How Dermal Fillers Help After Weight Loss

Weight Loss and Dermal Fillers Soft-tissue fillers have revolutionized aesthetic rejuvenation of the face and have brought forward significant changes to the field of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. There has been a huge advancement in the aesthetic industry since bovine collagen fillers—the first injectable filler introduced in the 1980s. With the astounding and rapidly growing popularity of dermal filler injections amongst mainstream consumers, there has been a public call for information about the uses, negative and positive effects, and evidence-based efficacy. With fillers being recognized as a safe and effective option for many concerns, it was only a matter of time before popular filler brands introducing new formulations for restoring volume.

The effects of weight loss on facial aesthetics

Despite the beneficial effects of exercise and weight loss on our skin and overall health, extreme or dramatic weight loss in a short period of time can have detrimental effects on the appearance of the face, that may emphasis the concerns caused by aging. Facial volume greatly contributes to the overall youthful appearance of the face. Once it is lost, it can make a person appear gaunt, tired, and even cause the skin to sag.

Volume loss

Aging and weight loss is associated with loss of volume on the face. Other related changes, such as sunken eyes and temples, may also occur. When the fatty tissues of the face are depleted, the face may show hollow areas that can make you appear older.

Sagging skin

Normal, healthy skin is elastic and can easily recover from stress; however, we lose some degree of that elasticity as we age and when the skin has been stretched for prolonged periods. After losing significant weight, stretched skin that has lost its elasticity can lead to sagging.

Lines and wrinkles

Rapid weight loss can also accelerate the appearance of wrinkles and furrows on the face and jowls in the neck region. Losing a small amount of weight may not show significant changes to the face; therefore, gradual weight loss could be the key in preventing the early appearance of wrinkles.

Replacing volume loss with dermal fillers

Soft tissue fillers can protect the face from volume loss when losing weight and it is also recommended to restore volume loss afterwards. Localized fat depletion (lipoatrophy), is also a problem among HIV/AIDS patients. There is a wide variety of fillers available, all formulated to target specific concerns. It is important to choose the 1 that suits the specific needs of each patient.

Facial Fillers with Volume-enhancing Effects

Filler	Function	Advantages	Disadvantages
Hyaluronic acid	Non-animal derived HA engineered to resist degradation for volume replacement	Immediate results with no downtime Reversible Last 6-18 months	May not be as effective for large volume restoration/lipoatrophy correction
Calcium hydroxylapatite	Calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres that induce collagen production	Biocompatible and biodegradable Last more than 12 months	May cause clumping or nodule formation
Poly-L-lactic acid	Synthetic material that promotes the production of collagen when injected	Last 18–24 months	Require multiple injections to get the desired outcome Results are not immediate

Effects of weight loss on injected dermal fillers

It has been a common concern among patients that losing weight from exercise and dieting can have a negative impact on injected fillers or facial implants. Although this is not likely, it does not mean that your appearance will remain unchanged after severe weight loss.

Losing weight can greatly improve your health, but it also changes the anatomy of the soft tissue of your body. As fat is depleted, it may alter the contours of your face. An injected dermal filler can help to reduce these effects as they will remain after fat loss, and any further changes that become evident will be due to the loss of fat in different areas of your face. The materials in a dermal filler are designed to resist degradation; diet and exercise rarely affect the integrity of these fillers.

It is not necessary to forego dermal filler injection if you’re planning to lose weight; however, if your intended weight loss is significant, you may consider the procedure if your appearance is altered dramatically by weight loss. The administering medical practitioner can advise if you can be injected before or after your planned weight loss. Only consult a board-certified medical professional who is trained to administer soft tissue fillers for facial augmentation. Not everyone will show drastic facial changes after weight loss, and your doctor will assess if there is volume loss, wrinkles, or sagging associated with weight loss that with benefit from additional injections.

How to prevent and treat wrinkles and sagging skin when losing weight

The effects of weight loss will affect everyone differently. It depends on how much weight is lost, your genetic makeup, age, and lifestyle. Whether you’ve lost weight intentionally or due to a medical condition, there are treatments available to you. If you are concerned about wrinkles and sagging skin, consult a licensed medical practitioner to find out if dermal fillers may be an option for you.

At the end of the day, your doctor will advise you of the best treatment option, whether it be dermal fillers, threads, or another treatment. Popular fillers for volume loss include Radiesse, Sculptra, Belotero, Juvederm, and Restylane, to name a few. Speak to your medical practitioner about your options today.

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