Facial contouring and Fat Grafting

Neck Liposuction

Fat can accumulate in certain areas of the body, including the neck, where it may be less responsive to changes in diet or exercise. In some individuals, this can contribute to changes in neck contour.

Neck liposuction is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of fat deposits from the neck area using a small tube (cannula) and suction device. It may be performed alone or alongside other procedures, such as a facelift. The approach and technique can vary depending on individual anatomy and clinical assessment.

Anaesthesia

Neck liposuction may be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia. The appropriate option will be discussed during your consultation.

Procedure Setting

This procedure may be performed as a day procedure or may involve a short hospital stay, depending on your individual medical circumstances.

Duration of Surgery

The operation typically takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. This can vary depending on the complexity of the case.

Recovery

A compression dressing is usually applied to support the neck following surgery. This is generally worn for several days post-operatively. Recovery times differ between individuals, but many people resume light activities within the first week.

• Return to work: typically within 10-14 days

• Resumption of regular social or recreational activities: usually within 2-3 weeks

• Strenuous physical activities: generally avoided for 3-6 weeks

• Direct sun exposure and high-impact exercise should be avoided for approximately 6–8 weeks

Risks and Considerations

All surgical procedures carry risks. These will be discussed in detail during your consultation. Some of the potential risks may include bruising, swelling, infection, asymmetry, or changes in skin sensation. It is important to have realistic expectations, as individual outcomes can vary.

Fat Grafting 

Fat grafting is a procedure in which fat is taken from one part of the body and transferred to another area to restore volume. In facial procedures, this may involve areas such as the lips, temples, chin, jawline, or folds around the mouth.

This procedure is performed based on clinical indications and tailored to the patient’s individual needs following consultation.

Common Areas Treated

• Lips – May be treated to restore lost volume

• Temples, brow, and upper eyelids – Can address volume loss in the upper face

• Chin and jawline – May help define the lower face and address changes in contour

• Nasolabial folds and parentheses lines around the lower mouth – Fat grafting may help reduce the appearance of deeper facial lines

Anaesthesia

Fat grafting procedures may be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation or under general anaesthesia. This will depend on the areas being treated and the overall surgical plan.

Procedure Setting

The procedure may be performed on a day surgery basis or with a short hospital stay, depending on individual factors.

Duration of Surgery

Fat grafting typically takes between 1.5 to 2 hours, though timing can vary based on the scope of treatment.

Recovery

Swelling and bruising are common following fat grafting and may last up to two weeks. A compression dressing may be used and is usually removed after several days.

• Return to work: approximately 10 days post-procedure

• Resumption of light social and recreational activities: 2-3 weeks

• Strenuous activity: generally avoided for 3-6 weeks

• Avoid impact exercise and direct sun exposure for 6–8 weeks

Duration of Results

The longevity of results can vary based on individual factors such as metabolism, health status, and surgical technique. In some cases, the effects may last for several months to years, though maintenance or additional treatments may be required.

Risks and Considerations

As with any surgical procedure, fat grafting carries risks. These include bruising, swelling, infection, asymmetry, and changes in fat survival. Your surgeon will discuss all potential risks, complications, and alternatives with you during your consultation.

Common Surgical Risks of Fat Grafting:

1. Fat Resorption:
   A portion of the transferred fat may not survive, which can lead to partial loss of volume or asymmetry.

2. Infection:
   As with any procedure involving injections or incisions, there's a risk of infection at both the donor and recipient sites.

3. Bruising and Swelling:
   Temporary but common effects that usually subside within a few weeks.

4. Lumps or Irregularities:
   Uneven fat distribution or fat necrosis (where some fat cells die) can cause firmness, nodules, or visible contour irregularities.

5. Overcorrection or Under correction:
   Achieving the desired volume can be challenging, and sometimes multiple sessions are needed.

6. Cyst Formation or Calcification:
   Small cysts or calcified areas can develop in the grafted fat.

7. Scarring:
   Small scars may occur at both the donor and injection sites, although they are usually minimal.

8. Fat Embolism (Rare):
   In extremely rare cases, fat can enter the bloodstream and block a blood vessel, which can be life-threatening if it travels to the lungs, heart, or brain.

9. Changes in Skin Sensation:
   Numbness or tingling at donor or recipient sites may occur, often temporary but occasionally persistent.

10. Anaesthetic Risks:
    Depending on the anaesthesia used (local, sedation, or general), there are associated risks such as allergic reactions or complications related to existing medical conditions.

Important Information and Disclaimers:

• Any surgical or non-surgical procedure carries risks.

•  Individual outcomes, results, experience and recovery times vary based on individual’s genetics, environmental factors, diet, exercise, sun protection, smoking and general health. Individual’s outcomes are only relevant for that individual and they do not necessarily reflect or guarantee the same outcome for another individual given the same treatment.

•  The information provided is general and educational in nature.

•  It does not constitute medical advice nor replace consultation with a qualified health professional.

•  We encourage all patients to seek a second opinion and consult their general practitioner for a referral before engaging in a surgical and non-surgical consultation with us.

Still have questions?

Contact us to arrange your consultation with Dr Imani.