Cheek Liposuction | Procedure, Recovery, Cost And Side Effects
Cheek Liposuction — Liposuction is a procedure that uses suction to remove fat from the body. In 2015, it was the most popular cosmetic procedure among both men and women, with approximately 400,000 procedures performed.
Some of the most commonly treated areas include the abdomen, hips, and thighs. However, liposuction can also be performed on the cheeks.
Read on to learn more about cheek liposuction, how the procedure works, how much it costs, and more.
What is cheek liposuction?
Cheek liposuction permanently removes fat cells from the face. You can also shape or outline an area.
As you heal, your skin will form around this newly formed area. This can shrink the face, resulting in a more defined jawline or profile.
Cheek Liposuction is performed in the same way as liposuction of other parts of the body. This is sometimes done in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures, such as a facelift.
Cheek liposuction is different from procedures like buccal lipectomy. While both methods involve removing fat from the face, buccal lipectomy is the removal of certain fatty tissue in the cheek called buccal fat. cheek liposuction vs buccal fat removal
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What is the procedure?
Cheek liposuction is performed on an outpatient basis. This means that you can return home after completing it. Usually it takes 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Your doctor will use a pen to mark the area of your cheek that is being treated. You will then receive local or general anesthesia. If you are given general anesthesia, you will fall asleep during the procedure.
Your doctor will make a small incision. They will then use one of several different methods to facilitate the removal of the fatty tissue.
Examples of these methods include:
- Tumescent: Saline, anesthetic, and adrenaline are injected into the affected area. This causes the area to become stiff and swollen, making it easier for the doctor to remove the fat.
- Ultrasound: A small metal rod may be inserted into the effected area to produce the ultrasonic energy. This energy helps break down fat cells.
- Lasers: A small laser fiber is inserted into this area. Laser energy breaks down fat.
A small metal tube called a cannula is inserted into the incision. The fat is then removed from the cheeks using a suction device attached to the cannula.
Restoration
After the procedure, you may experience pain and swelling in and around your face. This will go away over time and can be controlled with over-the-counter medications.
You will also have to be asked to put a compression garment while you are recovering. It fits over the head, covering the jaw and neck.
You can expect a full recovery time of 3–4 weeks. After that, your cheeks should look thinner and may be a linear appearance.
Who is a good candidate?
The following make someone a good candidate for liposuction:
- Be of average weight or slightly above average
- Are in good general health, with no comorbidities such as heart disease or diabetes
- Have firm and smooth skin
- Be a non-smoker
People with thin skin are not good candidates for liposuction.
When fat is removed, inelastic skin can appear saggy. Additionally, liposuction can increase dimpling of the skin. If you have dimples, this must be taken into account.
Side Effects And Other Precautions
Swelling and discomfort are normal during liposuction recovery. This will pass as you recover.
As with any procedure, cheek liposuction has some potential complications. The risk of complications can be increased if multiple cosmetic procedures are performed at the same time. The risks include:
- heavy bleeding during the procedure
- have an adverse reaction to anesthesia
- skin looks loose, bumpy, or patchy
- skin color change
- nerve damage that can cause numbness
- infection in or around the incision
- collection of fluid under the skin (seroma)
- fat embolism
Finding a qualified healthcare professional is very important to get the best results and prevent complications. Liposuction can only be performed by a certified plastic surgeon.
During a liposuction procedure, fat cells are permanently removed from the body. If you gain weight after the procedure, it will be noticeable proportionally throughout your body.
However, with significant weight gain, new fat cells can develop in both treated and untreated areas.
How much does cheek liposuction cost
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of liposuction is to be thinking near about $3,518.
Costs may be higher or lower depending on factors such as location, specialist physician, and the type of equipment used.
Since liposuction is a cosmetic process, it is not be covered by insurance. Because of this, some doctors may offer financing plans to help with costs. Be sure to ask about this during your consultation.
How to find a board-certified surgeon
If you’re considering cheek liposuction, it’s important to find a board-certified plastic surgeon. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons use a finding tool to help you find a surgeon in your area.
Once you find a board-certified plastic surgeon, you can schedule an appointment. During this time, they will assess whether you are a good candidate for liposuction.
They will also explain the details of the procedure, the methods they use, and the possible risks. Be sure to ask about anything they haven’t covered or you need more information on.
Also, don’t be afraid to ask about their experience and training. Here are some examples:
- How many years of plastic surgery do you experience?
- How many years have you been doing liposuction?
- Do you have experience with cheek liposuction? If yes, how many procedures have you had?
- Do you have cheek liposuction before and after photos that I can see?
The Conclusion
Cheek liposuction uses a suction device to remove fat cells from the cheeks. As a result of a cheek lift, the face appears thinner and less plump.
Cheek liposuction is a short outpatient procedure and several methods can be used to remove fat. Recovery usually takes several weeks, during which time you will need to wear a compression garment.
Cheek liposuction should always to be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Be sure to confirm that the surgeon is board certified before scheduling an appointment.