Keywords
Weight loss
Facial laxity
Weight reduction
Facial aging
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Abstract
Objective: To analyze the effects of substantial weight loss on facial aesthetics and discuss the role of orofacial harmonization in managing facial changes associated with marked weight reduction. Bibliographic review: Rapid weight loss causes deflation of facial fat compartments, reduced skin support, and impaired collagen and elastin synthesis, resulting in skin laxity, deepened facial folds, loss of mandibular contour, and an aged appearance. These changes are influenced by the magnitude and rate of weight loss, age, and skin quality, being commonly observed in patients undergoing bariatric surgery or using glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). OFH provides therapeutic strategies to restore facial balance, including hyaluronic acid fillers, collagen biostimulators, botulinum toxin, suspension threads, and energy-based technologies. Treatment should be individualized according to facial anatomy, degree of volume depletion, and patient expectations. Final considerations: OFH is an important approach for restoring facial volume, improving skin firmness, and reestablishing facial harmony after substantial weight loss. Successful outcomes require individualized planning, anatomical knowledge, and a multidisciplinary approach. Prospective clinical studies are needed to define specific protocols for these patients.
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