Facial and Neck Liposuction

Neck Liposuction:

As we age, certain areas of the body, such as the neck, can accumulate fat that may be resistant to diet and exercise. 

Neck liposuction is a procedure aimed at removing excess fat from the neck to improve the jawline. This procedure can be performed alone or in combination with a facelift. Traditional neck liposuction involves a small tube (cannula) and suction through small incisions in discreet locations. Additional areas, such as the lateral face and neck, can be accessed through incisions around the ear.

Are there risks involved?

Yes, all medical procedures carry risks. Dr. Imani will discuss potential risks, benefits, and alternatives during your consultation. Detailed procedure-specific information will be provided by our practice team after your consultation.

Common Risks

1. Swelling and Bruising

• Very common and usually temporary.

• Peaks within the first few days and may last several weeks.

2. Pain or Discomfort

• Mild to moderate discomfort is expected post-surgery.

• Typically well managed with pain medication.

3. Numbness or Tingling

• Often occurs in the treated areas due to temporary nerve irritation.

• Usually resolves within weeks or months, though rarely it may persist.

Moderate to Serious Risks

4. Irregular Contour or Asymmetry

• Uneven fat removal may lead to:

o Lumps, dents, or wavy skin.

o Visible or uneven contouring.

5. Loose or Sagging Skin

• Especially a concern if skin elasticity is poor.

• May require additional skin-tightening procedures (like a facelift).

6. Skin Discolouration or Hyper-pigmentation

• Temporary changes in skin tone can occur.

• Rarely, discolouration can be long-lasting.

7. Haematoma or Seroma

• Haematoma: A collection of blood under the skin.

• Seroma: A buildup of clear fluid.

• May require drainage.

Less Common Risks

8. Infection

• Uncommon due to sterile techniques.

• May present as redness, warmth, swelling, or pus and would require antibiotics.

9. Nerve Damage

• Rare but can lead to persistent numbness or muscle weakness, particularly around the mouth or neck.

10. Fat Embolism

• Very rare but serious: fat enters the bloodstream and travels to the lungs or brain.

• Considered a medical emergency.

Anaesthesia Risks

• If performed under general anaesthesia or deep sedation, risks include:

o Allergic reactions

o Breathing difficulties

o Nausea and vomiting

Scarring

• Incisions are small and placed in inconspicuous areas (e.g., under the chin or behind the ears), but minor scars are possible.

Factors That Increase Risk

• Smoking (impairs healing)

• Poor skin elasticity

• Chronic conditions (like diabetes or bleeding disorders)

• Inexperienced surgeon

Anaesthesia:

Local anaesthetic with sedation or general anaesthesia may be used, depending on the procedure.

In/Outpatient:

The procedure may be performed as an inpatient with a short stay or as an outpatient (same-day) procedure, depending on individual circumstances.

Length of Surgery:

The procedure typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours.

Pain Score:

Most patients report minimal pain, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

Dressing:

A compression dressing is applied to the treated area and typically removed within 3 to 5 days post-surgery.

Recovery and Returning to Work:

Patients may engage in relaxed activities during the first week after surgery and gradually resume normal activities in the second week. Complete healing may take several weeks. Facial swelling and bruising may last up to two weeks.

• Back to work: 5 days to 1 week.

• Normal social, recreational, and travel activities: 1-2 weeks.

• Strenuous activities: 2-3 weeks.

• Avoid strenuous exercise or direct sun exposure for 6-8 weeks.

Duration of Results:

The results of neck liposuction are generally long-term, though they can vary depending on individual factors.

Fat Grafting:

Fat grafting involves the transfer of purified fat, harvested from a patient’s own body, to areas where facial volume has descended or diminished. This procedure restores the appearance by replenishing volume in areas of the face that have lost fullness. Fat is typically harvested through liposuction, then injected into areas such as the lips, brow, temples, chin, jawline, and around the eyes.

Common Areas of Treatment:

• Lips: Lip augmentation can restore fullness to  lips the areas surrounding the mouth.

• Brow, Upper Eyelids, and Temples: Fat grafting to these areas can restore volume and reduce the hollowed or sunken eye area.

• Chin and Jawline: Fat grafting can help a weakened chin or jawline and restore support to the lower face.

• Nasolabial Folds/peri oral Lines: Fat grafting can address the loss of fullness around the mouth, reducing the appearance of deep lines and folds.

Anaesthesia:

Local anaesthetic with sedation or general anaesthesia may be used, depending on the procedure.

In/Outpatient:

This procedure may be performed as an inpatient with a short stay or as an outpatient (same-day) procedure.

Length of Surgery:

The procedure typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours.

Pain Score:

Patients generally report minimal pain, which can be controlled with over-the-counter pain relief.  You will be prescribed pain medication if you experience moderate to sever pain.

Dressing:

A compression dressing is applied to the treated areas and removed 3-5 days after surgery.

Recovery and Returning to Work:

Most patients can return to relaxed activities within one week and gradually resume normal activities. Full recovery may take several weeks. Facial swelling and bruising may persist for up to two weeks.

• Back to work: 5 days to 1 week.

• Normal social, recreational, and travel activities: 2-3 weeks.

• Strenuous activities: 4-6 weeks.

• Avoid strenuous impact exercises and direct sun exposure for 6-8 weeks.

Duration of Results:

The longevity of results varies from 6 months to several years, depending on individual factors.

Risks and Considerations:

All surgical and non-invasive procedures carry risks. The decision to undergo any treatment should be made after careful consideration and consultation. Individual recovery times and outcomes can vary depending on factors such as genetics, diet, and physiology. The results shown may not apply to all individuals, and your personal results may vary.

Educational Purpose:

The content, including images, provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and does not endorse any specific procedure or treatment.

Consultation and Second Opinion:

It is important to seek a second opinion from a qualified surgeon before proceeding with any treatment. You should consult with your family doctor for a referral to a specialist surgeon. This website’s content is not a substitute for personalised medical advice.

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.