Facial contouring is not as simple as body contouring can be. While diet and exercise can achieve some degree of improvement in areas like the midsection and hips, there is very little that can be done to refine the shape of the face when excess fat is present. Full cheeks, a rounded jawline, and submental fullness are problems that give the illusion of being overweight. Fortunately, these are problems that can be handled quickly with facial liposuction.
- What Is Liposuction?
- Facial Liposuction Before and After Pictures
- Facial Liposuction Benefits
- Facial Liposuction Candidates
- Facial Liposuction Procedure
- Combining Facial Liposuction with Other Procedures
- Facial Liposuction Recovery
- Facial Liposuction Results
- Facial Liposuction Side Effects
- Facial Liposuction Risks
What Is Liposuction?
Facial liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed to create the ideal angles in the jaw, chin, and cheek area. The procedure, which may also be referred to as submental liposuction, targets excess fat cells that cause the appearance of jowls and overly inflated cheeks. Performed under local anesthesia in most cases, facial liposuction provides a straight path to a more refined, more angular face.
Treatment areas may include:
- Neck. Removing excess fat from the neck area can reduce the appearance of drooping and fullness.
- Chin. Chin liposuction is commonly performed to reduce submental fullness permanently. When excess fat is removed from beneath the chin, the jawline may become sharper and more prominent.
- Cheeks. Large cheeks can create an imbalance in the proportions of the face. Meticulous facial liposuction reduces the prominence of the cheeks to create a better sense of symmetry.
Facial Liposuction Before and After Pictures
Before
After
Before
After
Results may vary by patient.
What Are the Benefits of Facial Liposuction?
Facial liposuction offers the significant benefit of expedited and better-sculpted results compared to non-surgical treatments such as KYBELLA®.
In contrast, facial liposuction can deliver noticeable improvements after a single procedure, often with minimal downtime. It allows for greater precision in contouring the jawline, chin, and cheeks, especially when performed by a surgeon who specializes in facial anatomy. Results are generally long lasting, and because the fat cells are physically removed, there's no waiting for gradual fat breakdown or absorption. For patients seeking a more sculpted, defined facial profile, facial liposuction offers a direct and reliable solution.
Am I a Candidate for Facial Liposuction?
Facial liposuction can be an ideal option for both women and men who are bothered by excess fat in the cheeks, under the chin, or neck that creates a fuller or less defined facial appearance. Candidates often struggle with issues like a double chin, jowls, or a rounded jawline that do not respond to diet or exercise.
The best candidates for facial liposuction typically meet the following criteria:
- Have good skin elasticity. Skin with natural firmness is more likely to contract smoothly after fat removal, enhancing final results.
- Are close to their ideal weight. While facial liposuction targets localized fat, it is not a substitute for weight loss.
- Are in good general health. Patients should not have any uncontrolled medical conditions that could interfere with healing.
- Do not smoke. Smoking can impair recovery and increase the risk of complications.
- Have realistic expectations. Patients should understand the benefits and limitations of the procedure and be motivated by personal goals. In some cases, individuals with fat located deeper beneath the muscle may achieve better results with a deep necklift instead.
Facial liposuction can be performed as a standalone treatment, but it is often performed in conjunction with a deep plane facelift to achieve more dramatic and balanced facial rejuvenation.
What Does the Facial Liposuction Procedure Involve?
During liposuction surgery, Dr. Beaty inserts a thin tube called a cannula into the skin through a small, strategically placed incision—typically under the chin or behind the ears. He gently moves the cannula back and forth to loosen the fat deposits, which are then suctioned out to sculpt and refine the facial contours.
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation, though general anesthesia may be recommended depending on the extent of treatment and whether additional procedures, such as a facelift or neck lift, are being performed. Your surgeon will determine the most appropriate anesthesia plan for your needs.
Facial liposuction generally takes less than an hour when done on its own, and most patients are able to return home the same day. The incisions are very small and usually heal well without visible scarring.
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Can Facial Liposuction Be Combined with Other Treatments?
Yes—facial liposuction is often combined with other procedures to further enhance facial definition and overall balance. Because Dr. Beaty specializes exclusively in the face, nose, and neck, he has a keen understanding of how additional treatments can work together to improve facial harmony and maximize your results. During your consultation, he will assess your facial anatomy and aesthetic goals to recommend a personalized combination of procedures, if appropriate.
Surgical Procedures
Facial liposuction may be combined with a number of surgical procedures, including a ProLift™ facelift, neck lift, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, or facial implants. In particular, facial implants can make a profound difference in the contouring of the chin, cheeks, and jawline. Combining procedures can allow for more dramatic results while maintaining facial harmony.
Non-Surgical Procedures
It may also be possible to combine facial liposuction with certain non-surgical procedures, ranging from BOTOX® Cosmetic to skin tightening treatments, depending on the area of the face being treated. Dr. Beaty is committed to patient-centered care and tailors all procedures to each person’s desired outcome. In some cases, complementary therapies may need to be scheduled a week or two after facial liposuction to allow swelling and bruising to decrease.
How Long Is the Recovery After Facial Liposuction?
The extent of recovery after facial liposuction varies based on the size of the treatment area and inclusion of any other procedures, such as neck lift or facelift. When facial liposuction is performed as a standalone treatment, recovery is straightforward and often manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Many patients can return to work within a week after their liposuction procedure—again, depending on additional surgeries. Your surgeon may recommend that you wait up to a month to resume intense exercise.
When Will I See My Facial Liposuction Results?
Results after facial liposuction will be apparent after swelling subsides, which may take up to a few weeks. The results of liposuction are long lasting, unless patients gain a substantial amount of weight in their face. Once fat cells are removed, they do not regenerate; however, remaining fat cells can enlarge with significant weight gain. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle can help preserve your improved contours for years to come. Most patients enjoy a more defined jawline, slimmer facial profile, and increased confidence in their appearance.
Are There Any Side Effects After Facial Liposuction?
The most common side effects after facial liposuction are swelling and bruising. Both can be managed with a compression garment and cold compresses applied gently to the surgical area. Mild discomfort, numbness, or a feeling of tightness may also occur temporarily as the area heals. These symptoms typically improve within the first week and continue to fade as recovery progresses.
What Are the Risks of Liposuction?
In addition to the risks associated with any surgical procedure, there are some rare risks related to liposuction, including loose skin, asymmetry, contour irregularities, and pigmentation irregularities.
Schedule Your Facial Lipo Consult Today!
If you wish to learn more about facial liposuction, or if you wish to determine whether you are a candidate for the procedure, please be sure to book a personalized consult with Dr. Beaty and our talented team! Call (770) 273-0037 or click here to send us an appointment request form. Our practice looks forward to serving you!
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