Possible short-term and long-term side effects of facial liposculpture

I am interested in facial liposuction to sculpt my lower cheeks. There is very little information available on this procedure, but I understand that in the shorter term, it may actually tighten the skin as the scar tissue contracts during the healing process. I am wondering what the long-term side effects are on skin laxity or the possible ramifications on aging facial tissue. I am 32, Asian/Irish, with pale and delicate skin that is prone to broken /dilated capillaries. Is this procedure generally recommended for someone with thin, delicate skin? What are the possible short-term and long-term side effects of this procedure?

5 answers to “Possible short-term and long-term...”

A: Risk of serious nerve injury with facial liposculpture

By Brooke R. Seckel, MD - Boston Plastic Surgeon

Very important facial nerves which control your smile and facial muscles run very close to the surface of your face in the lower face or "jowl area". These nerves can be injured by passing a liposuction cannula beneath the skin of the lower face and jawline. If the nerves are injured the effect on... more

A: Facial liposculpture isn't to be taken lightly

By Scott W. Mosser, MD - San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

Facial liposculpture isn’t to be taken lightly, unless you are keeping all work confined to the neck and jaw line. Work around the cheeks must be very conservative and can be fraught with irregularities in the cheek contour after liposuction. Other than that, most side effects are in keeping with any... more

A: Liposuction generally is no longer done on the "face"

By Richard P. Rand, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

There once was a time when liposuction was done to the cheeks of patients whose cheeks were chubby. This is no longer done after the experience with these previous patients. Liposuction is generally confined to the jawline and neck and in these regions, works best in younger patients whose skin... more

A: Skin tightening

By Steven H. Williams, MD - Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

This issue of skin tightening after liposuction treatment is something that there is a bit of a buzz about right now. There are several techniques that claim increased skin tightening in addition to fat removal. They include laser liposuction (or liposculpting), ultrasonic liposuction, etc. The difference is... more

A: Minimal risks short and long term and not usually significant

By David Hansen, MD - Beverly Hills Dermatologic surgeon

The risks with facial liposculpture is the same as liposculpture anywhere else on the body with the one exception of nerve involvement. The one unique problem to this area which doesn't happen often is drooping of the corners of the mouth which can look like a stroke. This is uncommon and almost always... more