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Facial Liposuction: The Basics

Ava Lawson | November 10, 2015 | Posted in Liposuction

woman considering facial liposuction

Facial liposuction in targeted areas can create the illusion of prominent cheek bones and a more defined jaw line. Full or plump-looking cheeks can make even the slimmest of people appear overweight, and diet and exercise is usually ineffective on fatty deposits that some are genetically predisposed to.

If you are bothered by excess fat around the chin, jowls, neck and cheeks, tumescent lipo can dramatically improve facial contours, and carries minimal risk and downtime.

Liposuction can be done with local and IV sedation or with general anesthesia. In either case you will be home in just a few hours and usually don’t need any pain pills at all.

Gravity, sun exposure, lifestyle habits and genes all play a role in how our face ages. Facial liposculpture is most effective for eliminating double chins, the sagging area under the jowls, and the dreaded “turkey neck” that is caused by hereditary fat deposits.

Best candidates for facial liposuction

Skin elasticity, muscle and skeletal support and patient health are all important factors that your surgeon will review in order to determine candidacy. In some cases other surgical procedures may be more effective in providing your desired aesthetic outcome. This could include a lower face lift, neck lift or threads, Dr. Loeb does not recommend Kybella injections for neck management but sometimes uses it in cheeks or marionettes.

The best candidates for facial lipo:

  • Are non-smokers in good overall health
  • Have localized hereditary fat deposits
  • Have adequate skin elasticity
  • Have realistic expectations

What to expect

Facial liposuction is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. After the targeted areas are completely numbed, very small incisions are made for the cannula (a slim metal surgical wand) to pass through. A tumescent solution is injected to help break up fat cells before they are suctioned out, leaving patients with a more sculpted facial profile. The entire treatment takes around 30 minutes. Afterwards, you may be asked to wear a compression garment to help reduce swelling. Recovery time will depend on the amount of lipo performed, but most patients can expect to be back at work within 3 to 5 days. Residual inflammation may linger for 2-3 weeks, after which time your new look will be evident.

And barring major weight gain, the results are permanent!

Potential risks of facial liposuction

Though rare, the following are more serious risks associated with liposuction:

  • Adverse reaction to anesthesia
  • Infection
  • Nerve damage
  • Seroma
  • Hematoma
  • Bleeding

Like any type of medical procedure, facial liposuction demands some measure of caution, as “over correction” can yield small depressions, especially in those with poor skin elasticity. Conservative fat removal, on the other hand, is comparatively safe and helps ensure optimal results.

Associated procedures

It’s important to keep in mind that liposuction does not address sagging or loose skin. For this reason, your doctor may recommend complementary therapy with Ultherapy or Fractora laser skin resurfacing to help tighten up skin and stimulate collagen production.

A more defined facial profile can radically change not only the appearance of your face, but can also give you a slimmer look. For a candid conversation about this and other facial rejuvenation procedures, we invite you to call the NYC plastic surgery office of Dr. Thomas W. Loeb. During a one-on-one consultation, he will discuss your goals and expectations and outline the best treatment plan.

← Non-Invasive Cosmetic Options for Banishing a Turkey Neck Rhinoplasty to Create a High Bridged Nose →

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