Facial Liposuction & Lipectomy
About Liposuction
Facial liposuction is a very common, popular procedure. It is designed for the permanent removal of fatty tissue from your cheeks, chin, and neck. Excess neck fat can give the patient an aged appearance beyond their years. Removal of fat by Liposuction or Lipectomy (cutting out fat) occasionally combined with facelift or Platysma Plication (neck tightening) procedures can return a patient’s youthful appearance or reduce areas of fullness to slenderize the face.
Patients with good skin tone who have fatty deposits receive the best results from facial liposuction alone. Your age is not a major consideration; however, older patients may have diminished skin elasticity and may not achieve the same results as a younger patient with tighter skin. In this case, combining facial liposuction with a facelift is recommended.
If weight gain occurs following liposuction, fat will be deposited in the remaining fat tissue. All the fat cannot be removed because it would create an unaesthetic appearance; however, the procedure can be repeated if necessary. The removal of fat by liposuction and lipectomy is permanent. If you were to gain a large amount of weight you might note rippling in the treated areas, depending on your skin elasticity.
A variety of factors can affect the results:
- Physical condition
- Genetic makeup
- Diet
- Exercise
- Smoking
- Alcohol intake
- and skin elasticity.
To be a good candidate for liposuction, you must have realistic expectations about what the procedure can do for you.
Liposuction carries a greater risk for individuals with medical problems such as diabetes, significant heart or lung disease, poor blood circulation, or those who have recently had surgery near the area to be contoured.
These surgeries can be done in our in-office surgical suite under the anesthesia of your choice.
Before Surgery
We will evaluate your medical history in order to determine your overall health. Dr. Reynolds will discuss with you how your face can look and what you can expect from surgery. Our objective is to create a natural appearance that is pleasing to you. Photographs and computer imaging are performed to determine the amount of improvement after surgery.
We will provide you with preoperative instructions that include the elimination of smoking and specific drugs containing aspirin several weeks before surgery to minimize excess bleeding. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent infection.
Facial Liposuction Surgery
Facial liposuction is performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia as an outpatient basis in our in-office surgical suite. Through a tiny incision (less than 1/2 inch) under your chin and sometimes behind the ear lobe, a narrow tube or cannula is inserted and used to vacuum the fat layer that lies deep beneath the skin. The cannula is pushed then pulled through the fat layer, breaking up the fat cells and suctioning them out. The suction action is provided by a vacuum pump. The procedure may take an hour or more.
Postoperative Information
Following liposuction, the scar will go through a maturation process—during the first 8-12 weeks they may be red and possibly raised. The scar will mature over 6-2 months and become pale, flat and soft. You may experience numbness, burning, tingling around the incision site. These symptoms are almost always temporary. Please let us know if you are prone to keloid scars.
To preview Pre-Operative Instructions, Consent and Post-Operative Instructions along with the scheduled visits, see Surgical Instructions> Facial Liposuction & Lipectomy
WHY Reynolds oral and facial surgery?
Reynolds Oral and Facial Surgery is one of the best oral and facial surgery teams around. With more than 20 years of experience and extensive training, we know what it takes to make sure your procedure runs smoothly. Dr. Reynolds and Dr. Gresehover have a keen eye for detail and strive to make sure to answer any questions you may have. Our team understands that medical procedures can be very nerve-racking experiences which is why we make sure you are comfortable and have the best experience possible. We also invest heavily in the most advanced surgical technology available ensuring you get the best results possible.