Liposuction for volume increase of the face

Volume increase in the face can be very distressing for patients. Symptoms involving facial expressions and limitations, 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 well-known side effects. Many of the women affected feel uncomfortable in their own bodies and find the uneven distribution of fat extremely unattractive. Liposuction – or facial lipo – can achieve lasting success in removing the diseased fat cells and alleviating the symptoms.

Please feel free to contact us with your questions and wishes; we look forward to helping you.

 

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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

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The liposuction method at LIPOCURA®

Liposuction of the face (facial lipo) is a procedure that requires the expertise of an experienced surgeon. At LIPOCURA®, we use the PAL method (power assisted liposuction), which is particularly gentle on the tissue, with the smallest vibration cannulas. In order to ensure that the procedure is particularly gentle on the tissue, a special tumescent fluid is injected beforehand in order 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 surrounding structures.

How does volume increase occur in the face?

In the course of lipedema 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 liposuctions and during them.

Similar to painful 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. Lipolytic resistance of fat deposits occurs. It is believed that the fat cells become “metabolically blind” because the extracellular structures now formed, consisting of bound water and protein, force the cells to inactivate their so-called AQP7 channels to avoid membrane rupture. The fat now coated with water, gel (hyaluronan) and protein cannot be lost through exercise 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 volume increase 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

Which areas of the face can be suctioned?

Generally, our specialists can use facial lipo to remove all fat deposits that are considered problematic – on the face, neck, nape of the neck and down to the décolleté. Liposuction is usually performed in the area below the chin and along the chin line. A smooth transition can be created from the neck to the décolleté. Towards the top, the chin line is accentuated and liposuction can be performed upwards to the orbital fat rim (to below the eyes). Furthermore, the entire cheek area can be treated, starting at the ear and up to the outer edge of the nasolabial fold.


What are the common symptoms of volume increase of the face?

The fact that this phenomenon in lipedema patients is not merely a problem of a cosmetic nature is made clear by the symptoms.

The volume increase in the face and neck area manifests itself as follows:

  • hardened consistency of the fatty tissue in the affected areas
  • constant swelling of 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.

Zweitmeinung bei LIPOCURA®

Liposuction procedure of the face

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

We will gladly 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 proper aftercare of the treatment. We will also do our best to alleviate any fears and uncertainties you may have about the surgery and answer any questions you may have.

Facial lipo refers to liposuction of fatty tissue in the facial area. It is either performed under general anaesthesia in combination with lipedema removal from other areas of the body or as a single surgery under local anaesthesia.

After injection and exposure to the tumescent solution through minimal incisions, tissue-conserving suction is performed with the vibration 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 completely invisible. The scars are not sutured so that the fluid can drain more quickly and your wound can heal faster.

After the surgery, unlike lipedema surgeries on other parts of the body, you will not receive a face corset from us, as we have noticed through our experience with this procedure that the swelling goes down 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 lipo is a safe and effective procedure. As with any surgery, risks such as wound healing disorders or temporary numbness can occur in rare cases. However, thanks to years of experience and the highest quality standards, the risks are very well controlled by our specialists.

Facial lipo should be performed only by a highly experienced plastic surgeon, who has an in-depth knowledge of the anatomical features of the face. he should be familiar with the structures of the face. When performed properly, the procedure is safe and effective. As with any surgery, the following risks may occur in rare cases:

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

When used properly, facial lipo 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

Based on current knowledge, facial lipo according to the LIPOCURA® standard is permanent. Fatty tissue that has been removed does not come back either, as the adipocytes are suctioned out. The pain is significantly reduced or even completely eliminated. The face regains its contour and distinctive features, appears slimmer and often more youthful. Liposuction can bring out the V-shape of the face, which makes the face look young.

Differentiation from Buccal Fat Removal

The so-called ‘Buccal Fat Removal’ (BFR) must be clearly distinguished from facial lipo. While the volume increase is located in the second layer of the skin, the subcutaneous fat layer, Bichat’s fat pad (buccal fat pad) is located in the deep fatty tissue and cannot be removed with conventional liposuction. With BFR, small incisions are made on the inside of the cheeks and the fat pad is pulled out in one piece. If you suffer from volume increase, the subcutaneous fat should always be removed first, as this is where the pain is located. Often this procedure is sufficient. If you notice that you are constantly biting the inside of your cheeks and Bichat’s fat pad has grown with the subcutaneous fat layer, the buccal fat can also be removed. We will gladly 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 67784950

Opening hours

  • Monday: 7:30 AM – 18:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 18:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 18:00 PM
  • Thursday: 7:30 AM – 18:00 PM
  • Friday: 7:30 AM – 18:00 PM
  • Saturday: By arrangement