Understanding Liposuction of the head and neck

As we age, certain areas of the body can accumulate fat that is hard to lose, in spite of a healthy diet and exercise. The neck, chin, cheek, and jowls are such areas. Fatty deposits in the face and neck can detract from the appearance of the entire body, making a younger person look older or a fit person seem out of shape. Liposuction can give these areas a new streamlined contour, enhancing the effect of facial features and improving the profile.

 

Is Liposuction Surgery for you?

As with all elective surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites. It is also key to understand all aspects of the surgery. A pleasing, balanced profile can be achieved by liposuction of the face and neck, either along, or in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures.

 

Your consultation with Dr. Dale Smith can help you decide on the type of surgery(s) that addresses your concerns. During your consultation, your surgeon will thoroughly examine the face and neck to pinpoint problem areas and your concerns. Your surgeon will weigh other factors that could influence the outcome of your surgery such as skin type, age, weight, and attitudes toward surgery. The surgical procedure will be described to you in detail along with reasonable projections.

 

Understanding the surgery

During the procedure, the surgeon makes a tiny incision in the skin, typically in the crease just under the chin or behind the ear lobes. Next, the surgeon inserts a thin tube called a cannula into the fatty area. The cannula is used to break up the fat deposits and sculpt the area to the desired proportions. The unwanted fat is removed with a high pressure vacuum, leaving the skin, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels intact.

 

During Suction Lipectomy, some patients may need to have neck muscles, called platysma bands, tightened. Platysma bands are prominent vertical folds of skin on the front of the neck that develop in some patients. Platysma bands contain loose folds of superficial muscles as well as fat. Liposuction may improve the appearance of platysma bands. Platysma bands are usually tightened by making a small incision under the chin and using sutures to tighten the muscle.

 

Suction Lipectomy can take one hour or more to complete, depending on the areas being treated and how much fat is being removed.

 

What to expect after the surgery

Immediately after surgery, your surgeon usually applies a dressing that will remain in place for a few days. You will experience some tenderness in the face and neck. Post-operative discomfort can be controlled with prescribed medications. Chewing may be limited after liposuction surgery, and a liquid and soft food diet may be required for a few days after surgery. Some bruising and swelling is inevitable. Rigorous activity may be prohibited for the first few weeks after surgery. Normal activity can normally be resumed ten days after surgery.

 

Facial Cosmetic Surgery makes it possible to enhance your appearance and eliminate signs of premature aging that undermine self-confidence. By changing how you look, Facial Cosmetic Surgery can improve your self-image.