John Maher • June 19, 2023

Your Guide to Face Liposuction

Most patients will be familiar with liposuction as a body contouring treatment, but did you know it can also be used to sculpt the face and neck? Face liposuction can slim your features and target localized pockets of fat, such as a double chin or jowls, that may give your face a heavy, aged look.

This guide will cover the basics of face liposuction as well as some of the nonsurgical alternatives we offer at Plastic Surgery Center of the South.

What Is Face Liposuction?

Also called cheek liposuction, jawline liposuction, or jowl liposuction, face liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove stubborn fat deposits in the face and neck.

As we age, facial fat descends toward the jawline, creating sagging cheeks, prominent jowls, and a double chin that slopes into a “turkey neck.” Face liposuction can target these areas to sculpt a slimmer, sharper appearance.

Neck Lift Before & After Photo | Atlanta, GA | Plastic Surgery Center of the South
Before & After Neck Liposuction & ThermiTight

What Happens During Face Liposuction?

Face liposuction is performed as an outpatient procedure. Depending on whether you are targeting other areas with liposuction or combining it with another surgery, such as a facelift or neck lift , you may be put under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with light sedation.

A tumescent solution is first injected into the “pinchable” areas of fat requiring treatment. In addition to making the fat firmer for easier removal, this injection also has important protective functions, both as an anesthetic and as a vasoconstrictor to minimize swelling, bruising, and blood loss.

Your board-certified plastic surgeon will make a delicate incision (only a few millimeters long) and then insert a thin tube called a cannula. This device breaks the fat into smaller pieces that are then suctioned away.

Once the fat removal is complete, your surgeon will suture the skin closed and wrap the area in a compression garment to help with postoperative swelling. Most patients are back at work or school within a week, though it can take up to 6 weeks for most swelling to diminish.

Neck Lift Before & After Photo | Atlanta, GA | Plastic Surgery Center of the South
Before & After Face/Jowl Liposuction, Facelift, Neck Lift & Eyelid Surgery

Nonsurgical Facial Sculpting

Patients who may not feel ready for surgery can still attain a sculpted neck, chiseled jawline, and defined facial features. We offer several minimally invasive alternatives to liposuction, including:

  • LipoDissolve – An injectable fat-dissolving treatment, LipoDissolve is an option for smaller spot treatments, such as under the chin, the pads of fat beneath the eyes, the cheeks, and jowls.
  • ThermiTight® – This noninvasive treatment heats the subdermal tissues with radiofrequency energy, causing the fat cells to shrink and the skin to tighten. It can be used on both the face and neck.
  • CoolSculpting® – While primarily used for body contouring, the cooling technology of CoolSculpting can also be used on submental (beneath the chin) fat.
  • BOTOX® – BOTOX may not eliminate fat, but it does earn a spot on the list for its ability to “lift” sagging skin by relaxing the muscle. It can also make the jawline appear slimmer through masseter (chewing muscle) injections for a more sculpted appearance.

Face liposuction—and its nonsurgical alternatives—can target stubborn, unwanted fat for more flattering and youthful contours. Curious about which option may be best for you? Our related blog post may help! If you’re ready to slim your face or neck and want to discuss your next steps, please request a consultation  or call us at  (770) 421-1242 to begin your facial sculpting journey.

