Liposuction
Safe liposuction for a beautiful mind and body.
Cheeks & Under Chin
Who Is a Good Candidate for Cheek & Under Chin Liposuction?
- Those concerned about fullness around the mouth area
- Those wanting to improve a double chin
- Those wanting a sharper, more defined jawline
- Those who haven’t seen facial slimming results from dieting and exercise
Causes of Facial Fat Accumulation
The main causes of facial fat accumulation are primarily related to lifestyle habits. For example, excessive calorie intake and unbalanced diets can make your face store more fat. Poor posture can also lead to poor blood circulation, causing waste products in the body and excess fluid to accumulate and create puffiness. When left untreated, this puffiness can lead to further accumulation of waste products, creating environments where fat is more likely to be stored.
Additionally, in today’s society, many people develop “tech neck” from using technology such as phones and computers. This condition prevents proper mobilization of the jaw and neck muscles, resulting in increased fat accumulation under the chin and contributing to the development of a double chin.
Benefits and Features of Cheek & Under Chin Liposuction
Cheek and under-chin liposuction directly removes fat cells themselves, fundamentally reducing the fat that causes a chubby face. Beyond improving specific areas, this procedure reduces the actual number of fat cells, which means—unlike with weight loss—there’s minimal risk of the fat returning to these areas.
Liposuction Procedure Methods
Cheek and under-chin liposuction is a procedure that directly removes fat cells using specialized suction tubes (cannulas). On average, 40-80cc of fat can be removed, and in some cases, up to approximately 100cc.
The procedure involves making several small incisions (just a few millimeters) below each ear and under the chin. Skin ports are inserted, through which the cannulas are introduced. The fat cells are then evenly suctioned to ensure that no areas are missed.
The procedure is performed under anesthesia while patients are comfortably asleep and relaxed to ensure those concerned about pain can rest assured that discomfort is minimized.
Downtime and Aftercare
Day of Procedure
The day after your procedure, as the anesthesia wears off, you may experience discomfort similar to muscle soreness. Pain is rarely severe with cheek and under-chin liposuction, but if you experience unbearable discomfort, we recommend taking the pain medication provided after your surgery.
3 Days Post-Procedure
Around the third day post-procedure, many patients tend to feel pain gradually subsiding.
Swelling and bruising typically start to appear around this time but will settle within 1-2 weeks. Bruising can often be covered up with makeup or a face mask, allowing some patients to return to work the day after the procedure. Fluids may also remain in the space created by suctioning, causing swelling, but this typically subsides within about two weeks.
2 Weeks Post-Procedure
By this time, bruising and swelling have usually subsided, allowing you to get back to normal daily activities. Depending on individual factors, some swelling may persist but will continue to improve over time.
1 Month Post-Procedure and Beyond
At the one-month mark, skin contraction (retraction) begins, which helps tighten the skin. You may experience some tightness, lumpy spots, or loss of skin elasticity, but this is an important part of the healing process and you should not be overly concerned about these symptoms.
Skin retraction typically takes the longest of all recovery phases, requiring approximately 1-3 months to heal. The final results are generally visible at around 3 months. If you have any concerns during this time, please don’t hesitate to consult with us.
Risks and Side Effects of Cheek and Under-Chin Liposuction
Following liposuction, infection or complications may rarely occur.
Infections can develop when bacteria enter through incisions, potentially causing inflammation, swelling, and a burning sensation. Temporary swelling and bruising can also occur, though most cases can be treated with antibiotics and are extremely rare.
Very rarely, fat embolism syndrome may occur if fat enters the bloodstream during liposuction. Fat that enters the bloodstream can form clots in various locations, potentially causing serious complications.
Liposuction Procedure Process
STEP1Consultation
We’ll carefully address your concerns and goals, and thoroughly explain potential side effects, risks, and post-procedure care.
STEP2Pre-Surgery Health Evaluation
Once you’ve decided to proceed, we’ll conduct pre-surgery tests (blood work) to ensure you can safely undergo anesthesia and to check for any allergies. We recommend that you check your calendar before your consultation since we will schedule your procedure date during the consultation.
STEP3Surgical Planning (Marking)
On the day of your procedure, we’ll first check your overall health. If there are no concerns, we’ll mark the treatment areas.
STEP4Anesthesia
You’ll lie down on the operating table and receive anesthesia.
STEP5Liposuction
After making small incisions below each ear and under the chin, we’ll insert skin ports and begin the suctioning process. This entire procedure typically takes about 30 minutes.
STEP6Postoperative Care
After the procedure and facial compression bandaging, you’ll rest in our recovery room. Once you’re feeling stable, we’ll explain how to manage your recovery and what to expect during the healing process. If there are no health concerns, you’re free to return home after a final consultation with your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
QWill eating be difficult after surgery?
-
After cheek and under-chin liposuction, most patients don’t experience major difficulties with eating.
However, around days 2-4 when swelling and puffiness peak, you might find it challenging to open your mouth widely or chew comfortably. If you find it difficult when eating, we recommend a liquid diet and soft foods that won’t put strain on the treated areas.
QHow long do I need to wear facial compression?
-
For our cheek and under-chin liposuction patients, we recommend wearing the compression bandage for 3 days. Compression helps reduce swelling and bruising, so we encourage you to continue wearing it as long as it’s comfortable for you.
QWhen can I return to work?
-
While recovery varies by individual and occupation, some patients return to work the very next day. Bruising, swelling, and puffiness can typically be covered with makeup or a face mask, so your daily activities and work shouldn’t be significantly affected.
One important note: For more physically demanding jobs, we advise avoiding work for about 3 days, as increased blood flow may cause more swelling and discomfort.