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Face Lift Surgery (Rhytidectomy) Cost & Profile

  • Avg. Cost: $5283
  • Candidate: Loose skin, deep lines, wrinkles, jowls
  • Length: 2-3 hours
  • Treatments: One
  • Results: Long-lasting
  • Back to work: Within 2 weeks

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"I was wondering, how to get rid of my double chin? How long do they put you out for surgery? What are the risks? And how much does it cost? How long does it last. Can you exercise your chin and get the same results?"

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Re-Facing Surgery: Choosing Facial Plastic Surgery after Weight-Loss Surgery


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The two aesthetic problems that need to be dealt with are the existence of excess skin and loss of fat

Going into bariatric surgery, many patients are now aware that plastic surgery afterwards may be desirous in order to remove the extra skin hanging from their arms or around their abdomen.  What you may be less aware of is that you can encounter some of the same problems in your face and neck, and correcting these problems after major weight loss can require as much special attention as contouring the body after such a drastic change.

How the Face Reacts to Weight Loss

Dr. David Saadat, Medical Director of the Aesthetic Institute of Beverly Hills compares the skin of the face to a balloon that has been continually inflated then deflated; eventually the balloon looses its elasticity.  The same thing happens to patients after major weight loss, and skin hangs loose on the face instead of stretching back tight against it.  So when patients come to his office looking to remove the effects of weight loss from their face, Dr. Saadat develops a strategy that will best fit their particular needs.

He first has to make sure that the patient is both mentally and physically able to withstand such a surgery, and make sure that the patient is far enough removed from bariatric surgery.  If weight loss is not complete then cosmetic surgery may need to be postponed since additional weight loss can alter the results achieved.  The other thing that Dr. Saadat must consider is the underlying bone structure.  As we age, or as the body undergoes other changes, our bones weaken.  When this happens, attempting surgery, especially on a delicate structure like the face, can introduce additional risks.  If the patient clears all pre-operative tests then Dr. Saadat will begin developing a corrective strategy tailored to the patient's desires.

Keeping Up Appearances

The two aesthetic problems that need to be dealt with are the existence of excess skin and loss of fat.  "Unfortunately," says Dr. Saadat, "the body looks better when it has less volume and the face looks better when it has a lot of volume."  The issue of excess skin is addressed first, usually with a traditional facelift, sometimes combined with other procedures such as a brow lift or blepharoplasty.  After this Dr. Saadat can address the issue of fat loss.  This can be done with a number of different dermal fillers including BOTOX® and Sculptra, although Dr. Saadat uses fat injections with the most frequency.  Because fat does not completely dissipate after each injection, a permanent result can be achieved after 5 or 6 injections.

Complications like hematoma, bleeding, and other adverse events are no greater with a post-bariatric patient than any other says Dr. Saadat.  However, because their immune system is ordinarily weaker they are more prone to infection, which makes sterilization and hygiene a great priority both during surgery and post-operatively. 

Facial Change and Self-Image

Of course patients should be aware that surgery of the face following major weight loss could create a drastic change: so much so that some patients barely recognize themselves in the mirror afterwards.  Your body shape changing is one thing, but many people define their appearance by facial characteristics.  When these are altered, even slightly, the change can give a jolt to the self-image of the unaware.  "Some have a hard time taking it in," says Dr. Saadat.  "Psychologically and emotionally they have to be able to accept the change."

Published: 02/25/2005, Last Updated: 08/23/2008

By LocateADoc.com Medical Staff Writers

Our writers strive to present an objective, upfront and open view of the medical procedures you're interested in. We present you with both the good and bad, and work to represent both doctors' and patients' points of view. Our articles contain facts and statistics obtained from medical associations, medical and surgical journals, and through doctor and patient interviews.





Face Lift Surgery (Rhytidectomy) Surgery Information Guide

Basics of Face Lift Surgery (Rhytidectomy)
"I've heard about the surgery and I'm looking to learn a bit more about things like cost, whether it's right for me, and what options I have."
  1. Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Basics
    A facelift can help remove wrinkles and sagging skin, making the face appear several years younger. Learn how the procedure is performed and what costs to expect.
  2. Choosing Cosmetic Surgery: Be Prepared, Be Informed
    Considering cosmetic surgery, but uncertain about what to expect? Learn how to find a doctor, prepare for surgery, get ready for recovery, and more.
  3. Mini Facelifts – Are You a Good Candidate?
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Details of Face Lift Surgery (Rhytidectomy)
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  2. Re-Facing Surgery: Choosing Facial Plastic Surgery after Weight-Loss...
    Contouring of the Body after weight loss is a major concern for many bariatric patients, however, extra skin around the face can create similar aesthetic issues. Beverly Hills surgeon Dr. David Saadat discusses his experience with re-shaping the face of post-bariatric patients.
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  12. Face Lift Surgery (Rhytidectomy) Before & After Photos
Ready for Face Lift Surgery (Rhytidectomy)
"I've pretty much finished by research on the surgery and I think I'm ready to find and meet with a doctor to get started."
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After Face Lift Surgery (Rhytidectomy)
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