Share this article

Recent Posts

April 15, 2026
In the high-stakes professional environments of Atlanta—from the boardrooms of Buckhead to the innovative hubs of Midtown—presence is often defined by confidence. For many women, physical proportion plays a significant role in how they carry themselves and how their professional attire fits. However, the modern approach to breast augmentation has shifted away from the pursuit of maximum volume. Today, the focus is on "proportional harmony"—a strategic alignment between your surgical goals and your unique physical frames. At Plastic Surgery Center of The South, we view breast augmentation not as a standalone procedure, but as a corrective and enhancing measure designed to bring the body into balance. Understanding that "size" is a subjective metric is the first step toward achieving a result that looks natural, feels comfortable, and enhances your professional silhouette. Beyond the CC: Understanding the Mechanics of Proportion Many patients begin their journey by researching a specific volume, often measured in cubic centimeters (CCs). However, focusing solely on a numeric value is a common pitfall. A "300cc" implant will look radically different on a tall, athletic frame than it will on a petite, narrow-shouldered individual. As your dedicated partner in aesthetic health, our approach prioritizes your specific anatomy. We evaluate several critical factors: Chest Wall Width: The diameter of your breast tissue and the width of your ribcage dictate the "footprint" of the implant. An implant that is too wide can lead to unnatural contours, while one that is too narrow may not provide the desired cleavage. Existing Breast Tissue: The amount of natural tissue available to cover the implant affects the final aesthetic. This is a critical consideration when discussing the nuances of silicone vs saline options. Torso Length: A longer torso can often accommodate more projection without appearing "top-heavy," whereas a shorter torso requires a more subtle profile to maintain a balanced midsection. Selecting the Right Catalyst: Silicone vs. Saline The choice of material is often a matter of tactile preference and long-term maintenance. Both silicone and saline implants have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall proportion and feel of the breast. Silicone Gel Implants - Silicone is frequently the preferred choice for patients seeking the most natural mimicry of human fat and breast tissue. Modern "form-stable" or cohesive gel implants maintain their shape exceptionally well, which is vital for maintaining a consistent profile under professional garments. They are particularly beneficial for patients with less natural breast tissue, as they are less prone to "rippling." Saline Implants - Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater and offer the benefit of a smaller incision, as they are filled after insertion. While they can feel slightly firmer than silicone, they allow for precise, intraoperative adjustments to volume, ensuring that symmetry is achieved to the milliliter. During your consultation at Plastic Surgery Center of The South, we provide a comprehensive breast augmentation size guide through physical "sizers" and expert assessment, helping you feel the weight and see the projection of each option before your procedure. The Professional Silhouette: Symmetry and Clothing Fit For many of our patients in the business community, the primary motivation for surgery is the "proportional fit" of professional attire. When the bust is out of proportion with the hips and shoulders, blazers, sheath dresses, and tailored button-downs rarely fit off-the-rack. A successful augmentation achieves "The Balanced Profile": Shoulder Alignment: The bust should complement the width of the shoulders, creating a classic hourglass or athletic V-taper. The Lateral View: Proper projection ensures that the profile is feminine yet understated, avoiding an aggressive appearance that may feel out of place in a conservative corporate setting. Upper Pole Fullness: We focus on a natural slope rather than an artificial roundness, ensuring the results are indistinguishable from natural anatomy. Establishing Expertise: Why Local Specialization Matters At Plastic Surgery Center of The South, Dr. Corey Harkins, MD, who is a board-certified plastic surgeon in greater Atlanta is committed to his core values of ethics, integrity, honesty and education. His practice draws patients from Atlanta and across the U.S. The geographic context of his practice allows him to understand the lifestyle of his patients. Whether you are prepping for a keynote presentation or maintaining an active lifestyle your results must be durable, comfortable, and visually seamless. Long-Term Considerations for the Executive Lifestyle Breast augmentation is a long-term investment in your self-image. It is important to consider how your results will evolve over time. Longevity: While implants are not lifetime devices, choosing the right size and weight initially can prevent premature sagging or the need for a lift (mastopexy) later in life. Overly large implants can strain the skin envelope over time; choosing a proportional size ensures longevity. Recovery Management: For the busy professional, we utilize recovery protocols designed to minimize downtime, allowing you to return to your leadership role with minimal disruption. Health and Wellness: We prioritize your systemic health, ensuring that your implants do not interfere with mammographies or physical fitness routines. Actionable Takeaways for Your Transformation If you are considering breast augmentation, keep these strategic points in mind: Prioritize Dimensions Over CCs: Focus on how the breast will look in relation to your shoulder and hip width. Test Your Wardrobe: Bring a favorite professional blazer or dress to your consultation to see how different "sizer" volumes change the garment's fit. Consult the Experts: Avoid "template" surgeries. Ensure your surgeon provides a customized plan based on your unique chest wall measurements. Understand the Material: Weigh the benefits of silicone's natural feel against saline's adjustable volume and smaller incision. Your Path to Proportional Balance At Plastic Surgery Center of The South, we believe that aesthetic procedures should empower you to feel more like yourself. By moving beyond the simple metric of size and embracing the philosophy of proportion, you can achieve a result that enhances your confidence both in your personal life and your professional career. Our practice is dedicated to providing an executive-grade experience, from your initial private consultation to your final post-operative milestone. We invite you to explore how a tailored approach to breast augmentation can refine your silhouette and bolster your professional presence. To schedule an expert consultation and develop your personalized surgical plan, contact Plastic Surgery Center of The South today. Call us at (770) 421-1242 and let us help you find the perfect balance for your frame!
Woman smiling, holding hair, with
February 24, 2024
I perform a range of procedures at the Plastic Surgery Center of the South, and each kind of cosmetic surgery comes with different requirements and instructions. You should try to carefully follow each direction from your plastic surgeon, but I also give my patients a list of general tips to follow no matter what procedures […] The post Plastic Surgery Recovery: 3 Top Tips (Updated 2024) first appeared on Plastic Surgery Center of the South.
Woman touching her face, eyes closed, smiling, against a light gray background.
August 31, 2023
Have you considered cosmetic plastic surgery but aren’t sure if you’re a good candidate? Guess what? You’ve got company. Most people who come to our Atlanta plastic surgery practice admit they still have some doubts about going through with a procedure, whether it’s facial plastic surgery, body contouring, or breast enhancement procedure. Are You Ready […] The post QUIZ Plastic Surgery or Nonsurgical Treatments: Which Approach Is Right for You? first appeared on Plastic Surgery Center of the South.