A puffy face can detract from self-confidence and make people looker heavier than they really are. There are several reasons your face may appear bloated or heavy--excess weight held in your face, water retention, bone structure and muscle structure. Experiment with non-medical solutions, such as changes to diet and exercise, before consulting professional help.
Step 1
Avoid bloat, which shows up quickly in thin, delicate facial skin. Stay hydrated by drinking eight glasses of water a day. Shun high-sodium foods that cause your body to retain water, such as frozen dinners and high-sodium canned soups. Consume only moderate amounts of alcohol; excess amounts contribute to dehydration and cause your body to lose important vitamins and minerals.
Step 2
Lose some weight. According to D.J. Verret, M.D., a facial plastic surgeon and professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, a 20-plus lb. weight loss will be seen in the face and neck. Follow a sensible diet and exercise plan that includes 30 minutes of cardio a day and 1,800 calories a day worth of high protein meals and snacks. The weight will melt off in three to six months.
Step 3
Camouflage a heavy face with a new hairstyle. Consult with your hairdresser about a style that provides the appearance of a slimmer face. For example, Lynne Chapman, the hair editor for Bella Online, suggests a short cut full of body or a long, layered, stylish hairdo for a full face. Avoid chin-length bobs and short, flat cuts.
Step 4
Wear stylish clothes that suit your body. Don't use a heavy face as an excuse to hide in baggy, over-sized garments; it will make you look (and feel) worse. Dress well. Work with a stylist or salesperson to find outfits that accentuate your body's curves. A confident style is always an attractive accessory.
Step 5
Consider plastic surgery only as a last resort. Ask your doctor for a recommendation on a certified facial plastic surgeon in your area and shop around until you find a doctor you like. Verret suggests that, in some people, botulinum toxin injections make work to minimize big jaw muscles and make a face appear less round. Verret also cautions that cheek fat removal surgery can present complications and should be undertaken with great caution. Ask yourself if the potential problems are worth the risks. Consider learning to love and accept yourself, full face and all.
References
- Bella Online
- D.J. Verret, M.D.; Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; Plano, Texas, 2010
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