Is Vaser Liposuction on the jawline and lower cheek dangerous?

Question

I have read conflicting material about laser lipo and if it is safe to use on the jawline and lower cheeks. Specifically, I have read some surgeons will not do because of the risk of damaging nerves that line the jaw area, but others see little risk and offer the option to contour the jaw. Any thoughts?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether VASER liposuction to the jawline and lower cheek area is dangerous. I think the VASER liposuction to the jawline and lower cheek area can be dangerous. The VASER uses ultrasonic frequency to melt the fat. Around nerves, this can partially or permanently damage the nerves. I believe there are other forms of much safer liposuction when performing liposuction around the jawline and lower cheek region. Therefore, I do not use the VASER for liposuction around the jawline and lower cheek. Thank you for your interesting question. 
Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

All plastic surgeons are well-versed on the marginal mandibular nerve and where it crosses the mandible and become superficial. liposuction in this area which is basically right where the jowls are includes risk of nerve damage which both patient and provider need to accept if they’re going to do liposuction in this area. All procedures have a certain risk benefit ratio and this varies to some degree among different procedures and different surgeons have different levels of comfort with doing procedures that have potential risk. Nerve damage from Liposuction is generally temporary but can last for months and be quite upsetting or even devastating for patients if it happens to them.
Likewise results including the ability to make a quality assessment and varies from provider to provider as well.
I suggest having a few in person consultations with local board-certified plastic surgeons to see what each has to say. I see no benefit in using VAS ER in these anatomic areas.
Some people are good candidates for liposuction of the chin and neck and others are not. It’s important to recognize if you’re a good candidate for the procedure in the first place.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Kristine Brecht, MD (license suspended) · Answer

Dear Jlaw,
Neck and jawline definition with Vaser liposculpting and Renuvion can give great results though a little dot incision under the chin, the alternate surgery that would be a face and neck lift with excisions around the ears.
Any technology can be dangerous in the hands of someone who is not comfortable using them. 
 A surgeon who does a lot of the procedure you want is the surgeon you should be talking with. Surgeons has different subsets of expertise, you can not expect them to be good at all techniques and technologies.
Best. DrBrecht 
Seattle, Wa

Randy Dean, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Vaser liposuction is a popular choice for increasing lower face definition. The presence of deep bone screws / wires should have no effect on the performance (or result) of the procedure as it is performed in the superficial soft tissues.
Visit a board certified plastic surgeon with significant facial Vaser laser experience for evaluation and discussion.
Best wishes...

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