What Is Facial Liposuction and Liposculpture?

Facial liposuction differs from facial liposculpture, in that, one seeks to rid the cheeks and jaw line (jowls) of extra fat, whereas the other actually seeks to restore or replenish the lost volume of fat in the face. Ironically, both scenarios of either too much fat or not enough fat are mostly age related, depending upon where you fall in the age spectrum.

As gravity weighs down on our facial skin, fat tends to accumulate under our chin and jaw line, creating an unsightly jowl effect or a turkey gobbler neck. With a small suction device, this fat can be removed. However, this is also usually done in conjunction with other facelift procedures as the incisions are similar and, of course, removing the fat does not address the problem of excess skin. The end result of a facial liposuction is a thinner, younger, facial appearance. 

At some point in our aging process, our face develops a hollowed appearance as natural fatty tissues decline. To compensate for these, sometimes, rapid changes, facial fat can be repositioned or restored through facial fat injections. This is called facial liposculpture. This sculpturing process replenishes facial fat volume by taking excess fat from other areas of the body and injecting it into the face through tiny incisions, using contemporary techniques. This rejuvenation process helps to restore the face back to its natural, youthful, appearance. 

Most people tend to begin looking for new ways to enhance their facial features somewhere in their 30’s. As we grow older, our skin changes and loses elasticity. Wherever you may find yourself on this aging spectrum, contact your plastic surgeon for a consultation wherein your individual specific concerns can be addressed.

Considering A Neck Lift?

As some of us age, we begin to see the downward effects of gravity’s pull on our necks. and most of us, even if just for one fleeting moment, dream about having our sagging necks surgically corrected. Today’s advanced techniques have greatly eased the process, making it no longer something just for the rich and famous. There are now a variety of procedures to greatly improve the appearance of the neck. These procedures range from quick and easy cosmetic treatments to longer procedures requiring precautions for pain and limited activity for a period of time. 

What we see as sagging necks are the vertical bands that attach from the bottom of the neck to under the chin. A neck muscle separates creating these cords with a bulging pad of fat between the muscles and excess skin. This creates that turkey gobbler deformity that we are all horrified to first notice in our mirror. Botox can be used as a treatment to eliminate or lessen the visual presence of the bands, but, by itself, does not create much of a change. 

Therefore, in order to remove the appearance of bands or cords in the neck, along with any excess fat and extra skin, a neck lift is performed. The procedure usually lasts only one to two hours. Often, because of the incisions necessary to remove the extra neck skin, a neck lift is performed in conjunction with some type of a facelift. Since the skin of the neck affects the chin, and the skin of the chin affects the face (you get the picture), it is simpler and more beneficial to combine these procedures. During consultation, your plastic surgeon will help you determine your concerns and plan the procedure to meet your specific goals.