Facial contouring in the postbariatric surgery patient

Abstract

Although the overall goal of bariatric surgery is massive weight loss, the same degree of fat reduction is not always desirable in the facial and cervical regions. The loss of cervicofacial fat often leaves the patient with noticeable soft tissue volume deficiencies and skin laxity. These postbariatric changes result in a hollowed, prematurely aged appearance. Preoperative evaluation, technique, and postoperative care are discussed. The midfacial and perioral volume loss is easily correctable with injectable fillers. The excess skin laxity can be fixed using the modified rhytidectomy technique.