Liposuction is a plastic surgery procedure that removes fat from multiple areas of the body. This body contouring procedure is often utilized during surgical procedures like tummy tucks, gynecomastia surgery, and breast reduction. While most commonly associated with areas of the body that usually collect fat–like the abdomen and thighs–plastic surgeons can also perform the procedure on certain areas of the face. For ideal candidates, this can dramatically transform the face and be part of a weight loss journey. Dr. Craig Jonov at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery offers facial liposuction in Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland. 

HOW DOES FACIAL LIPOSUCTION WORK?

Facial liposuction functions like most other liposuction procedures. However, because the treatments are smaller, it requires a plastic surgeon who specializes in liposuction of the face. Additionally, Dr. Jonov can perform facial liposuction under local anesthesia which can reduce risk and promote a better recovery.

Occasionally, liposuction may be used as part of larger facial procedures like a facelift. In these cases, Dr. Jonov may prefer general anesthesia for some patients. Liposuction is widely considered a safe procedure and normally performed as an outpatient procedure in our accredited surgical center.

What Areas Of The Face Can Benefit From Lipo?

When people reach adulthood, the face typically thins out and any extra fat distributes evenly. However, certain areas of the face tend to carry more fat and some individuals may carry excess fat in these areas. The areas of fat where Dr. Jonov most commonly performs liposuction include:

• Chin: Many patients interested in facial liposuction have concerns about submental fat, or the fat that collects underneath the chin. Depending upon the cause and your anatomy, chin liposuction can address extra fat in this area. Usually, patients seek chin lipo for concerns about a double chin.
• Cheeks: The buccal fat pad located in the mid and upper cheeks is often another point of concern. Chubby cheeks are common in children, but typically adulthood thins out this part of the face. Sometimes adults have a genetic disposition to excess cheek fat or it is left over after weight loss. Cheek liposuction or buccal fat removal are the typical procedures to address this.

• Neck: The neck area is another popular choice for facial liposuction procedures. Often performed in conjunction with a neck lift, liposuction of the neck removes fat collected due to aging, weight loss or gain, or genetics.
• Jowls / Jawline: The jowls and jawline are also a place that can collect extra fat. With a defined, sleek jawline in style, many patients want to remove fat from this area for an enhanced facial contour.

CANDIDATES FOR FACIAL LIPOSUCTION

Many people will tolerate a Seattle facial liposuction procedure well. However, there are many aspects of your goals, anatomy, and health that determine whether you are a viable candidate for facial liposuction. 

Your Goals

Firstly, it depends on which area of the face you want lipo. Under the chin typically responds well in most patients and carries the fewest risks of a bad result. Overall, it is best to have a thorough consultation with a plastic surgeon that specializes in liposuction and facial procedures. Dr. Jonov performs liposuction and facial plastic surgery routinely and has a deep understanding of facial anatomy and aesthetics.

Your Anatomy

Secondly, what looks like excess fat in the face, may actually be caused by other structures or conditions. For example, a strong jaw muscle can create a wide jaw and excess skin on the neck can cause sagging. In both of these cases, liposuction would not benefit these situations. Cheek liposuction or buccal fat removal usually calls for an otherwise strong facial structure and cheekbones. Without this, some patients may risk a gaunt look as they age, although cheek implants can sometimes remedy this. Patients should also have good skin elasticity and skin tone.

Your Health

Thirdly, you must be healthy and fit to undergo surgery. Facial liposuction is often performed under local anesthesia which comes with less risk than general anesthesia. Yet, it is still important that you be in good general health because it lowers the risk of complications. Major medical conditions will not immediately disqualify you from surgical candidacy. However, they should be well managed and disclosed at your consultation.

Finally, your age and the cause of the extra fat should be evaluated. In young patients, facial lipo should be considered carefully and evaluated by an expert like Dr. Jonov. Facial thinning is part of puberty and the general aging process from adolescence to adulthood. Therefore, Dr. Jonov will evaluate the possible cause of your extra face fat and your options before deciding if you are a candidate.

BEFORE AND AFTER FACIAL LIPOSUCTION IN BELLEVUE

Choosing to seek out facial liposuction takes time and research. It can be a long and stressful process. Dr. Jonov and The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery aim to lead you through it. At your private one-on-one consultation, he will discuss all of the possibilities and answer any questions you have.

