Is It Possible to Use Laser Liposuction to Remove Fat from the Face?

Question

I have a thin body and tried everything from exercise/diet to the point where I went too far till my body looks like a skeleton, my face still looks fat. If I pinch my face, around the cheeks, I can feel that it's totally fat compared to pitching someone with a thin face. I know that ordinary liposuction causes skin irregularities but I've heard that laser liposuction can tighten the skin. I wanted to remove just the lower part of the face, i.e. the area between the cheeks and the jaw line.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

laser liposuction may cause irregularities, not just conventional liposuction. There is less room for error when working on the face. Some people don't have as much fat as they think but could have a hypertrophic masseter muscle. If your perception of your body made you lose weight dangerously, then it is a concern about the reality of your perception of your facial features. All liposuction surgical procedures have risk and if you lose too much volume in the face you can develop a sickly and very tired and old appearance! Many people who were younger and had a buccal fat pad excision to create a more defined cheekbone, now regret in their 50's how old, tired and even sickly they appear and are consulting doctors to revolumize their face with fat injections, Sculptra, Radiesse or other fillers.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, it is hard to assess without information on how much fat you want to remove or the condition of your skin. Our facility can provide non-invasive fat removal in conjunction with skin tightening especially with a delicate area such as your face. It is best to find a board-certified surgeon that has extensive experience with your case and discuss realistic goals and expectations. Best of luck! #RealSelf100

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

There are several options and a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon will have to help you make the decision if laser liposuction is the best choice, or a buccal fat pad removal, or even a facelift of some sort. There are several options to consider and you should have assistance in this decision.

Mitchell Chasin, MD · Answer

Contouring the face should not be done with laser liposuction. This is a far more complex procedure than many patients realize. I would recommend you see a doctor board certified in facial plastic surgery. They will have the experience and expertise to slim your face, with a natural-looking result.

Navin K. Singh, MD · Answer

You are correct that liposuction of the face can cause some irregularities and laser liposuction can be better, but it is not a guarantee.

	Laser liposuction of the chin and jowls typically responds well to laser liposuction and can even be done with you awake.  Above the jaw line (like the cheeck itself), liposuction does not work well and neither does laser liposuction.

	Buccal fat removal (removal of the baby fat from inside the mouth) can help improve facial contours and create a more structured appearance to the mid-face region.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Liposuction of the face is done very judiciously and conservatively in patients that are very full. It can lead to premature aging of the face.  I would stick with gentler techniques.

Is It Possible to Use Laser Liposuction to Remove Fat from the Face?

Answers (6)