Liposuction
Liposuction, also known as liposculpture or lipoplasty, is an outpatient cosmetic body contouring procedure performed at our San Diego practice that involves the removal of unwanted fat deposits. Facial liposuction is a type of liposuction that focuses on contouring the face and neck. Natural elements, such as aging and genetics, often cause fat to congregate in the area under the chin and along the jawline. This buildup of fat can decrease definition for an appearance that masks youthful angles.
Face & Neck Liposuction
Dr. John Hilinski is a board-certified plastic surgeon renowned for using advanced liposuction techniques including VASER liposuction and tumescent liposuction to remove excess fat cells in the face and neck areas and can help patients in San Diego and beyond restore the angular appearance of their jawline, get rid of a “double chin,” and achieve an improved face and neck contour.
Benefits of Liposuction
Liposuction in the face and neck typically results in a more rejuvenated, youthful appearance. The definition of facial angles that have softened over time can be vastly improved following the removal of stubborn fat. Patients who elect to undergo liposuction typically benefit from:
- More refined angles around the neck
- Improved visibility of the jawline
- Decreased roundness under the chin
- Improved symmetry of facial features
- Candidates for Liposuction
Liposuction is not a solution for weight loss or obesity. Ideal candidates for liposuction are in general good health and have a stable overall body weight and good skin elasticity (the ability of the skin to snap back). Patients who lack skin elasticity are, unfortunately, not considered great candidates for this type of procedure, as the ultimate results rely on the skin “shrinking” or snapping back into place. Similarly liposuction cannot remove surface irregularities like dimpling. For individuals whose skin demonstrates too much laxity or skin dimpling to qualify for liposuction alone, Dr. Hilinski may also recommend a neck lift and/or facelift procedure. These treatments can eliminate excess skin and tighten remaining tissues in conjunction with fat removal via liposuction, helping to create an optimal outcome.
Candidates for Liposuction
Liposuction is not a solution for weight loss or obesity. Ideal candidates for liposuction are in general good health and have a stable overall body weight and good skin elasticity (the ability of the skin to snap back). Patients who lack skin elasticity are, unfortunately, not considered great candidates for this type of procedure, as the ultimate results rely on the skin “shrinking” or snapping back into place. Similarly liposuction cannot remove surface irregularities like dimpling. For individuals whose skin demonstrates too much laxity or skin dimpling to qualify for liposuction alone, Dr. Hilinski may also recommend a neck lift and/or facelift procedure. These treatments can eliminate excess skin and tighten remaining tissues in conjunction with fat removal via liposuction, helping to create an optimal outcome.
The Liposuction Procedure in San Diego
Traditional liposuction is a surgical procedure that can be performed under general anesthesia or under local anesthesia. A local anesthetic such as lidocaine can be combined with or without oral sedation, allowing patients to remain comfortable and relaxed throughout the course of treatment. During the procedure, small incisions are first made discreetly in (or near) the treatment areas. Excess fat is then carefully extracted using a cannula to ensure the resulting contour is even. Unlike liposculpture in other areas of the body that require large volumes of body fat to be removed such as the upper arms, abdomen and outer thighs, liposuction of the face and neck involves the removal of small but strategic amount of fat.
This versatile procedure can be performed alone or in combination with other facial plastic surgeries, such as a neck lift, facelift, midface lift, rhinoplasty, or chin implants. In most cases, patients are able to return home the same day of treatment under the care and supervision of a friend or family member.
Planning Your Liposuction Procedure*
Average Cost
$5,000
Average Procedure Time
1.5 hours
Average Recovery Time
7 days
Post-Op Consultation
2 months
*Procedure pricing and results with Dr. Hilinski may vary. Your personalized treatment plan and pricing will be determined at your consultation appointment.
Recovery From Liposuction
The recovery time after liposuction is generally around one week, during which you will wear a compression garment to help your face and neck mold to its new contours. It’s common to experience mild bruising and soreness in the treated area, however theses postoperative symptoms generally resolve relatively quickly, and many patients report feeling well enough to return to non-strenuous activities in as soon as two or three days. Specific recovery and healing times may vary by patient and whether the procedure was performed in combination with other cosmetic surgeries, but generally, the final results should gradually become more apparent as swelling continues to resolve in the targeted area(s).
Liposuction Risks
Liposuction is typically a safe and routine cosmetic procedure, so the risk of side effect or complications are generally the same as most other surgical treatments. Although they are very rare, complications in anesthesia are possible. Other risks may include swelling, damage to nerves or blood vessels, blood clots, embolism, bruising, temporary changes in sensation, or contour irregularities.
Face & Neck Liposuction Before & After
Learn more about liposuction surgery through some case examples of Dr. Hilinski’s past patients.
FAQs About Liposuction
Liposuction is a surgical procedure, so it is normal to experience some discomfort or pain during and after the procedure. However, the level of pain or discomfort varies from person to person and also depends on the extent of the procedure.
After the procedure, the patient may experience some pain, swelling, bruising, and soreness in the treated area. The amount of pain can be managed with pain medication prescribed by the surgeon.
Most patients report that the pain is manageable and decreases over time. The patient should follow Dr. Hilinksi’s post-operative instructions carefully to help reduce pain and avoid any complications.
Good candidates for liposuction are people who are at or near their ideal weight, but have areas of
Trusted Source
Liposuction Candidates
ASPS
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stubborn fat
that do not respond to diet and exercise. Liposuction is not a weight loss solution and is not appropriate for people who are significantly overweight.
As with any surgical procedure, liposuction carries risks, including infection, bleeding, bruising, and anesthesia complications. In rare cases,
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Liposuction
Mayo Clinic
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serious complications
such as blood clots or organ damage can occur.
Recovery time after liposuction varies depending on the extent of the procedure and the individual’s healing process. Generally, patients can return to work within a few days to a week, and can resume normal activities in 2-4 weeks.
Liposuction can provide long-lasting results if the patient maintains a healthy diet and exercise routine. However, if the patient gains weight after the procedure, the fat can return in other areas of the body.
The cost of liposuction varies depending on the extent of the procedure. The average cost ranges from $2,000 to $7,000 per area.
Yes, there are non-surgical alternatives to liposuction, such as cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting), ultrasound, and radiofrequency treatments. These treatments are less invasive and have less downtime, but may not provide the same level of fat reduction as liposuction.
1 ASPS. Liposuction Candidates. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/liposuction/candidates. Accessed February 15, 2023.
2 Mayo Clinic. Liposuction. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/liposuction/about/pac-20384586. Accessed February 15, 2023.