Liposuction of the face

Increased volume of the face and neck area can be very stressful for patients. Complaints with facial expressions and restrictions, for example, when moving the neck, as well as the feeling of only being able to breathe to a limited extent when lying down, are known side effects. Many of the women affected feel alienated in their own bodies and find the sometimes disfiguring distribution of fat extremely unattractive and wish they had a slimmer face. Liposuction – or facial lipo – can achieve lasting success in removing the fat cells and alleviating the symptoms.

Please feel free to contact us with your questions and wishes; we will be happy to help you.

How can we help you?

 

Brief overview of facial lipo

Operating time 1 hour (for outpatient procedure)
Anaesthesia Local anaesthesia (general anaesthesia for combined treatment)
Hospital stay Outpatient (if procedure is performed separately)
Rest period 2 days
Fit for sports/exercise from the 6th week on
Compression garments is not needed

How does volume increase in the face occur?

We have observed for some time that many patients report an increase in volume in the second and rarely in the fourth layer of tissue. This phenomenon can occur both before and during liposuction.

Similar to pathological fat deposits on the arms and legs, an increase and enlargement of the fatty tissue occurs – in this case on the face or even on the neck. A lipolytic resistance of the fat deposits occurs. It is assumed that the fat cells become “metabolically blind” because the extracellular structures that have now developed, consisting of bound water and protein, force the cells to inactivate their so-called AQP7 channels in order to avoid membrane ruptures. The fat now coated with water, gel (hyaluronan) and protein cannot be lost through sport and dieting.

Whether this redistribution is lipedema fat cannot yet be conclusively answered, this still needs to be researched. However, there is already a tendency for more and more patients to come to us with an increase in volume in the face and neck area.

Our face has different structural layers, which are described from superficial to deep as follows:

  • First layer: outer skin
  • Second layer: subcutaneous fatty tissue with retinacula cutis (fibrous connective tissue), relevant to the facial lipo
  • Third layer: superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS)
  • Fourth layer: deep adipose tissue (buccal fat), cannot be removed by liposuction
  • Fifth layer: preist or deep fascia


What are the common symptoms of facial volume increase?

That the phenomenon in the face is not merely a problem of a cosmetic nature becomes clear from the symptoms.

Volume increase in the face and neck area often manifests itself as follows:

  • hardened consistency of the fatty tissue in the affected areas
  • constant swelling in the face
  • Contours of the face are often no longer visible, the area appears bloated
  • (Pressure) pain, dull feeling and burning of the thickened fatty tissue
  • Possible lymphatic congestion and increased water retention due to the menstrual cycle.

In addition, many patients report:

  • a feeling of being able to feel “grains of rice” under the skin and a lump-like sensation in the neck
  • that they have difficulty breathing when lying down, as if the fat were squeezing the windpipe.
  • that the face does not tan when exposed to sunlight
  • the slightest touch is perceived as unpleasant.

What method is used for facial liposuction?

Liposuction of the face – facial lipo – is a procedure that requires the expertise of an experienced surgeon. For this procedure, we at LIPOCURA® use the extremely tissue-friendly PAL method (power assisted liposuction) with the smallest vibration cannulas at our treatment locations. To ensure that the procedure is particularly gentle, a special tumescent fluid is injected beforehand to better detach the fat cells from the remaining tissue. The adrenaline in the fluid causes the vessels to contract and the cannula can suction out the subcutaneous facial fat without damaging the surrounding structures.

Which areas can be liposuctioned on the face?

In principle, as part of facial lipo, our specialists can remove all fat deposits that are perceived to be burdensome – on the face, neck, nape of the neck and down to the décolleté.

In addition, the upper area of the face, down to the orbital fat rim – under the eyes – can be included in the process. This helps to effectively reduce puffiness and fat accumulation in this area. It is also possible to treat the entire cheek area, focusing from the area near the ears to the outer edge of the nasolabial fold. This treatment can help to create a clear, defined contour, achieve a generally slimmer face and create a harmonious overall appearance.

It is our goal, through the use of our proven techniques and individually tailored approaches, to achieve a natural-looking and satisfying result so that patients can finally feel confident again and free from pain and discomfort.

What is the procedure for facial liposuction?

