Last fact-checked: 31 October 2020

Target unsightly, stubborn pockets of fat around the chin, cheeks, neck, and jawline with facial liposuction.

Medical Departures has partnered with a growing number of clinics and hospitals around the world that provide innovative, minimally invasive techniques to remove fat and give you a more natural look than a facelift.

What Is Facial Liposuction?

More commonly associated with contouring other parts of the body, the use of liposuction on the face can deliver rewarding results. As many of us know all too well, your face is one of the first and last places to show fat—and this area can be particularly resistant to diet and exercise, even when other areas are shrinking. 

By carefully removing the fat deposits that accumulate in isolated areas around the face and neck, facial liposuction can make your face look more defined, chiseled, and younger.

The cause of these fat pockets may be hereditary; people who aren’t overweight may have the same plump face as their parents. Another reason is perhaps the natural aging process and the fat cells have simply accumulated over time. 

Do also note that facial liposuction is often carried out in conjunction with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as non-invasive dermal fillers or surgery, such as a neck or brow lift. 

Generally speaking, the older your skin, the less elasticity it carries—meaning that it will take longer to contract and spring back into place. If your skin is relatively healthy, there will be minimal swelling and the results will be noticeable almost immediately.

It’s imperative to keep hopes and expectations realistic prior to this procedure. It’s also important to keep a positive mental attitude and be in a good physical and mental state beforehand.

If you're not sure about your suitability, you may want to consult with a local physician before heading abroad. 

This procedure is usually performed under a local anesthetic with the specific area(s) being numbed. Depending on your preference, pre-operative sedation may also be administered to relieve tension, keep you calm, free of pain, and comfortable.

The procedure involves small incisions being made in pre-determined areas through which a tiny tube (cannula) is inserted to essentially vacuum out the fat cells. Other facial liposuction techniques may include:

• Ultrasound-assisted liposuction
• Laser-assisted liposuction
• Water-assisted liposuction

After the fat is removed, the doctor will close the incisions; the stitches are often dissolvable, although sometimes the patient will return for them to be removed.

Although it is a virtually pain-free operation, there will be variable amounts of postoperative swelling and inevitable bruising. The amount and how long it lasts will depend entirely on the health and elasticity of your skin. Please note that until the swelling has subsided, you will truly not be able to see the results of your procedure.

The entire procedure usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour. General medical advice following your facial liposuction:

• Keep your head wrap on until the day after surgery
• For the first two days, ice the neck area every hour to help mitigate the swelling.
• Avoid exercise, stooping, or heavy lifting for at least two weeks.
• Use a mild soap to keep the incisions clean; apply antibiotic ointment twice a day.
• Keep your head elevated when you sleep, propping yourself up with bolsters and pillows
• Sutures will usually be removed a week after the procedure

Swelling and bruising are to be expected in the days following your procedure but these will gradually subside over the coming weeks. After a week or so your face will feel less tight and you should be able to get out and about without feeling too self-conscious. 

While results are almost immediate, your face won't reach its best for a few months after surgery when any irregularities have smoothed and softened.

As a tailor-made procedure, costs can vary quite dramatically. In the US, you can expect to pay anywhere between $2,500-$5,000. When booking with one of our partner clinics abroad, patients are able to save between 50% and 70% for this same treatment. For example:

• Facial liposuction prices in Mexico start at $1,000.
• Facial liposuction prices in Thailand start at $1,300
• Facial liposuction prices in South Korea start at $1,800

To save you time, we’ve compiled a list of verified liposuction clinics around the world; browse through surgeon profiles, compare prices, read past patient reviews and, when you're ready, book through Medical Departures to get the best prices available. 

Contact our Customer Care Team on the toll-free number provided. On standby 24/7, they can help with travel and other aspects of your trip abroad for facial liposuction, such as insurance, travel arrangements, and accommodations.

Sources:

Abraham, T. Manoj. Liposuction of the Face and Neck. Medscape. 13 April 2016. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/842367-overview

Facial fillers for wrinkles. Mayo Clinic. 1 January 2020. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/facial-fillers/about/pac-20394072

Rohrich, Rod, MD, FACS. Facial rejuvenation treatments that are right for you. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 16 March 2018. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/facial-rejuvenation-treatments-that-are-right-for-you

Face Liposuction. International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. 2020. https://www.isaps.org/procedures/facial-plastic-surgery/facial-liposuction/