Yes, liposuction can be performed on the face and neck area, but it is a highly specialized procedure focused on sculpting and contouring localized fat deposits. Unlike body liposuction, which often targets bulk removal, facial liposuction requires extreme precision to achieve a defined jawline and neck profile. This technique is typically used for individuals who have stubborn pockets of fat beneath the chin that do not respond well to diet and exercise. The procedure aims to refine the transition between the face and neck, creating a more defined and youthful aesthetic.
Where Facial Liposuction is Performed
Facial liposuction targets specific anatomical regions where fat tends to accumulate beneath the skin. The primary area treated is the submental region, commonly known as the double chin, which is located directly under the mandible. Surgeons also frequently address the neck and the jowls, which are focal fat accumulations along the lower cheek and jawline.
Areas like the forehead, temples, and the mid-face cheeks are generally avoided for liposuction due to the proximity of vital nerves and the different structural nature of the fat. The fat removed from the submental and jowl areas is typically the superficial subcutaneous fat, which is distinct from the deeper buccal fat pad located in the cheeks.
How the Facial Contouring Procedure Works
Facial liposuction is often performed using the tumescent technique, which involves injecting a large volume of diluted local anesthetic and a vasoconstrictor, such as epinephrine, into the fat layer. This solution minimizes bleeding and bruising, while also numbing the area, allowing the procedure to frequently be performed while the patient is awake. The surgeon makes very small incisions, often placed inconspicuously beneath the chin or behind the earlobe, to introduce the surgical instruments.
The procedure relies on micro-cannulas, which are significantly smaller in diameter than the cannulas used for body liposuction. These fine instruments allow for meticulous and precise fat removal, necessary for the delicate contouring of the jaw and neck. The goal is to leave a thin, uniform layer of fat behind to ensure a smooth result and a soft cover over the underlying neck structures. In some cases, fat removal is combined with laser or radiofrequency energy to promote skin tightening for patients whose skin lacks optimal elasticity.
Unique Risks of Operating on the Face
Operating on the face introduces distinct risks due to the high concentration of nerves and vessels in a small area. The most significant concern is potential injury to the marginal mandibular nerve, a branch of the facial nerve. This nerve controls the depressor anguli oris muscle, which is responsible for pulling down the corner of the mouth.
Trauma to this nerve, typically from bruising or stretching by the cannula, can result in temporary weakness or an asymmetrical smile. While permanent nerve injury is extremely rare, temporary weakness in the lower lip is possible, and it may take a few weeks to several months for full function to return. Other risks include contour irregularities, such as lumps or depressions caused by overly aggressive fat removal.
Non-Surgical Options for Facial Fat Reduction
For individuals seeking a less invasive alternative to surgical liposuction, several non-surgical fat reduction options are available for the facial and neck region. One popular injectable treatment is deoxycholic acid (Kybella), an FDA-approved synthetic molecule that helps the body break down and absorb fat. When injected into the submental fat, this acid permanently destroys the fat cells, requiring a series of multiple sessions to achieve the desired contour.
Cryolipolysis, or fat freezing technology, uses controlled cooling to target and eliminate fat cells in the submental area. Radiofrequency treatments (e.g., FaceTite or Ultherapy) heat the deep layers of the skin to melt fat and simultaneously tighten the skin for a more defined appearance. These non-surgical methods offer the advantage of minimal downtime, though they generally produce less dramatic results than surgical liposuction.