Facial Liposuction and Neck Liposuction – How It’s Done

By Facial Liposuction Specialist Dr. Michel Siegel, Houston, Texas Plastic Surgeon

Excess pockets of fat on areas of the face and neck beneath the chin can be removed through Facial Suction Liposuction. Liposuction is performed by inserting a special instrument, known as a cannula, beneath the skin through a tiny incision. The incision is usually located below the chin or just behind the ear lobe. A suction apparatus connection to the cannula removes the unwanted fat cells. Fat is literally “vacuumed” out through a suction catheter via a small incision under the chin. Recovery time is very brief, usually less than one week.

Candidates for Facial and Neck Liposuction

Liposuction alone is most effective for younger patients with moderate amounts of fatty tissue under the chin and neck. If fatty tissue is present in large amounts or the skin is very lax, liposuction is usually performed in conjunction with a mini-facelift (directed at removing the excess skin present after the fat is eliminated). People seeking more neck definition, who also have a retrusive chin, may also be candidates for a chin implant to better balance their appearance.

After Liposuction of the Face and Neck

Most patients note significant improvement immediately after surgery. However, as with any facial plastic surgery procedure, the ultimate result and final improvement must await complete healing from 6-12 weeks following the procedure.

After the fat is removed, the overlying skin shrinks to create a contoured appearance. The fat cells removed will not reappear, as fat cells do not multiply in quantity but rather in size. After the procedure, a snug dressing is wrapped around the face and neck. It is removed about a week later, although you may be advised to wear a chinstrap for a few days and for several weeks at night. The bruising and swelling that can occur, subsides within two to three weeks. The swelling resolves more slowly. There may be mild post-operative discomfort around the incision which is easily controlled by medication.

Postoperative Dressing

The tiny incisions used for liposuction of the neck and face do not require sutures. Not closing incisions with sutures and allowing open drainage of the blood-tinged anesthetic solution minimizes postoperative bruising and edema. Absorptive pads are applied to absorb the drainage and are held in place by an elastic compression garment which is worn for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery. As soon as the drainage has ceased, a compression garment is no longer necessary. In the old days of liposuction, surgeons required patients to wear a compression garment for two to six weeks, but there is no evidence that this prolonged compression provides any benefit.