Question:
I would like to see if anyone can give me any ideas on how to tone my face and

neck. I am 8 months post op and noticed saggy skin under chin area. I have lost 113 lbs to date and still have 30 more to go. Thank you    — Sandi M. (posted on March 27, 2001)

March 27, 2001
I know this is my answer to everything, but... There are some great Yoga stretches for the face. If you know anyone who does Yoga or you want to browse the books, you could find some great moves. The face moves tend to be in the back of the book and may not even be covered in the more basic books. There are lots of muscels in the face and neck, by relaxing them and strengthening them, you can definitely improve their appearance. :)
   — kcanges

March 27, 2001
Here are a couple that we do in the aquatics classes we teach. Standing very straight, turn your head slowly left to right and back (we do this 15 times each night). Another is to tilt your head as though you are trying to touch your ear to your shoulder, but keep your shoulders down, again, going left to right..we do 15 of those as well. Another is to extend your chin outward, hold for a few seconds and then bring it back in (almost to double chins)..the pool director calls this a turtle (to help visualize)..again we do 15 of those. A while back I also read in some beauty magazine (and have tried this myself and find it to work) was a spin off of the 1st exercise listed above...turning your head as far left and right as you can (holding for a moment or two),but this one add extending your tongue as far towards your nose as possible (I know it sounds funny, but if you watch in the mirror, you'll see how that instantly pulls up on that chin/neck area) I don't remember how many of those they recommended, but I usually do 40-50 total (1= 1 left and 1 right) Just remember to keep your tongue extended. You may need to take a break to relax your tongue, but try to remember the key is to keep it extended as far as possible. Good Luck!
   — tlg6056

March 27, 2001
good answers so far. I'd add somethings I heard a long time ago. One is to go through the alphabet, greatly overexaggerating every letter -- putting your mouth and face through extreme contortions as you sloooowly pronounce each letter. This uses lots of muscles. And, I always apply lots of moisturizer and ALWAYS put it on with upward strokes -never downward strokes. I've always done this anyway. I think it has helped me.
   — Cindy H.

March 27, 2001
I was exercising 5 days a week (aquatic and floor exercises) and bought every facial cream in Lord & Taylors. The quality of my skin did improve, but nothing will reduce the redundant skin in areas that have been permanently stretched out. I confirmed this with my surgeon, the exercise director at the Y, and 3 plastic surgeons. Do not dispair. I had a lower neck lift (among other procedures) and look great. Just updated my patient page at www.duodenalswitch.com if you want to take a peak. I'm half way through a total body lift and some face work too and very very happy with the results.
   — Jill L.