Facial Liposuction: An Introduction

by Marisa Amorasak

Liposuction has sat comfortably among the top five plastic surgery procedures for many years. Its ability to efficiently remove fat buildup from the thighs, abdomen, buttocks, hips, and other parts of the body make it the go-to procedure for patients looking to slim down quickly. Liposuction’s popularity has also been boosted by its constant developments—in addition to traditional tumescent liposuction, there is now laser liposuction, thermal liposuction, and many more variants.

What is Facial Liposuction?

But this type of liposuction is one you may never heard of: facial liposuction. Although liposuction is typically performed on the body, the face is quickly becoming a standard procedure for many plastic surgeons. Facial liposuction removes fat from the face, including the cheeks, chin, jawline, jowls, and neck through a slim tube called a cannula which is inserted underneath the skin. During facial liposuction, the plastic surgeon will also use a tool called a liposhaver, which is attached to the end of the cannula. The liposhaver allows the surgeon to contour the face more accurately and with less aggression than body liposuction.

Facial liposuction is an excellent rejuvenating option for younger patients who aren’t quite ready for a facelift. Older patients can receive improved results by combining facial liposuction with a facelift and other procedures. Since facial liposuction slims fatty deposits on the face, it’s often used in conjunction with liposuction for the jaw, cheeks, and chin. Your plastic surgeon can help you decide on the best surgical path for you.

Am I a Candidate for Facial Liposuction?

Patients who are looking into facial liposuction should possess the following qualities:

Good general health
Unwanted fat deposits on the face
Good skin elasticity
Be ready to take time off for recovery

Facial Liposuction Risks, Side Effects, and Recovery

The most common side effect of facial liposuction is bruising, swelling, and soreness at the site of the surgery. But since the plastic surgeon will utilize a liposhaver, patients shouldn’t expect the same degree of post-treatment trauma as body liposuction. And since facial liposuction requires a patient to go under general anesthesia, the medicine used to do so may cause nausea and vomiting in some patients.

Recovery from facial liposuction is usually quite quick—most patients are able to return to their regular schedule after a week. Taking the medications prescribed by your surgeon as well as getting lots of rest will help you heal faster. Compression garments are not necessary with facial liposuction. Expect to see full results of facial liposuction in 3 to 6 months.

Scheduling Your Facial Liposuction Consultation

In order to find out if facial liposuction is right for you, the best thing you can do is schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. During the consultation, you’ll be able to learn more about the procedure and the kind of results you can expect. Contact our representatives today to set up a consultation.