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Indications for liposuction on the face and neck
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Liposuction of the head and neck can also be used to solve many other surgical problems. It can be useful for atraumatic dissection of soft tissue flaps during facelifts, for removing fat from pedicled or free flaps, and it can effectively remove benign tumors from adipose tissue. When using a closed liposuction technique, without manipulation of the superficial muscular-aponeurotic system, the greatest effectiveness is noted in the mandibular region, when creating changes in the contour of the cervicomental angle. The open technique involves removing fat using suction under direct vision, usually in combination with rhytidectomy. The results of closed liposuction on the nasolabial folds and jaw fat pads are less predictable and have not been studied in the long term. Sagging nasolabial folds are usually due to gravity, but despite the variety of liposuction results, its intelligent implementation can lead to success. The natural tendency for progressive atrophy of facial fat makes liposuction in the midface risky. The concept of improving facial contour may even require increasing its size; in thin patients or older patients with significant fat atrophy, rejuvenation actions may consist of fat injections or subzygomatic fat implantation.
Ideal candidates for primary liposuction of the face and neck should have skin that is elastic enough to contract well after the procedure. In patients with decreased or poor skin elasticity, removal of local fat deposits may predispose to increased skin laxity. Liposuction is sometimes erroneously promoted as a procedure to reduce skin laxity, although its implementation may complicate the problem. Dedo believes that in individuals over 40 years of age, skin contractility may become unsatisfactory. Other authors believe that age should be taken into account, but this should be based on an individual assessment of the tissue condition. Sometimes, younger patients with supposedly good skin elasticity may not achieve very good results. Patients should be aware that good results cannot always be predicted.
As an adjunct to facelift surgery or in combination with chin augmentation, liposuction improves the cosmetic outcome. As a primary procedure, liposuction of the face and neck also results in a noticeable facial rejuvenation, accentuating angles and contours with minimal recovery time and minimal complications. Research into liposuction has significantly reduced the incidence of complications and continues to improve surgical outcomes.
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