Face and Neck Liposuction

Facial and neck liposuction can produce very dramatic effects in the aging face or in younger patients with fat deposits. Liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss. Suctioning fat deposits on an over-weight person will create a deformity because the removal of fat will result in baggy skin.

Although liposuction is a common term, the procedure is actually more properly referred to as liposculpture. The word sculpture indicates an actual artistic recontouring of the fat instead of just removing fat. Although excess fat removal is a positive change, taking away too much fat can leave unpleasant cosmetic deformities. Fat is not always the enemy and leaving the proper amount of fat under the skin is extremely important.

Liposuction, however, is an excellent means of removing fat deposits in individuals whom have genetic fat deposits or fat collections from aging. The most effective areas for facial liposuction are the areas under the chin and the jowls, which are the droopy areas that form on the sides of the jaws as we age.

Fat deposits in the chin, neck and jowls can be reduced with simple liposuction.

Small precision micro liposuction cannulas are used with a suction machine to remove the unwanted fat. The procedure is done through a small puncture hidden under the chin.

Dr. Niamtu uses a combination of surgical procedures when performing liposuction. Frequently a chin implant is utilized with the liposuction under the chin. This tightens up the loose skin and enhances the patient's profile. In addition, Dr. Niamtu may elect to perform a neck lift procedure in which he corrects the sagging muscles of the neck to restore their youthful position. This is effective in improving the "turkey gobbler" deformity of the neck.

It is important to mention that if significant loose skin is present, liposuction by itself may produce disappointing results. For cases with a large amount of skin, a face lift procedure may be required.

Most of this surgery may be done in the office under local or IV anesthesia.

Depending upon the severity of the deformity, the recovery time for these surgeries is from 3-7 days. Patients wear a support head wrap to compress the treated areas. This is worn for several days continually and at night for 5-7 days.

A simple elastic compression dressing is worn for several days after the liposculpture procedure.

 

Buccal Fat Pad Reduction

The buccal fat pad is a normal collection of facial fat in the cheeks. In some patients with round faces or "puffy" cheeks, the buccal fat pads can be reduced to slim the mid and lower face. It is important to approach this procedure conservatively as too aggressive removal of the buccal fat pad can result in a hollow appearance.

The procedure takes about 10-15 minutes per side and is performed with local or IV anesthesia. This procedure may be performed with other cosmetic facial procedures such as facial implants, liposuction, or facelift surgery.

This diagram shows the buccal fat pad position in the adult face. Only a small portion of the fat pad is removed.

The picture gallery on the right shows before and after pictures of patients that had face and neck liposculpture. Some of the patients also had simultaneous procedures such as chin implants or face/neck lift.