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Facial Lipocontouring
Excessive fat deposits in the neck and jowls contribute significantly to double chin formation and to blunting or loss of the sharp neck angle. Liposuction is used to remove small areas of fat to re-sculpt the neck and jaw line for a tighter, more youthful appearance.
In younger patients, usually under the age of 40, the skin has enough elasticity to reveal dramatic results from facial lipocontouring alone. Most other patients benefit from lipocontouring in conjunction with a muscle-tightening procedure such as a QR Mini-Lift or a necklift.
Facial Lipocontouring
- Can be performed under local anesthesia
- Tightens the under-chin angle and improves double chins
- Often combined with a QR Mini Facelift and necklift to address the entire lower 1/3 of the face and neck
- No drains or tubes placed during surgery
- Minimal bruising and swelling usually resolves within seven days
Lipocontouring Procedure
Lipocontouring takes approximately one hour and can be performed under local or general anesthesia. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, and you go home the same day.
Small incisions are created under the chin and behind the ears in natural skin folds. A blunt cannula is inserted into the incisions and used to suction out excessive facial and neck fat. The incisions are then closed and a sterile dressing is applied.
Lipocontouring Recovery
After surgery, a light compression dressing is worn overnight on the neck for a few days. Sutures are then removed five days after the procedure. Recovery time ranges from seven to ten days. Strenuous activity, including all “cardio” exercise, is limited for two weeks. Blood thinners such as aspirin, NSAIDS (ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, Motrin, etc), fish oil, vitamin E, and others are to be avoided for at least two weeks after surgery. Your doctor will give you specific instructions for your individual recovery, and following these instructions can help speed your recovery and reduce the risk of post-operative complications.
Lipocontouring Results
Lipocontouring helps to re-sculpt the neck and jaw lines natural curves. It can improve the sharp under-chin angle of youth. Results are seen after dressing removal, and will improve as facial and neck swelling subsides over the next few weeks. Scars fade over time with significant long-term results settling in after four to six weeks.
Lipocontouring Risks
Though rare, post-operative complications from any surigical procedure are possible. They may include infection, bleeding, blood clots, and poor healing (including scarring), all which may require further surgery.
Risks specific to facial surgery also include asymmetry, numbness or parasthesias (tingling or pins-and-needles feeling), and damage to the facial nerve resulting in partial or complete facial paralysis.
