformation. Patients often describe feeling more confident, more themselves, and more willing to engage socially and professionally.

Of course, any surgery should be a personal decision. It’s not about trying to please others. It’s about feeling comfortable in your own skin and matching your outer appearance to your inner vitality.

Why Choose Centre for Surgery for Your Face and Neck Lift?

Centre for Surgery is a specialist plastic surgery clinic located in central London, dedicated to providing advanced procedures in a supportive and discreet environment. Our surgeons are highly experienced in facial rejuvenation and tailor every surgery to meet each patient’s unique needs.

We believe in achieving natural results through meticulous planning, advanced surgical techniques, and a commitment to excellence in care. From the first consultation to the final follow-up, our team is focused on your comfort, safety, and satisfaction.

Patients who have undergone face and neck lift surgery with us often report not only physical improvements but also emotional renewal. The care and communication we provide throughout the process helps ensure you feel supported at every stage.

About Centre for Surgery
Centre for Surgery is a leading plastic surgery clinic based at 95-97 Baker Street in London, offering a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatments. We are proud to provide day-case procedures using the most advanced techniques in a CQC-registered facility. Our team of expert surgeons and medical professionals are committed to achieving outstanding results with patient safety and satisfaction at the heart of everything we do. For more information about our services or to book a consultation, please visit centreforsurgery.com.

Face and Neck Lift Surgery after Weight Loss