Liposuction is most often thought of as being a procedure that is performed all over the body. It’s not often looked upon as being performed on the facial area. Facial Liposuction can be a very important part of facial surgery when performing a facelift or a QT Lift™. Facial liposuction can be performed as an isolated procedure or in combination with FaceTite or neck lift.
Facial Liposuction – Dr. Louis DeJoseph, Atlanta Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Areas Targeted in Facial Liposuction
There are two prominent areas that Louis DeJoseph, M.D. can address with facial liposuction:
Submental Chin: The area below the jaw, extending to the front of the neck is known as the submental chin region. When fatty tissue collects in this area, it can make individuals look older than they are, or overweight, even if they do not have excess fat in other areas.
Jowls: The lower cheek area, which overlays the jaw bone is known as the jowls of the face. Fat accumulation in this area can lead to a saggy face and make an individual look far older than they really are.
Good Candidates for Facial Liposuction
Patients who are in good overall health and have fatty areas in their face that are resistant to diet and exercise are good candidates for facial liposuction. It is essential to note that facial liposuction is not a form of weight loss. Instead, it is used to sculpt certain areas of the face that do not respond well to diet and exercise.
Many patients are 45 years or younger, with a full neck or one who has developed jowls and desires to have a more youthful, thinner neckline. Because their skin is so elastic, those younger patients can benefit dramatically with just performing facial liposuction in those areas only. This is generally a very short procedure with a short recovery even as compared to a QT Lift™.
Many times, the only area that shows the aging process is the neck area. Some patients may have a very full neck with a very loose waddle and often that area is filled with fat. Sometimes we cannot do just liposuction, especially if the patient is older and has lost elasticity. It is then necessary to perform a QT Neck Lift to tighten the neck. This can be done as an isolated procedure or in combination with the facial liposuction. A neck lift is a quick procedure with a very short recovery period. This is a procedure that is very often done in the office under local anesthesia or even with some mild sedation.
Facial Liposuction Improves Facial Aesthetics
In today’s world of video conferencing, social media, and photographs, we’re on camera more than ever before. With a strong jaw or prominent chin, people can convey leadership and strength. They can also look more youthful and feel more confident online and in person. Individuals who have excess fat around the lower parts of their face or an uneven or sagging profile can look older than they really are. Facial liposuction can allow patients to look younger and more vibrant while giving them the chance to show off their best features.
Patient Reviews
Benefits of Facial Liposuction
Facial liposuction is a minimally-invasive procedure that offers many different benefits. Some of these benefits include:
Low Risk of Infection
Compared to other cosmetic surgeries, facial liposuction has a low risk of infection.
Fast Recovery
Since facial liposuction is not very invasive, the body will not need to put a great deal of effort into recovery. Patients can enjoy great results in a very short time frame.
Minimal Scarring
Facial liposuction is performed within discrete areas of the face so even if a minor scar occurs, it won’t be noticeable.
Total Removal of Fat Cells
Patients who have lost a significant amount of weight should understand that their fat cells still remain under their skin. With facial liposuction, they can get rid of these fat cells and don’t have to worry about them returning.
Minimal to No Pain
Facial liposuction is not a painful procedure. Patients may experience minor discomfort and swelling that can be treated with ice packs and/or pain relievers.
Improved Contour
Perhaps of the greatest benefits of facial liposuction is that it can contour the face and improve overall facial aesthetics.
Facial Liposuction Procedure
Facial liposuction is an outpatient procedure that may last from 30 minutes to one hour. The procedure begins with local anesthesia that is typically combined with oral or IV sedation.
Dr. DeJoseph will make a small incision in the submental crease, which is the crease that can be found underneath the chin. Incisions will only be about one or two centimeters long. Once the incisions are made, Dr. DeJoseph or will use a tool called a cannula to suction fat through the incisions. To close the incisions, the surgeon will use dissolvable sutures. Facial liposuction is complete after Dr. DeJoseph applies a light gauze wrap.
Recovering from Facial Liposuction
The day after surgery, most patients feel fine and experience minimal to no discomfort. They will be asked to return to our facility so that their gauze wrap can be removed. Since all sutures will dissolve, they will not need to be removed.
Some patients will be able to return to work a few days after the procedure. However, those with severe bruising may have to wait a bit longer. Any vigorous activities and exercise should not be resumed until two weeks after the surgery.
Related Procedures: Facelift, Blepharoplasty, Otoplasty, Neck Lift, Brow lift, Hair Transplant
Facial Liposuction FAQs
Liposuction is designed to remove areas of fat on the body. It also works well on facial areas that do not respond to a healthy diet and regular exercise. When it is performed on areas of the face, it is known as facial liposuction.
Skin elasticity will affect the appearance of the skin after facial liposuction. Good skin elasticity can lead to a natural and smooth look after the procedure.
Dr. DeJoseph cannot safely remove too much fat during a facial liposuction procedure because doing so significantly increases the risks and complications of the procedure. Also, too much fat removal can leave a patient with sagging skin. Dr. DeJoseph knows exactly how much fat to remove in order to create beautiful results.
Since facial liposuction is an outpatient procedure, it takes up to an hour to complete and does not require a hospital stay.
Facial liposuction is a surgical procedure that does come with minor risks. Rare complications can include infection, bleeding, saggy skin, and asymmetry.
After undergoing facial liposuction, patients should keep their heads elevated and avoid any strenuous activities. During the first week, nothing heavier than 10 pounds should be lifted. In addition, patients should try to keep their head in a neutral position, rather than in a flexed position.
Many patients at Premier Image Cosmetic and Laser Surgery pair facial liposuction with other procedures such as a facelift, a chin implant, dermal fillers, or Botox to achieve a more youthful appearance.
The answer to Kybella vs submental liposuction depends on the individual’s specific needs and goals. Kybella is a non-surgical injection treatment that can reduce the appearance of a double chin, while facial liposuction is a surgical procedure that can remove fat from under the chin. Both treatments offer excellent results but it is important to consider your desired outcome and lifestyle when making a decision. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine which option is best suited for you.
Patients can enjoy permanent results with facial liposuction. However, it’s important to understand that although the fat cells that are removed will not return, weight gain may cause the remaining fat cells to expand and cause poor contour.
In most cases, patients only need one facial liposuction surgery. During a consultation, Dr. DeJoseph or Dr. Daraei will go over all the specifics of the procedure.
Most patients take a few days off from work and other activities so they can fully recover and allow swelling to subside. Patients who pair facial liposuction with other procedures may require a longer recovery period depending on the procedure they have.
A difference in the chin and jawline will start to become apparent after swelling subsides. Results will be more obvious when all swelling disappears.
If you live near Sandy Springs, GA, Premier Image Cosmetic and Laser Surgery offers facial liposuction among its services, and is conveniently located at 6085 Barfield Rd #100 Sandy Springs, GA 30328