Liposuction is a procedure that uses suction to remove fat from the body. In 2015, it was the most popular cosmetic procedure for men and women, with nearly 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.

Keep reading to learn more about cheek liposuction, what the procedure is like, how much it costs, and more.

Cheek liposuction permanently removes fat cells from your face. It can also shape, or contour, the area. As you heal, your skin will mold around this newly shaped area. This can slim the face, leading to a more defined profile or jawline.

Cheek liposuction is performed in a similar way to liposuction on other parts of the body. It’s sometimes performed along with other cosmetic procedures such as a facelift.

Having liposuction performed on your cheeks is different from procedures like buccal lipectomy. While both involve removing fat from the face, buccal lipectomy is the removal of a specific fat tissue in the cheek called the buccal fat pad.

Cheek liposuction is an outpatient procedure. This means that you can go home after it’s done. It typically takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Your doctor will use a pen to mark the area of your cheek that’s being treated. You’ll then be given local or general anesthesia. If you receive general anesthesia, you’ll be asleep during the procedure.

Your doctor will make small incisions. They’ll then use one of several different techniques to help make the fat tissue easier to remove.

Examples of these techniques include:

  • Tumescent. A solution of saline, pain medication, and epinephrine is injected into the area. This causes the area to stiffen and swell, allowing the doctor to more easily remove the fat.
  • Ultrasound. A small metal rod that produces ultrasonic energy is inserted into the area. This energy helps to break up fat cells.
  • Laser. A small laser fiber is inserted into the area. Energy from the laser works to break down fat.

A small metal tube called a cannula is inserted into the incision. A suction device attached to the cannula is then used to remove the fat from your cheek.

Recovery

After the procedure, you’ll likely experience soreness and swelling in and around your face. This will diminish over time and can be managed with over-the-counter medications.

You’ll also be asked to wear a compression garment during your recovery. It’ll fit over your head, covering your jaw and neck.

You can expect the full recovery time to take 3 to 4 weeks. Afterward, your cheeks should have a thinner, leaner appearance.

The following things make someone a good candidate for liposuction:

  • having a weight that’s average or a little above average
  • being in good overall health, without underlying conditions like heart disease or diabetes
  • having skin that’s elastic and smooth
  • being a nonsmoker

People with thin skin aren’t good candidates for liposuction.

When the fat is removed, skin that isn’t elastic may appear loose. Additionally, liposuction can enhance dimpling of the skin. If you have cheek dimples, this is something to consider.

Swelling and discomfort are normal as you recover from liposuction. These should go away as you heal.

As with any procedure, there are some potential complications to cheek liposuction. The risk of complications can increase if you’re having multiple cosmetic procedures done at the same time. Risks include:

Seeking a qualified healthcare provider is very important to achieve the best results and help prevent complications. Liposuction should only be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Fat cells are permanently removed from the body during a liposuction procedure. If you gain weight after the procedure, it’ll appear proportionally throughout your body. With significant weight gain, new fat cells can develop in the treated and untreated areas, though.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of liposuction is $3,518. The cost may be higher or lower than this depending on factors like location, the specific doctor, and the type of technique used.

Since liposuction is a cosmetic procedure, it isn’t covered by insurance. Because of this, some doctors may offer a financing plan to help with the cost. Be sure to ask about this during your consultation.

If you’re thinking about having cheek liposuction, it’s important to find a board-certified plastic surgeon. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has a search tool to help you find one in your area.

Once you’ve found a board-certified plastic surgeon, you can set up a consultation. During this time, they’ll evaluate if you’re a good candidate for liposuction.

They’ll also explain the details of the procedure, the technique they use, and any possible risks. Be sure to ask about anything that they don’t cover on their own or that you’d like more details on.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask them questions about their experience and training. Some examples include:

  • How many years of plastic surgery experience do you have?
  • How many years have you been performing liposuction?
  • Do you have experience with cheek liposuction? If so, how many procedures have you performed?
  • Do you have any before and after photos that I can look at?

Cheek liposuction uses a suction device to remove fat cells from your cheeks. The result of cheek liposuction is a face that appears thinner and less full.

Cheek liposuction is a short outpatient procedure, and a variety of techniques can be used to help remove the fat. Recovery typically takes a few weeks, during which you’ll need to wear a compression garment.

Cheek liposuction should always be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Be sure to confirm that the surgeon is certified before scheduling a consultation.