Can Perioral Liposuction Damage Facial Nerves?

Q:  Dr. Eppley, I am interested in having liposuction of my perioral mounds done. I just hate those blobs of fat to the side of my mouth. My only concern about the procedure is that I have read that there are a number of facial nerves near the perioral area. My question is could they possibly be damaged  by perioral liposuction. Is this a real concern in your opinion and, if so, what are the risks and side effects of this type of complication? 

A:  The perioral area is located between the buccal and the marginal mandibular nerve branches of the facial nerve as it comes forward from the ear. Therefore, liposuction is in a safe zone from a facial nerve injury standpoint. So this is not a concern I have as I have yet to see any nerve problems with liposuction in this area.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana