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-1. How many techniques are there for facial
liposuction?
1. How many techniques are there for facial liposuction?There is the tumescent technique which is widely used by doctors every where. There is also the ultra sonic technique which can leave patients with serious post-operative burns if not performed correctly or without care. The high frequency waves excite the water particles (or any fluid) causing them to boil beneath the skin as well as damaging superficial tissues as well. With the tumescent technique, if the surgeon does not over inject the area with a Lidocaine solution, this technique is proving pretty successful. Once upon a time they just shoved the cannula in there and sucked away. With the tumescent technique, they engorge the tissues with a saline/Lidocaine/epinephrine solution and suction the fat cells which are not engorged with the solution. This technique also hinders of suctioning out of tissues that are not targeted for removal and lessens bleeding. However, if a surgeon injects too much of the solution the patient can get Lidocaine toxicity which can cause sickness, complications and sometimes death. Although Lidocaine toxicity is most often seen in body sculpture where large amounts of solution in injected within the body and the operation my require a longer period of anesthesia. Back to Top2. Is facial liposuction permanent?To a certain degree, yes. Although the remaining fat cells will expand, and sometimes divide, if you over eat and gain weight again. Liposuction, in any application, is not to be used for weigh loss. Patients have died from suctioning out too much of their body weight. Your body needs fat to function -- period. Of course this pertains to body lipo as you don't exactly store enough fat in your face and neck to constitute death by excessive removal. You must realize, that if you gain weight you will re-gain the fat stores in your neck and face. Although it may not look the same or be as much. Back to Top3. What does a typical facial liposuction consultation entail?First off, your doctor will discuss your goals with you and he will explain what can be achieved realistically. A surgeon should take into account what your facial features and underlying bone structure is and be able to recognize where your facial fat is needed. Which is pretty much everywhere. Beware of the doctor that wants to remove all of your facial fat. You need the majority of facial fat, especially in the cheek area or you will look very drawn or gaunt. The majority of facial liposuction patients have the complaint of facial fat under the chin and jaw line (upper neck area). There is no one size fits all technique when it comes to this procedure. It is all individual. Just like you! Back to Top4. How is facial liposuction performed?Small incisions are made within the natural folds of the face and under the chin or jaw line. Normally an endoscopic technique is used and the excess fat is suctioned out through these small incisions. Sometimes a tumescent technique is used where a solution of saline (delivery and tumescent agent ), Lidocaine (pain reliever) and epinephrine (prohibits bleeding) are injected into the targeted area. This technique's purpose is to engorge the tissues with the solution for a firmer working area and the fat cells (which are softer) are suctioned out. The epinephrine prohibits bleeding during the operation and less blood is lost during the procedure. There is a technique which involves ultrasonic waves. These ultrasonic waves excite the tissues water molecules (fat molecules being the target) and literally melt the fat into a liquid for ease of removal by suction. Unfortunately, each patient's molecules may react differently or in the case of unskilled surgeons, may improperly handle the equipment resulting in severe burns. Either way, the targeted fat is suctioned out, sutures are sometimes used in the closure of incisions and a support garment is worn for proper, compact healing. Back to Top5. Where are the incisions made?The incisions are made within the natural folds of the face, under the jaw line or chin. Unnecessary scarring is generally avoided in all techniques. Discuss with your doctor his or incision placement of choice and why? Back to Top6.What should I expect post-operatively?You may feel a little sore but excessive pain is very rare in facial liposuction. Your pain relievers prescribed by your doctor should alleviate this pain. There will be swelling and your doctor may prescribe a pharmaceutical grade Arnica montana for the relief of this. There may be some bruising but the Arnica montana will help alleviate some of this. You will be asked to wear a support garment postoperatively for the first few days and then only at night for a few weeks if there was excessive removal of facial fat. This will insure proper healing in the surrounding tissues for a more compact appearance. Back to Top7. Is it quite painful? Is there much bruising?It takes about a week and a half for most of the swelling to subside. There is really not too much bruising with average cases, although it should be looked upon as individual. Some are prone to bruising more than others. Some doctors prescribe a pharmaceutical grade Arnica montana product called SinEcch and a topical ointment as well. These two products are thought to decrease both bruising and swelling in all procedures and in most cases have shown a significant decrease in both complaints. You should take your prescribed pain medication to alleviate any pain or discomfort that you may experience. Back to Top8. When will I be able to return to work?Most patients return to work within 2 weeks. Although some patients have returned just after 5 days. It is highly individual. The swelling is more than likely the main reason people tend to take off work. The bruising, if any, can be camouflaged with cosmetics. Still, you should not bend over or exercise until well after 3 weeks post-op. 9. When will I be able to see the results?After the swelling subsides you will begin to notice a difference in the compact appearance of your tissues. It is advised to take before and after photos to fully appreciate the results as a gradual decrease in swelling will give your mind time to accustom itself to the changes. They may not seem too great to you, but with photos your appreciation and understanding of the results are clarified through visual realization. 10. What are the risks of facial liposuction?Although, the risks with facial liposuction are less than body liposuction there are risks involved. There are more risks with liposuction due to the fat and its surrounding tissues becoming necrotic (dead tissue). If the fat becomes necrotic from lack of blood supply, the fat tends to turn orange-ish clear and drain from the incision. If the tissue becomes necrotic, that's a completely different story. You must have the tissue removed before a major infection develops, possibly causing gangrene. Even with the ultrasonic technique, patients have been known to receive actual burns from the ultrasonic technique. The fat is actually melted within the body by 'exciting' the fat molecules with high frequency radio waves and is suctioned out. There may be asymmetry, hyper-pigmentation (permanent dark spots) from the bruising. Major blood loss is a factor is some cases. As is hematoma and infection. Liposuction is NOT the way to lose weight. Another risk of liposuction* is pulmonary Thromboemboli. A thromboebolus is a blood clot and this blood clot can break free and travel to the lungs resulting in pulmonary Thromboemboli. This can put a patient into adult breathing distress and subsequently into cardiac arrest or coma. Pulmonary Thromboemboli can happen within three (3) weeks of the surgery but will most likely show symptoms of shortness of breath and fatigue within the first 72 hours. However, pulmonary Thromboemboli can occur suddenly, without warning. Most patients with P.E. collapse and begin rapid deterioration after attempting to climb a flight of stairs. *facial liposuction risks are far less than body liposuction due to the amount of fat that is suctioned and disrupted. Back to Top11. What is Arnica montana, I have heard that it reduces swelling and bruising? Which is the best kind to take?also
known as: Mountain Tobacco, Mountain Arnica, Common Arnica, Leopard's Bane
and Sneezewort Other products or supplements that you may heard of or have been recommended may be Bromelain, Vitamin A, Vitamin K or Vitamin C -- please discuss these with your surgeon if you are interested or have questions. ALWAYS ASK YOUR SURGEON FIRST BEFORE TAKING ANY MEDICATION. Back to Top
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