Infini RF Non-Surgical Facelift After Weight Loss

Question: I was advised that the sagging in my face and neck will worsen after losing weight. A plastic surgeon said if I'm losing weight, I should reach my ideal weight before having a facelift. I read about the Infini RF non-surgical facelift which lifts and tightens sagging skin. If I have Infini instead of surgery, do I also need to hold off until I reach my weight loss goal? Does your skin need some time to settle after you lose weight for a better treatment result?

Answer: If you are more than 45 years old and overweight, you may sag more in your face and neck after losing significant amounts of weight. The reason is that elastin fibers diminish with age so the skin doesn't have the ability to "snap back" in the same way as it does at a younger age.

Coordinating weight loss with facelift surgery is quite different from losing weight in conjunction with Infini RF. With a facelift, you don't need to reach your ideal weight. It's more important that you are within 5-8 pounds of your stable weight. Once you reach the weight you plan to stay at, it's okay to have a facelift or even a mini-facelift without waiting several months since your tissues won't settle much more over time.

If you are considering the Infini RF non-surgical facelift, you are better off starting Infini treatments while you are losing weight instead of waiting until after your weight loss is completed. The tissues gradually sag during weight loss and Infini RF can minimize the degree of sagging you end up with because it stimulates your body's collagen and elastin to help tighten and lift sagging. If you postpone Infini treatments until you finish your weight loss regimen, there is a greater degree of sagging requiring more Infini treatments or a more aggressive alternative option.

In addition to the risk of greater sagging after weight loss, the face also loses fat volume with weight loss. When young, the fat loss tends to be evenly distributed throughout the face and body. With age, many patients often lose more fat in their face, especially the cheeks, than in the body. This hollowing can give a gaunt appearance to the face. Fortunately, lost facial volume can be restored with injectable fillers. Temporary 1 year fillers or Bellafill, the 5 year filler, are both options. Bellafill's 5 year duration reduces the need for repeat filling and "filler fatigue" seen with temporary fillers.

Seeking consultation with a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon experienced in the full range of surgical as well as minimal invasive procedures is the first step. It is a faulty perception that one should use a non-surgeon for minimal invasive treatments and a surgeon only for surgery. A comprehensive treatment approach from a specialist who is properly credentialed can optimize your facial rejuvenation results and significantly reduce your risks of complications and poor results. 

Dr. Anita Mandal is a double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon practicing since 1998. She exclusively specializes in facial rejuvenation and non-invasive body contouring. In addition to being on the medical staff at Jupiter Medical Center, her offices house both surgical and laser suites. Dr. Mandal is committed to giving her patients the most natural looking results.

_________________________________   Mandal Plastic Surgery Center   Address: 2401 PGA Blvd., Suite 146, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 Phone: 561-238-0040

Website: www.MandalPlasticSurgery.com

E-mail: drmandal@comcast.net