Is syringe aspiration of fat during facetite an accepted practice or is VASER needed?

Question

I recently had a consultation for facetite. The doctor advised I do have a small pocket of fat under chin but mostly skin laxity. I am early 40’s. I was concerned facetite may not remove enough fat. The doctor suggested they could aspirate some fat using a cannula and syringe as part of the procedure. Is this accepted practice? She advised too much fat removal could make me look worse, why is this? Thanks

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Syringe aspiration of fat during a FaceTite procedure can be an accepted practice, particularly when dealing with small pockets of fat, such as those under the chin. FaceTite is primarily designed to address skin laxity by using radiofrequency energy to tighten the skin and stimulate collagen production. When there is a small amount of fat, it can be aspirated using a cannula and syringe, which is a less invasive method compared to traditional liposuction techniques like VASER.

Here are a few points to consider:

Accepted Practice: Using a syringe to aspirate fat can be effective for small areas and allows for more precise fat removal, which can be ideal when combined with a skin-tightening procedure like FaceTite.

Amount of Fat Removal: Your doctor’s caution about removing too much fat is valid. Over-removal of fat, especially in the face or neck area, can lead to a gaunt or aged appearance. Maintaining a balance is crucial to ensure natural-looking results.

VASER vs. Syringe Aspiration: VASER liposuction uses ultrasound technology to break down fat before removal and is typically used for larger areas. For small, localized pockets of fat, syringe aspiration can be sufficient and less invasive.

Consultation and Expertise: It's important to trust your physician’s expertise and discuss any concerns you have. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Ultimately, the best approach depends on your individual needs and the expertise of your physician. If you have concerns, consider discussing them further with your doctor to ensure you are comfortable with the proposed treatment plan.

Shiv Goel, MD · Answer

Facetite is primarily designed to address skin laxity and can help tighten the skin while also contouring areas with some fat. The addition of fat aspiration with a cannula during the procedure is indeed an accepted practice and can be done to enhance results if there is a small pocket of fat.
Your doctor's caution about removing too much fat is important. Excessive fat removal can lead to an unnatural or hollow appearance, particularly in areas like the chin and jawline, which can age your appearance rather than enhance it. The under-chin area can be affected by multiple factors, including genetics, skin elasticity, and overall fat distribution, so the amount of fat present in that area can vary significantly from person to person. 
The goal is to achieve a balanced and harmonious look, so your doctor is likely aiming to ensure that the results are subtle yet effective. If you have concerns, it’s always a good idea to discuss them further with your doctor, including what to expect from the procedure and any potential risks. You might also want to ask about their experience with similar cases to ensure you're comfortable with their plan.

Is syringe aspiration of fat during facetite an accepted practice or is VASER needed?

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Is syringe aspiration of fat during facetite an accepted practice or is VASER needed?

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Everything you need to know about FaceTite

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.