Facial Liposuction | Princeton Junction & Mercerville NJ
What are the problems that can be addressed with facial liposuction?
A fatty or “jowly” area beneath the chin is a concern for many individuals. As we get older, this area may even stretch and descend further, especially with weight gain.
However, the fat pad that exists in this area is “diet-resistant” for the most part. In order to re-drape the skin and remove some of the excess fat, a technique known as liposuction may be performed.
In addition to excess skin and redundant fat, the underlying jaw structure may be to blame as well. Very often patients with “over-bites” or small lower jaws may require or benefit from a combination of liposuction and chin augmentation. Patients with short necks or chins that appear to blend in the chest may be especially difficult to treat.
What is Liposuction?
“Liposuction,” as the name literally implies, is a surgical procedure that removes fatty deposits with a surgical suction device. In the delicate facial region, this is most often accomplished with various sizes and shapes of special narrow tubes (cannulas) which are attached to a suction syringe. Most of these tubes are 3 to 4 millimeters in diameter, about the diameter of a pencil.
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What evaluation and preparation is done before my surgery?
A thorough physical exam and medical history will be obtained, including digital photos and radiographic examination of the jaw and neck regions. Special attention will be directed to the patient’s profile and jaw relationships.
Skin laxity, sun exposure, and tobacco use may impact greatly on final outcomes. Medical considerations such as thyroid or heart conditions, for example, may eliminate the eligibility of some patients.
Once a thorough exam has been performed and a plan for surgery has been developed, patients are treated in our same-day surgical center. An anti-swelling medication and an antibiotic are usually recommended and given before the start of the procedure.
Most patients only require light conscious sedation for the liposuction procedure. General anesthesia is available for those with anxiety or who want to be more deeply sedated.
How is the procedure performed?
In the surgical suite before the anesthesia is begun, the liposuction area is outlined with a surgical pen. Special attention is noted to specific areas of protruding fat with the patient in an upright position.
Once the surgical areas are all marked, anesthesia is begun. The facial area is then cleansed and isolated with drapes in a sterile fashion.
Next, a very special dilute local anesthetic solution (tumescence fluid) is infiltrated beneath the skin in the area to be liposuctioned. The placement of this solution “numbs” the area, decreases any bleeding, and most importantly, breaks up some of the fat loculations beneath the skin.
In about 10 to 15 minutes the actual liposuction procedure begins. The surgical access to the underlying fat is usually accomplished with just one small incision beneath the chin.
Utilizing the fine surgical tubes attached to suction syringes, the Doctors can remove the excess fat. At the same time, the doctors will sculpt the remaining layer of protective fat that cushions the skin over the muscle. By wetting the facial skin with saline solution during the procedure, the doctors will feel and assess the smoothness of the tissue underlying the skin.
When they are content with the desired effect, the small hole in the skin is closed with 1 or 2 small sutures and covered with a steri-strip. A supportive chin and neck elastic garment is worn for at least 48 hours.
What to expect afterwards?
The procedure is not very painful afterward. Over the next couple of days, however, the patients will exhibit some mild swelling and bruising in the area. Most of this is concealed with the support dressing.
For the remaining portion of the week, patients are encouraged to wear the supportive dressing while they are at home, especially overnight. The supportive dressing helps minimize swelling and bruising, but more importantly, facilitates re-draping of the chin and neck skin.
The tightening and contour changes that occur as a result of liposuction may take a couple of months to fully appreciate. Besides the obvious effect of removing the excess fat, the chin and neck skin shrinks and becomes more tightly adherent to the underlying layers of tissue. The deeper tissues may undergo some atrophy and shrinkage as well which contributes to the desired effect.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects such as “numbness” and bruising are usually temporary. Longer lasting effects may be from any underlying swelling that may take some time to resolve. Revisions in the chin and neck region are not usually necessary, but occasionally after tissues shrink, it may become apparent that a localized area of fat may need to be additionally removed or re-sculpted.
Imagine Yourself with a More Beautiful Smile
Drs. Bradley and Sasportas offer a number of cosmetic dental treatments to improve your smile. Contact us today!