Facial
Liposuction
Some people who otherwise are not over weight are distressed
because of a double chin, saggy jowls or a very round face.
Fat deposits in these locations may be due to heredity or
the natural aging process. Unfortunately, these conditions
are usually resistant to exercise and weight loss and, until
recent times, could not be changed. Recently, however, several
surgical procedures have been developed to eliminate fat
deposits in the face. One such technique, facial liposuction,
was perfected over twenty years ago by a French physician
and is now available for men and women who want to correct
these facial flaws.
Facial liposuction surgery involves the removal of specific
areas of localized fat deposits and may be performed alone
or in conjunction with other facial surgeries such as chin
augmentation and facelift.
Men and women in good physical condition with good skin
elasticity are the best candidates for this surgery. When
the procedure was first introduced, only younger people
were considered to be good candidates; however, recent improvements
in the technique have made it possible to treat patients
of all ages. Each person seeking this treatment, regardless
of age, must be personally assessed by the physician to
determine if he or she is suitable for facial liposuction.
Before surgery
Prior to surgery a complete medical history is taken in
order to evaluate the general health of the patient. A thorough
examination of the face is also conducted with particular
attention to skin tone. The physician describes the type
of anesthesia to be used, the procedure, what results might
realistically be expected and possible risks and complications.
Preoperative instructions may include the elimination of
certain drugs which contain aspirin in order to minimize
the possibility of excess bleeding. Antibiotics may be prescribed
for a few days prior to surgery to prevent infection. Photographs
may be taken before and after surgery to evaluate the amount
of improvement.
The Procedure
Facial liposuction surgery can be performed in the physician's
office, an outpatient surgical facility, or a hospital depending
upon the physician's and patient's preference. It can be
done under general anesthesia with the patient asleep or
under local anesthesia in which the area is numbed and the
patient remains awake. Prior to surgery the areas to be
treated are carefully marked and premedication is given
to relax the patient.
The physician makes very small incisions along the jawline,
in the cheeks or in the neck below the chin, depending upon
which fat deposits are to be removed. (Fig. A) A tube (canula)
attached to a high pressure vacuum suction or to a syringe
system is inserted deep in the fat. (Fig. B) The fat is
loosened from surrounding tissue by moving the tube back
and forth. It is then removed or vacuumed from the face
with the suction device. The physician determines the amount
of fat to remove by feeling the skin and pinching the tissue.
After the incisions have been closed, a compression dressing
or bandage is applied to the area to prevent bleeding, reduce
swelling and support the affected areas. The procedure can
last from thirty minutes to several hours depending upon
the extent of surgery.
Following Surgery
The dressing, which remains in place for a day or two,
may be replaced with an elastic bandage placed under the
chin and tied over the head. It may be necessary to wear
this chin strap for several days. Because the surgery does
not involve large incisions and extensive cutting, pain
is minimal to moderate and is controlled with oral medication.
Antibiotics may be prescribed.
Most patients are completely ambulatory immediately following
surgery but rest is recommended for the initial postoperative
period. Patients are usually able to return to normal activities
within a week, although vigorous physical activity is discouraged
for several weeks. Chewing may be difficult for a few days,
particularly if a chin strap is worn.
Some swelling can occur and sometimes there is bruising
around the treated areas. Swelling can be reduced by keeping
the head slightly elevated when reclining. Scars which fade
significantly in time are, for the most part, inconspicuous
because they are made within the natural creases of the
face whenever possible. Complications of this surgery are
rare; however, possible complications include uneven skin
surface, numbness and discoloration which are usually temporary
and infection. There are certain inherent risks connected
with every surgical procedure which should be thoroughly
discussed with the physician. Patients can minimize complications
by carefully following directions given by the physician.
Facial liposuction surgery is an excellent procedure that
can benefit those who want to remove unsightly fat deposits
from localized areas of the face.
If you are interested in learning more about facial liposuction,
please call our office and we will be happy to answer your
questions.