Your Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Jonov will begin by initiating an in-depth conversation with you. He will first ask about your areas of concern and procedures of interest. Based on this, he will work to understand your cosmetic goals and what you want from your final result. Next, he will thoroughly review your medical history and discuss any medical conditions you have and medications you take. 

Dr. Jonov will wrap up your consultation with a physical examination of your face and the targeted treatment areas. He will present you with your options and describe the results you can expect from each. Before the end of the consultation, you will have an opportunity to ask any questions and receive a customized price quote.

Causes Of Extra Fat In The Face

There are many reasons that fat may deposit unevenly or stubbornly in the face. The first–and most common reason–is genetics. Some people are simply predisposed to submental fat or chubby cheeks. In these cases, people will retain a round face with extra fat deposits well into their late twenties and thirties. These are usually great candidates for a facial liposuction procedure. 

Another common cause of facial fat is aging. Aging tends to cause facial hollowing, especially in the temples, cheeks, and eyes. This hollowing can sometimes cause uneven fat distribution. This can make the face look older than you are and throw off facial symmetry. It is common for facelift patients to undergo a facial liposuction surgery at the same time.

These are the most probable causes of extra facial fat, but other causes can include:

• Weight gain and loss
• Cushing’s Syndrome
• Obesity
• Steroidal medications
• High sodium diets

As part of your journey to facial rejuvenation, you should determine the cause of extra facial fat. You may also try lifestyle changes and more conservative methods prior to liposuction surgery in Bellevue. Dr. Jonov can discuss all of your options for reducing facial fat during your consultation at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery.

The Procedure

On the day of your surgery, you will come to our state-of-the-art surgical center. Dr. Jonov may make marks prior to surgery so that he can best serve your goals. After preliminary intake, a licensed anesthesiologist will place you under either general or local anesthesia depending on your goals.

Facial liposuction usually takes around an hour, but depending on the number of areas can take two or more hours. Regardless, it is usually a quick surgery and tolerated well. Facial liposuction is performed as an outpatient surgery and patients normally go home the same day. 

As far as the surgical technique, Dr. Jonov will make a tiny incision and insert a small liposuction cannula. Based on the area, he will hide the incisions in the natural creases of the face. Liposuction incisions typically heal well with little to no visible scarring. He will move the cannula back and forth to remove excess fat with precision. 

In addition to a traditional liposuction procedure, some patients opt for a skin tightening procedure. It can promote tighter skin and enhance results. Other patients will choose to have other facial procedures at the same time as facial liposuction in Bellevue. Some complementary procedures include: brow lift, blepharoplasty, and CO2 laser resurfacing.

After Liposuction

Following your Kirkland facial liposuction surgery, Dr. Jonov will prescribe antibiotics and pain medication to ease your recovery. Most patients find they have a limited need for painkillers and some only need over-the-counter options. 

Patients often require around three days to one week off of work. After one week, most noticeable swelling should resolve, although swelling from liposuction can last for around two months. In general, most patients see their side effects and symptoms go away or become mostly unnoticeable after one to two weeks.

HOW LONG WILL MY RESULTS LAST?

Depending on the amount of swelling you experience after surgery, you may see some immediate result after facial liposuction in Kirkland. Over the coming weeks and months, you should see the skin settle over the new contours and final results appear. 

The fat cells removed from liposuction are permanent and will not come back. However, it is imperative to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Significant weight gain or loss can change the look of your results. This is why if you are in the beginning of a weight loss journey, or plan to lose more, you should wait until you are within ten pounds of your goal.

Assuming you experience no major weight fluctuations and follow Dr. Jonov’s post-operative instructions, you can expect to enjoy your liposuction results long after surgery.

BELLEVUE AND KIRKLAND LIPOSUCTION EXPERTS AT THE GALLERY OF COSMETIC SURGERY

The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery is the premier destination for Bellevue and Kirkland liposuction. Dr. Craig Jonov has two decades of experience performing plastic and cosmetic surgery in the Greater Seattle area. Specializing in facial and body contouring procedures, he understands the importance of facial aesthetics and profile. A master of liposuction, Dr. Jonov provides facial liposuction surgery to Bellevue, Kirkland, and Lynnwood.

The office and facility provide a welcoming space for all surgical and non-surgical patients. The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery waiting room offers coffee, bottled water, juice, and freshly baked cookies. Centrally located, there is parking on-site and a private, patient-centered environment. 

Dr. Jonov offers in-office and virtual consultations through FaceTime and Skype. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Jonov at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, call us at 425-775-3561 or contact us online. 

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