Chin, Neck & Jowls

FACE AND NECK LASER ASSISTED SURGERY WITH SMARTLIPO™

Fat accumulation occurs easily in some people beneath the jaw line. This localized dyslipotrophy or fat accumulation is often referred to as a “double chin.” This is a common cosmetic complaint, and many Americans because of obesity and/or genetics are looking for ways to reduce and make more aesthetically acceptable their chin appearance.

Awake tumescent laser assisted liposuction with Smartlipo™ is the safest and most effective technique for removing fat from the chin, jowls and neck areas. Laser assisted liposuction involves fewer complications and scars, and it avoids the dangers of general anesthesia. Typically, patients experience a rapid recovery, incur lower costs, and they have a more natural appearance to their face compared to a facelift. Although a facelift may be a good procedure for those patients with more skin laxity over the facial structures, it often results in an unnatural tightened “wind blown” facial appearance.

For patients with local deposits of subcutaneous fat in the chin and neck, and excessively wrinkled or poor elasticity of the skin, better results can be achieved from liposuction when combined with other smaller procedures. Procedures that compliment liposuction in this area are laser resurfacing, chemical peels, and revolumizing the face with fat transfer or fillers like Radiesse™. The ideal patient is someone with good skin elasticity, because healthy skin often produces dramatic improvement. Combining Smartlipo™ with other procedures makes a much simpler and safer procedure than a facelift.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE?

Not all patients are good candidates for liposuction of the face and neck. For some patients a face lift might be the best procedure, while for other patients Smartlipo laser assisted liposuction would be best. A facelift is a more invasive surgical procedure and may be the best procedure if you have large skin folds or excessive skin laxity. During your consultation with Dr. Williams he will be able to tell you if you would be a better candidate for a face lift.

WHAT IS THE SUBMENTAL CHIN REGION?

The submental region or chin area includes the area below the margin of the jaw, and extends onto the front of the neck. Regardless of one's age, an inherited localized collection of excess fat beneath the chin makes one look chubby, older and less athletic. Liposuction is usually the simplest, safest, and least expensive way to treat this cosmetic problem.

WHAT ARE JOWLS?

Jowls represent a small focal accumulation of fat on the lower cheek overlying the jawbone. Prominent jowls make a person look old and are a cosmetic concern for both women and men. Accumulated fat in the jowls is best treated by tumescent Smartlipo™.

WHAT IS FACIAL VOLUME RESTORATION AND HOW CAN I ACHIEVE A MORE YOUTHFUL APPEARANCE?

We do not recommend liposuction if your goal is to eliminate facial wrinkles. To add a more youthful appearance and reduce wrinkles, we recommend the Volumalift™ rather than a face lift. For some patients who want an aggressive natural appearance for facial restoration, a combination surgical procedure of liposuction, Botox™, and facial volume restoration or fat transfer will restores a more youthful appearance. During your consultation with Dr. Williams, he will be able to counsel you if you are a candidate for this combination surgery.

RECOVERY, POSTOPERATIVE CARE AND DRESSING

The tiny incisions used for liposuction of the neck and face do not require sutures. By leaving the incisions open the drainage of the blood-tinged anesthetic solution is increased and this minimizes postoperative bruising and edema. Absorptive pads are applied to absorb the drainage and are held in place by an elastic compression headwear. An elastic compression headband is worn after liposuction of face and neck during the first 18 to 36 hours after surgery. As soon as the drainage has ceased, the headband is used at night while you sleep to assist in the healing process. In the early years of liposuction, surgeons required patients to wear a compression garments for two(2) to six(6) weeks, but there is no evidence this prolonged compression provides any benefit.

SIDE EFFECTS, COMPLICATIONS, AND ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES

As with any surgery, a surgeon or patient can’t predict what may happen during or after surgery. Rare problems that can occur are insertion site scarring, keloids, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation of insertion scars, nodularity, skin irregularities, waviness of skin, localized tenderness, hyperesthesia, poor skin retraction, hematomas, seromas, and localized and systemic infection. With this area of the body injury to facial nerves and vascular structures may also occur.

 

 

 

 

 

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