In explaining the liposuction technique known as tumescent liposculpture, it will be helpful to contrast it with other methods in order to illustrate the differences between the two. Prior to the widespread adoption of tumescent liposculpture, a patient being treated to have fat removed via liposculpture / liposuction, was at the receiving end of a surgery that had to use larger incisions in the flesh in order to accomodate larger cannulas. (The cannula is the fat suctioning or fat sucking device used in all liposculpture procedures.) This technique used what’s known as general anesthesia and carried with it an increase risk of blood loss during surgery due to larger incisions and the possiblity of an unwanted reaction to said anesthesia. Additionally, prior to the tumescent technique, recovery was usually considered harder on the body with previous techniques.

Compare this to the tumescent liposculpture technique in which one or more very small incisions are made to insert also very small cannula tools, sometimes referred to as micro cannulas. Instead of using general anesthesia, tumescent lipo uses local anesthesia. The important point to note about this difference is that it means less risk of anesthesia related complications for the patient. Because the incisions are smaller and the cannulas are smaller, this carries a number of benefits to the patient. First, it lessens the risk of blood loss compared to traditional techniques. Secondly, smaller incisions mean faster healing time and less risk ofd scarring or marks left on the body post-surgery. Third, these micro cannula tools are able to target the fatty areas with improved accuracy and finesse. This all translates to a speedier recovery as compared to previous techniques!

Why the word tumescent though – what does this mean?

When speaking of “tumescent liposuction”, the tumescent phrase refers to being swollen and firm. This is in reference to the fat which will be removed, which is made swollen and firm through the injection of lidocaine, which is a local anesthetic, coupled with a solution to tighten or constrict the surrounding blood vessels (often epinephrine). Note that this blood vessel constriction is one reason why the risk of blood less is minimized in the tumescent lipo technique.

For all these reasons, tumescent liposculpture immediately became a widely adopted preference for performing various liposuction treatments all over the body. The benefits it carries – improved recovery, less anthesthia complications, less blood less, less risk of liposuction scars, and improved cannula technology – cannot be ignored!

Basics and tidbits about Facial Liposculpture.

So… what exactly is “Facial Liposculpture”?

Facial liposculpture is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess fat from the lower face and neck. It is a body countouring technique to help create a slimmer, more attractive face by removing the fat and then tightening the skin, when done properly by a good doctor, creating a youthful look in the patient. Areas targetted by facial liposculpture include the chin (the fat underneath), the cheeks, jowls, and the front and back of the neck.

How common is Facial Liposculpture?
Who common is this procedure nowadays?

Liposculpture is the most common cosmetic surgical procedure in the USA. The specific numbers for facial liposculpture are not known, but it is believed to be more than 100,000 people a year receive this surgery.

Women make up the vast majority of patients for this liposculpture treatment.

Counting all liposculpture treatments, there were nearly half a million patients receiving liposculpture in 2006.
How is the surgery done?
How does the fat get removed from the face, neck, cheek, etc?

Like all liposculpture procedures, it involves sucking the fat out with a tool called a cannula, which is inserted into the skin via small incisions.

The entire Facial liposculpture procedure can be performed in less than an hour!

What are some of the risks involved in having Liposculpture surgery on my face?

• It is possible for facial liposculpture surgery to create unintended bumps or dimples in the skin.

• There is a risk of infection.
• There is a risk of excessive bleeding.
• Sunken cheeks! This is probably the most feared risk. If done improperly or excessively, liposculpture on the face can eventually create a look of sunken cheeks on a patient.

While all medical procedures contain risks, the best antidote is to properly research a doctor whom you can fully trust, and whom has the experience to back it up! This cannot be stressed enough.

How much does it cost to get Facial Liposculpture?
Pinning down a specific number is tricky. It depends on the patients health, the amount of fat to be removed, and also where the treatment is occuring (i.e. prices vary greatly in different parts of the USA and other countries.)

Generally speaking, it’s best to research local doctors in your area and inquire about pricing, but expect to spend a decent amount of money for Facial Liposculpture.