Candidates for liposuction are those who have regions of excess fat despite being at a healthy weight. It is also important to have good quality and elastic skin. Typically, most patients in their 20s and early 30s have sufficient skin elasticity to undergo face or neck liposuction without the concern of developing loose or saggy skin. Older patients may also benefit from liposuction, but this would highly depend on the quality of their skin and other factors. Genetics, smoking, and sun exposure can significantly affect skin quality.

In addition, the best candidates for face and neck liposuction are those who mainly have an excess of superficial fat. This is because liposuction would not be able to reduce the deeper fat under the platysma muscle of the neck or reduce the buccal fat at the face. It is also important to ensure that the cause of fullness is not due to structures other than fat, such as various muscles or glands. Additional procedures are required to address the deeper layers of fat and other structures that may be causing the undesired fullness.

Dr. Foulad will perform a thorough evaluation to help you decide if liposuction is an appropriate treatment to best meet your goals.

Dr. Foulad typically performs face and neck liposuction using local anesthesia with the patient awake. In this case, oral medication is prescribed to help with relaxation during the procedure. However, the procedure can also be performed using IV sedation or general anesthesia.
During the face and neck liposuction procedure, the treatment area is injected with a solution containing local anesthetic and epinephrine. This is to numb the area and to reduce bleeding during liposuction. Once the treatment area is numb, tiny skin incisions about 1-2 mm in length are made for the cannula insertion. During neck liposuction, one to three of these tiny incisions are made under the chin and/or near the ear. The incisions are so small that they are not typically noticeable once healed. A microcannula is then passed through the tiny incisions, and passed back and forth through the area of fatty deposit in order to breakdown and suction out the fat. Once the liposuction procedure is completed, a compression bandage is then applied. Liposuction is customized for every patient depending on the indications and can be performed alone or in conjunction with other surgical procedures.

Dr. Foulad has optimized the liposuction procedure and aftercare protocol in order to enhance results, improve patient comfort, reduce risk, and expedite healing time.

Tumescent Anesthesia:
Dr. Foulad performs infiltration of the treatment site with a solution of tumescent anesthesia that includes a mixture of medications. Injection of the tumescent solution is typically associated with minimal discomfort when performed properly. Tumescent infiltration numbs the entire treatment site, which enables liposuction to be performed comfortably on a fully awake patient. The tumescent solution also reduces bleeding and improves recovery. Over the years, Dr. Foulad has optimized the formula of his tumescent solution.

Microcannulas:
The use of relatively tiny cannulas further optimizes the procedure. Dr. Foulad only utilizes micro-cannulas as opposed to more traditional liposuction cannulas that are larger. It takes a little longer to perform the procedure using smaller cannulas, but the extra time is well worth it. When micro-cannulas are used, the skin incisions for the entrance of the cannulas can be made much smaller. These tiny incisions typically do not require sutures and are not usually noticeable once healed. In addition, the micro-liposuction technique is associated with smoother results due to less risk of forming lumps and depressions.

Optimized Compression:
The technique used for compression after the procedure is very important to improve the recovery process. Dr. Foulad uses two different types of compression dressings depending on the healing phase. A high compression dressing is first applied immediately after the procedure. This promotes fluid drainage so that the fluid does not build up under skin. This technique is feasible because the incisions made during micro-liposuction are very small and do not require being closed by sutures. Within about 1 to 2 days after the procedure, the tissue has had sufficient time to seal. At this point, the high compression dressing is switched to a less bulky low compression dressing. This low compression dressing is worn either all day or just part of the day for a period of time determined by Dr. Foulad relative to your specific healing. The low compression dressing is designed to aid with swelling reduction, while avoiding high pressures that can reduce lymphatic and blood flow.

In preparation for undergoing lip lift surgery, we need to ensure that you are healthy and optimized for the procedure. Certain medications and supplements (such as those that increase the risk of bleeding) might have to be stopped a specific time period prior to the procedure. You will be provided more comprehensive pre-operative instructions specific to your individual case.

We are conveniently located to serve Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, & Los Angeles. However, we are available to help with coordinating your stay if you are an Out-of-Town Patient.

Swelling usually peaks around 3 to 4 days after the procedure, but most patients still appear slimmer at that time compared to before the procedure. It may take several months for all the micro-swelling to resolve and for you to appreciate the final results.

Most patients have mild to no bruising, however we have had patients with more severe bruising. Bruising also typically peaks around 3 days after the procedure.

A thick cotton dressing is wrapped around your head and neck for 1 to 2 days after your procedure. After that, it is recommended to wear an elastic velcro neck strap. The amount of time you should be wearing the neck strap will be customized depending on the specifics of your individual case and how much swelling you have.

Facelift & Neck Lift