We are there for you! From the first consultation and from the preparation for the operation to the procedure and aftercare. If you have any questions about the treatment, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.

We will be happy to clarify with you whether facial lipo is an option for you during a personal consultation. We will then inform you in detail about the exact procedure and the correct aftercare of the treatment. We will also try to allay any fears and uncertainties you may have about the operation and answer any questions you may have.

Facial lipo, i.e. liposuction of the face, is performed either under general anaesthesia in combination with lipedema removal from other areas of the body or as a single operation under local anaesthesia.

After injection and exposure to the tumescent solution through minimal incisions, tissue-sparing suction is performed with the vibrating cannula. The alignment of the cannula should be along the RST lines (skin tension lines) on the face. The incisions are made in inconspicuous places such as under the chin or behind the ears so that later scars are barely visible to invisible. The scars are not sutured so that the fluid can drain more quickly and wound healing can progress more rapidly.

After the operation, unlike lipedema operations on other parts of the body, you will not receive a face corset from us, as we have noticed in our experience with this procedure that the swellings subside much more quickly without additional compression of the face. If the procedure takes place individually, i.e. not in combination with another liposuction, it is performed on an outpatient basis and without a stay in hospital. There is no long downtime; after a few days of rest, non-strenuous work can be resumed.

When performed properly, facial liposuction is a safe and effective procedure. As with any operation, wound healing disorders or temporary numbness may occur in rare cases. However, thanks to many years of experience and the highest quality standards, the risks are very well controlled by our specialists.

The facial lipo should only be performed by a highly experienced plastic surgeon who has an in-depth knowledge of the anatomical features of the face and should be familiar with the structures of the face. As with any operation, the following risks can occur in rare cases:

  • Intolerance to the tumescent solution.
  • A temporary feeling of numbness
  • Haematoma and postoperative swelling
  • Nerve injuries (very rare)
  • Wound healing disorders

When performed professionally, facial liposuction is a safe and effective procedure. However, thanks to many years of experience and the highest quality standards, the risks are very well controlled by our specialists.

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Results of facial lipo

Liposuction of the face according to the LIPOCURA® standard is sustainable according to our current knowledge. The fatty tissue that is removed does not come back because the adipocytes are suctioned out. The pain can be significantly reduced or even completely eliminated, the face regains more contour and striking features, appears slimmer and often more youthful. Liposuction can work out the V-shape of the face, which makes the face look young.

The so-called Buccal Fat Removal (BFR) must be clearly differentiated from facial lipo. While the volume increase is located in the second layer of skin, the subcutaneous fat layer, the Bichat fat plug is located in the deep fat tissue and cannot be removed with classic liposuction. With BFR, small incisions are made on the inside of the cheeks and the fat body is pulled out in one piece. If you suffer from an increase in volume in the face, the subcutaneous fat should always be removed first, as this is where the pain is located. Often this procedure is sufficient to narrow the cheeks. If you notice that you are constantly biting the inside of your cheeks and the Bichat fat plug has grown with the subcutaneous fat layer, the buccal fat can also be removed. We will be happy to clarify with you whether this is necessary in your case.

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After the treatment: Facelift?

If you already suffer from slightly wrinkled skin or if excess skin has developed as a result of liposuction, the aesthetic appearance can also be adjusted through skin tightening. Possible methods include conventional laser treatment or plasma laser tightening. With elastic and good connective tissue, a very good aesthetic result can be achieved.

Find out more about skin tightening after liposuction

How much does liposuction in the face cost?

The cost of liposuction in the face depends on the complexity of the surgery, i.e. how much fat is removed and in which area of the face the treatment is performed. Combination with other lipedema removals on the body also plays a role. The price includes consultation, aftercare, surgical material and personnel costs. We will gladly provide you with a detailed proposal after reviewing your personal medical history during our consultation.

You will receive more detailed information on the costs of the surgery and potential cost coverage by your health insurance.

More about costs

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Our locations

LIPOCURA®_Standort-Köln

LIPOCURA® Cologne

Address

Beethovenstraße 5-13

50674 Cologne

Contact

koeln@lipocura.de

+49 221 292662-0

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  • Friday: 7:30 AM – 18:00 PM
  • Saturday: By arrangement