When People Magazine shines a spotlight on one of our patients, it’s more than news — it’s a chance to show how plastic surgery can truly transform lives. Recently, People featured Donna DiCarlo, a 58-year-old mom and real estate broker from New Jersey, who turned to Berlet Plastic Surgery after dramatic GLP-1 weight loss left her with sagging skin and jowls.
Her full journey was shared in People’s exclusive story, Mom, 58, Has Deep Plane Facelift After Losing Weight on a GLP-1, which highlights how a deep plane facelift restored her confidence.
A Joyful Weight Loss, but Unexpected Changes
Like so many patients using GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy, Donna experienced quick results. She slimmed down nearly 25 pounds in preparation for her son’s wedding — dropping to a size 2.
But while the dress fit perfectly, her face no longer did. Rapid weight loss had left her with jowls and loose skin, changes that made her feel older than her years.
This is a common experience among patients on anti-obesity medications, as we’ve shared in our post on how these medications impact your face.
Returning to a Trusted Surgeon
Donna wasn’t new to Berlet Plastic Surgery. Years earlier, she had undergone a breast lift and reduction with Dr. Berlet, and she trusted him again to help her regain confidence.
“I knew I wanted a facelift,” she told People. “The jowls, the hanging skin around the chin — that had to go.”
Dr. Berlet explained that Donna had lost volume from fat loss, which accelerated signs of aging. This made her an ideal candidate for a deep plane facelift — an advanced technique that goes beyond pulling skin tight.
What Makes the Deep Plane Facelift Different
Unlike traditional facelifts, the deep plane facelift focuses on reshaping the deep tissue layers before gently redraping the skin over the sculpted foundation. The result? A natural, rejuvenated look — not the pulled or stretched appearance many fear.
We’ve written before about this issue, often called “Ozempic Face,” and how surgery can provide long-lasting results. For Donna, the deep plane facelift was the perfect solution.
Recovery and Results
In April 2024, Donna had her surgery. Recovery took about ten days before she felt comfortable returning to normal life. At first, her children were nervous about the swelling and bruising, but Donna had faith the results would reveal themselves — and they did.
“Now, nobody knows what you’ve had done,” she said. “You’ve lost the weight, people notice that. But then your face looks rejuvenated, you look awake, you look great.”
Her transformation mirrors what we often see at Berlet Plastic Surgery: patients not only looking younger but also feeling renewed.
Why Donna’s Story Matters
Donna’s journey, now shared nationwide through People, reflects the reality for many patients using GLP-1s. While these medications can be life-changing, they also leave behind facial hollowing, sagging, and accelerated aging.
That’s why we’ve created resources like our guide to surgical solutions for Ozempic Face — because patients deserve to know there are answers beyond temporary fillers or skin creams.
A Message of Confidence
Donna summed it up best: “I was starting to look older than 58. Now, I feel like myself again.” Her story is a testament to what’s possible when expert surgical techniques meet a patient’s trust and courage.
At Berlet Plastic Surgery, we’re proud to help patients in New Jersey and Manhattan rediscover their confidence — whether it’s through a deep plane facelift, breast surgery, or other advanced procedures.
If you’ve experienced similar changes after weight loss or GLP-1 medication, we invite you to schedule a consultation. Like Donna, you may discover that the right procedure is not just about changing your appearance — it’s about restoring your confidence.
