Just like any other area of the body, your face can harbor pockets of fat cells that resist all efforts to dislodge them. In fact, if you have areas of fatty tissue around your cheeks, chin or neck, they can be even more frustrating to deal with than love handles and saddlebags. Losing weight can help to some extent, but there's no way to "tone up" your face through exercise.
Considering Facial Liposuction?
If fat deposits are what you see when you look in the mirror, chances are they're not going to disappear anytime soon. The answer for you may be facial liposuction. This relatively non-invasive procedure can make a dramatic change in your looks. Arrange a consultation with Dr. David Mabrie, a leading San Francisco plastic surgeon, to find out more.
Am I a Good Candidate?
If you have fat deposits around your cheeks, neck and jaw line but you're otherwise in good health, this procedure could be a good choice for you. In younger patients, removing excess fat is sometimes sufficient to bring about a big change. If you're a bit older, you may want to think about combining the procedure with a facelift, brow lift or eyelid surgery for overall facial rejuvenation.
As with any facial cosmetic surgery, it's important to have realistic expectations. Facial liposuction will improve your appearance, not change it dramatically. On the other hand, facial liposuction does deliver permanent results. It's a great feeling to know that, since the procedure removes fat cells completely, fat will never be stored in your face again.
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Before & After
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Why Choose Dr. David Mabrie for Facial Liposuction?
Excellent Training, Double-Board Certification, Specialization in the Face and Neck
Dr. Mabrie specializes in facial cosmetic surgery for his San Francisco area patients. Completing medical school at the University of California at San Francisco with honors, his residency at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University in Maryland and a fellowship in Facial Plastic Surgery at Stanford University, Dr. Mabrie has focused all his time and talents on plastic surgery for the face, head and neck. He has a thorough understanding of the anatomy of this complex area and has helped thousands of people feel much better about their appearance through facial cosmetic surgery and anti-aging treatments.
Dr. Mabrie follows in the footsteps of his father, Dr. Herman J. Mabrie III, a well-respected head and neck surgeon in Houston, Texas. After a distinguishing himself during his years of medical school and residency at Johns Hopkins, UCSF and Stanford, Dr. Mabrie received double-board certification from the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology, (ear, nose, and throat).
Click to read Dr. Mabrie's full curriculum vitae.
How Will I Look?
A few days after your surgery, you'll have your first post-operative visit with Dr. Mabrie. He'll remove your dressing and you'll notice immediately that your jowls and double chins are gone! You won't look like a different person, but you will look slimmer through the face and neck and more youthful. You may very well look happier, too.
Can I See My Results Before Surgery?
How would you like to see what your new face will look like before your facial liposuction procedure?
Dr. Mabrie uses computer imaging during his facial liposuction consultations. This is a very powerful tool for helping you envision the results you may achieve with images of your own face on screen. You and Dr. Mabrie can discuss your goals and concerns and agree on a surgical plan. Cosmetic surgery is an important step for all patients; computer imaging can show you the new you before you make your decisions.
Click to Preview the New You.
How is Facial Liposuction Performed?
Area that can be improved with facial liposuction.
Facial liposuction, known as submentoplasty in medical circles, is performed at an accredited hospital or surgery center, usually under local or "twilight" anesthesia. It normally takes about an hour.
When doing a facial liposuction procedure to remove fat deposits in the cheeks, Dr. Mabrie usually makes very small incisions in the mouth. When working on the chin and neck, Dr. Mabrie usually makes a short incision in a pre-existing, natural crease below your chin. In either case, scars are of little to no concern. Using excision and a delicate suction device, he removes excess fat. He tightens the muscles if needed, removes any loose or excess skin on the upper part of your neck, then closes the incision and applies a small bandage. When finished, Dr. Mabrie wraps your face with a pressure dressing. You'll spend some time in a recovery area, then you'll be ready to go home to relax.
Risks associated with this procedure are few, but it's important you are acquainted with them prior to surgery. Dr. Mabrie will discuss possible risks and complications with you during your consultation.
How Much Pain Is Involved?
Unlike liposuction of the body, facial liposuction causes very little pain. You will feel nothing, of course, under anesthesia, and the medication your anesthesiologist administers during your surgery will help minimize pain and possible nausea afterward. As you recover, any discomfort you may feel should be relieved with over-the-counter medication.
How do I Prepare for Surgery?
Dr. Mabrie's staff will advise you about the type of assistance you may need to get home from surgery and at home for the first night. They will likely ask you to arrange to have someone help you during this immediate post-operative period.
You'll need to give some thought to the type of food to have on hand at home. This partly depends on your incisions. You may find it helpful to have soft foods while your face is swollen, and if you have oral incisions you may need to restrict your diet to minimize the possibility of infection. Dr. Mabrie and his team will let you know what to expect and how to prepare.
Because you'll experience some bruising and swelling, you may consider arranging to spend as long as two weeks away from work and other public activities.
Facial Liposuction Recovery
| Bandages | Suture Removal | Restaurant Ready* | 75% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-3 days | 4-5 days | 5-7 days | 3-4 weeks | 2-3 months |
*Restaurant ready means you are ready to debut the new you! |
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What Is the Recovery Like?
Once your surgery is complete, Dr,. Mabrie will wrap you in a turban-like pressure dressing which you'll keep on for about four days. Then you'll come in to see Dr. Mabrie to have your stitches and bandages removed. During this time, over-the-counter pain medication should be sufficient to keep any discomfort at bay.
We recommend taking at least four days off to rest and to decrease the risk of bleeding after surgery; you may be able to return to work after that. Bruising varies from person to person, however, and generally lasts about seven to ten days. Also within the first ten days Dr. Mabrie will caution you to avoid any strenuous activities. Swelling will gradually subside over several months, revealing your new look.
What Are the Next Steps?
If you have additional questions after visiting our Facial Liposuction Common Questions page, we invite you to call our patient coordinator, Susan Cole, at 866-360-FACE. She can answer many questions related to the procedure, recovery and more.
If you're thinking about financing your surgery, visit our Fees & Financing page.
The best way to decide what's right for you is to arrange a visit with Dr. Mabrie, a leader in San Francisco cosmetic surgery. Call or e-mail us today at 866-360-FACE, or click to schedule an appointment online.
