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The phrase "facial liposuction" is not quite accurate, as surgeons rarely remove excess fat directly from the face.

Rather, this type of liposuction involves the areas of the neck, the jawline, under the jaw, the chin, and sometimes very small portions of the cheeks.

Read more on facial liposuction cost.

Who is a good candidate for facial liposuction?

It's important to remember that the purpose of liposuction is to remove excess fat, not remove wrinkles or unsightly skin blemishes.

Generally, younger women will achieve better results from facial liposuction because the skin still retains some elasticity.

Older women who attempt liposuction may still see some improvement, but generally receive additional topical treatments in order to tighten the skin.

It is also important that the patient undergoing liposuction be in decent physical condition.

Smoking seems to hinder the healing process, especially around the facial areas.

Facial Liposuction vs. Facelifts

Women who have large wrinkles but very little surface level (subcutaneous) fat on the face may achieve better results through a facelift.

How do facelifts and liposuction differ? A facelift is a much more intensive procedure than liposuction.

Whereas liposuction only uses very small incisions to remove fat from the upper layers of the face, a facelift involves significant incisions (generally hidden in the hairline), and tightening of the underlying tissues and muscles of the face through the use of sutures.

After the underlying areas of the face are tightened, the skin is repositioned over the muscles, excess skin is then removed, and the skin is sutured or stapled back in place.

The facelift is also a much more expensive venture, costing anywhere from $7,000 to $15,000.

Liposuction, in contrast, usually gives younger women a much more natural appearance unless too much of the underlying fat is removed.

Side Effects or Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there is a chance of serious side effects and complications.

General side effects of surgery are swelling, redness, soreness, numbness, and possible bruising, all dependent on the type, location and extent of surgery.

Complications are the same as those of any surgery.

Whenever the skin is cut open and the under layers exposed to the outside elements, there is always the possibility of infection.

Therefore, antibiotic treatment may be an expected part of pre- and post-operative procedure.

There is always the risk of excessive bleeding and slow healing, though this should not be a large risk due to the small incisions and the blood vessel constricting medication applied before and during the procedure.

Average Cost

The average cost for facial liposuction can range anywhere between $2,000 and $4,500, depending on the amount of surgery and the surgeon performing the procedure.

Though the patient may be tempted to go with the cheapest option, remember that you are paying for the surgeon's training and experience and while a lower cost option may be tempting, it can often be the most expensive option.

A surgical error or less-than-desirable outcome from an inexperienced surgeon may result in another surgery to repair the damage or permanent deformation of the skin and tissue.

Paying a bit more up front may guarantee the best results and the best in patient care.

It is important when calling for an estimate to ask if any other fees may apply to the quote.

Many times, a quote will only include the surgery fee when other fees may need to be added for operation room fees, anesthesiologists' fees, nursing staff fees and other unforeseen options.

Always ask for the global fee quote and you will receive a much more accurate quote.

Read more on face lift liposuction, costs, prices and financing options here.

Surgical Procedures

There are several different types of liposuction that use variations on two basic techniques: Wet Liposuction (also called tumescent liposuction), and liposuction that is assisted by a type of laser or ultrasonic wave in order to liquefy the fat that will be suctioned out.

In tumescent liposuction, a saline solution is directly injected into the tissue to be removed.

This saline solution often includes both a local anesthetic and a substance that serves to constrict the blood vessels and therefore reduces bleeding and blood loss during the procedure.

The amount of saline solution injected will not exceed the amount of fat to be removed.

Tumescent liposuction is the type of liposuction typically used on the face, as it has the least risk of causing damage to the delicate underlying tissues of the face and neck and the vascular content of the face.

The liquid injected into the tissues also serves to create a space between the fat cells and the underlying tissue that is large enough for the surgical instruments.

After the solution is injected into the tissues, and small tube called a cannula is inserted into a small incision on the face (generally in an inconspicuous location).

Attached to the cannula is the suction device that will remove the fat through the tube.

Recovery Time

Most facial liposuction patients are required to wear a compression garment on the neck and face for the 18-36 hours directly following the procedure in order to facilitate proper healing.

The incisions used for facial liposuction are small enough that most do not require sutures or staples, but are left open to drain the fluid used in the procedure.

The lack of stitches can actually reduce the amount of swelling, redness, and bruising at the incision site and may heal more quickly.

Generally, patients can go home the same day as the procedure, though they may experience discomfort for a few days afterward.

This discomfort can usually be managed by the use of over-the-counter pain medication.

Depending on each patient's ability to heal, full results may not appear for three to six months, though some change will be able to be seen right away.

Realistic Expectations

It's important for each patient to discuss their expectations for the procedure with their physician and/or surgeon.

Liposuction is ideal for recontouring the curves of the face and smoothing out the underlying surfaces.

This may require the surgeon to leave a certain amount of fat on the area being treated in order for it to heal naturally.

As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks, one of which is less than desirable results.

Depending on the experience of the surgeon, a patient may not receive the results that they desire, so it is very important to discuss all of this in the pre-operative consultation with the surgeon.

Want to know more? Call to learn more about your face liposuction surgery options and/or schedule your private consultation (phone number can be found in upper right corner) or simply submit your contact information in the form below. We will shortly thereafter contact you to answer any additional questions or help you find the right surgeon for you.