With approximately 45,000 liposuctions per year in Germany (about 260,000 in the United States too!), this procedure is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic procedures in men and women. Not only the silhouette, but also the face can be significantly diluted with it. An expert answers the most important questions.
What is Liposuction?
“In liposuctionSo-called liposuction, fatty tissue is loosened selectively under the skin and sucked out locally with a fine cannula by the specialist,” says Dr. Suzanne Steinkras, specialist in dermatology and aesthetic medicine in Hamburg. “In this way, The problem areas can be treated in a targeted manner and brought into the desired shape.” The very popular procedure is performed most often on the abdomen, bottom, hips and thighs. But also to clearly contour the cheek area on the face can be done.
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What can facial liposuction do?
“An unfavorable fat distribution on the face such as very full, round cheeks (so-called chubby cheeks or hamster cheeks) and a double chin strongly characterize one’s facial expression and promote fuzzy facial contours,” Doctor. Rockneck “Cheek liposuction can reduce the shape of a broad, round face. It also allows you to transform the jawline and emphasize the jawline, giving the overall impression of a more prominent, well-defined face.”
What happens during cheek liposuction?
In cheek liposuction, fat cells are specifically removed from the cheek area. “During the healing process, the skin around the treated area is reshaped. This can thin the face, which in turn leads to a more defined profile and a more pronounced jaw line,” Dr. rockneck
Cheek liposuction is not much different from liposuction on other parts of the body and is often done in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures, such as a facelift.
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Cheek Liposuction vs Buccal Lipectomy
A distinction is made between the procedure of liposuction and buccal lipectomy on the cheeks. “While both procedures remove fat from the face, buccal lipectomy involves the removal of a very specific fatty tissue in the cheek, the so-called buccal fat pad,” the expert explains.
facial liposuction procedure
1. Preparation
Cheeks liposuction is done on an outpatient basis and usually takes about two hours. First, your doctor uses a pen to mark the area of your cheek that will be treated. If the findings are minor, you will receive a pure local anesthetic or local anesthetic with twilight sleep and, in rare cases, a general anesthetic, which makes treatment painless. There are different techniques for removing the tissue.
2. Tumasus
Tumescence can be translated as “inflammation” and is a specialized form of local anesthesia and is used in preparation for liposuction. A mixture of saline, pain relievers, and epinephrine is injected into the cheek area, causing it to harden and swell. This makes it easier to remove fat.
3. Ultrasound
A small metal rod producing ultrasonic energy is inserted into the area. This energy causes the fat cells to open up.
4. Laser
A small laser fiber is inserted into the area to be treated, breaking up the fat.
5. Cannula
Finally, the fat is sucked out of the cheek through a small metal tube, a so-called cannula, to which a suction device is attached.
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healing process
“After the procedure, you may experience temporary pain and swelling in and around your face that can be treated with over-the-counter medication,” Dr. Rockneck “It’s also a good idea to wear a compression garment for a few days while you’re recovering. It’s a type of soft helmet that goes over your head and covers your jaw and neck.” Full recovery can take up to three to four weeks, but you are usually socially acceptable in seven to 10 days.
Who is facial liposuction suitable for – and for whom not?
When facial fat is removed, skin that is not elastic can appear loose and wrinkled. In addition, liposuction can increase the formation of dents in the skin. Therefore, the treatment is more suitable for people whose skin is elastic and smooth and who have a higher-than-average or higher-than-average weight. People with thin, wrinkled skin are not good candidates for liposuction.
In addition, you must be in good general health without underlying diseases such as heart disease or diabetes and preferably be a non-smoker.
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risk of treatment
Temporary swelling and mild discomfort are normal while recovering from liposuction and should subside as the area heals. “Like any surgery, there can be complications with cheek liposuction. If you have multiple cosmetic procedures done at the same time, the risk may be increased,” Dr. Rockneck In rare cases, profuse bleeding may occur during the procedure, as well as an adverse reaction to anesthesia. It is possible that the skin may appear flabby or uneven after the procedure, as well as discoloration of the skin and accumulation of fluid under the skin (so-called seroma). In very rare cases, nerve damage that can cause numbness, infection in or around the incisions, and fat embolism can occur.
“It is very important to see a qualified medical specialist to get the best results and avoid complications. Liposuction should really only be performed by a certified plastic surgeon,” advises the expert.
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Does the treatment have to be repeated? Does the fat come back?
With liposuction, fat cells are permanently removed from the body, which is why the treatment is usually not repeated. However, if you gain weight after the procedure, it will affect your entire body proportionately. If you gain a lot of weight, new fat cells can also form in the treated area. If these again take on troubling amounts, liposuction may be repeated.
cost of facial liposuction
The average cost of cheek liposuction is around 1800 to 3000 euros and depends on the location, the doctor and the technique used. Since liposuction is a cosmetic procedure, the cost is not covered by health insurance.
the right surgeon
Once you find a board-certified plastic surgeon, you can schedule a consultation. At this appointment it will be determined whether you are a suitable candidate for liposuction and all questions, risks and details of the treatment will be clarified.
Don’t be afraid to ask all your questions and check out the expert’s experience. Possible questions could be:
– How many years of plastic surgery experience do you have?
– How many years have you been doing liposuction?
– Do you have any experience with liposuction on the cheeks? If yes, how many surgeries have you had?
– Do you have before and after pictures that I can see?
Source
– With expert advice Dr. Medicine Susan Steinkrass, Practice for Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine in Hamburg
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