Most individuals tend to retain fat more easily in their face than other parts of the body, and it’s not possible to spot-reduce fat with diet and exercise alone. Because of this, many people look into facial liposuction. Facial liposuction physically removes fat from the source. It is usually done to the cheeks, around the jawline, and under the chin. However, as a plastic surgeon, I advise my patients against this procedure. Here are some of the cons of facial liposuction, as well as alternative options.
How Is Facial Liposuction Performed?
Facial liposuction is an outpatient procedure. To begin, a small incision is made on the face. Then, the fat is rendered into a form that is easy to remove. This may be done via a mixture of saline solution and other things, ultrasound waves, or a laser directed at the fat. After the fat has been made easier to extract, a small tubal instrument called a cannula is inserted into the incision and used to suction the fat out from the desired areas. Finally, the incision is closed with a couple stitches as needed. The entire procedure generally takes between 30 to 60 minutes.
What Are the Drawbacks of Facial Liposuction?
Facial liposuction is not recommended for several reasons. Here are some of the major drawbacks and risks:
- Increased signs of aging: Liposuction removes fat from the face, but this results in skin that is more lax, which can highlight fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. With weight loss and other methods, this is done gradually, so skin has more time to bounce back and tighten as fat is slowly lost from the face. Liposuction reduces the elasticity of the skin.
- Uneven/lumpy results: Facial liposuction carries the risk of fat not being removed evenly. This results in lumpy-looking skin, which is especially obvious on the face. This is more common when liposuction is performed on facial features compared to other areas due to a lower amount of fat needing to be removed.
- Nerve damage: The face is full of nerve endings, and these nerves play an important role in forming facial expressions and more. Facial liposuction carries the risk of damaging these nerves.
- Scarring: Although a good surgeon will do their best to choose a spot where scarring won’t be as visible, scarring is a big risk with this procedure due to the movement of the instruments in and out of the incision to remove all the fat and reach every angle.
On top of all of these potential drawbacks, there is the risk of infection that comes with surgery. You are also required to be at or near your ideal weight to get this procedure done and have it be worthwhile.
What Are Some Alternatives to Facial Liposuction?
If you’re looking to reduce stubborn areas of fat in and around your face, there are other options besides facial liposuction.
- Morpheus8: This method pairs two powerful rejuvenation methods: microneedling and radiofrequency. In skilled hands, Morpheus8 can be used at deeper levels to melt unwanted facial fat. As fat reduction is happening, the overlying skin is also being tightened. This not only eliminates the risk of more visible fine lines and sagging after fat loss in the face but actually works to reverse signs of aging in addition to fat loss.
- Buccal fat pad removal: For those looking to slim their cheeks, buccal fat pad removal may be an option. This is a surgical procedure in which incisions are made on the insides of the cheeks and the buccal fat pads are pulled out. The buccal fat pads are removed in one piece, eliminating the risk of lumpiness in the cheeks, and scarring is not visible due to the incisions being inside the mouth.
If you would like to find out more about procedures that can reduce facial fat, contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Edmund Fisher.
