What Is Facial Contouring and Sculpting?
Surgical facial contouring and sculpting is a cosmetic procedure designed to slim down certain areas of the face while volumizing others to optimize the way highlights and shadows are cast on the facial structure to create a more contoured facial appearance. Most patients undergo facial contouring and sculpting to get rid of the appearance of “chubby” cheeks and/or loose skin and fat beneath the chin. Our experienced facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Emily Hrisomalos, uses a combination of surgical and non-surgical techniques to achieve desired results. These techniques make it possible to provide many patients with enhanced facial definition and beautiful, natural-looking results.
What Procedures Can Be Included in Facial Contouring Surgery?
Submental Liposuction
To help optimize neck contour on profile, Dr. Hrisomalos performs submental or neck liposuction. This procedure involves liposuction of the neck and jawline to remove stubborn fat and reduce the appearance of jowls. Ideal candidates are typically individuals with excess submental fat who also have good skin elasticity. The recovery period usually lasts less than a week and patients typically see noticeable improvement within a few weeks after surgery. Wearing compression garments after surgery significantly accelerates healing and progression to the final result.
An alternative to submental liposuction in certain patients is KYBELLA®, which is a fat dissolving injection. This generally requires at least two, often more, sessions of injection. There is some downtime after the procedure associated with swelling, but patients typically feel completely fine during this recovery period.
Buccal Fat Excision
Patients who think their lower cheeks look overly round or plump may be interested in a procedure called buccal fat excision or cheek reduction surgery. The buccal fat pad is the naturally-occurring fat found in the middle of the cheek, specifically in the area above the jawline and below the cheekbone just outside the corner of the mouth. The procedure is performed through the mouth under the surface of the cheek, resulting in no visual scarring on the facial skin. Most patients can expect to recover within a week following the procedure, though it does generally take many weeks to see the final result.
Filler and Neurotoxin Injections
Neuromodulators, such as BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport®, may be injected into the masseter muscles, which are just above the angle of the jaw, which results in facial slimming as these muscles relax and lose volume. Results are typically noticed after one treatment, but optimized with consistent treatment.
Dermal fillers are also useful in facial contouring to build up the cheekbones to the desired volume and projection, and ensure the jawline is smoothly and strongly contoured. Adjustments to chin width and projection can also further harmonize and improve facial balance. These volume additions can be performed with filler injections or with fat grafting (the transfer of fat from one area of the body to another). This decision is based on many factors which will be discussed at your consultation.
Facial contouring surgeries have helped many patients improve their appearance and boost self-confidence. We invite you to contact us today if you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hrisomalos.
“My experience with Dr. Hrisomalos was amazing! She was so professional, kind, listened to my concerns, answered all of my questions each and every visit. Her attention to detail and care was top notch. I couldn’t be more pleased with my final result and would highly recommend her!”