Posterior Occipito-Cervical Liposuction Improves Mental Clarity and Prolongs Wakeful Working Time: Two Case Reports
Wenhai Ma
Changchun Jiahe Plastic Surgery Hospital, Changchun, China.
Weidong Xu
Qingdao Hynaut Laboratory, Qingdao, China.
Xiaoxiao Jia
Qingdao Hynaut Laboratory, Qingdao, China.
Mizhou Hui
Qingdao Hynaut Laboratory, Qingdao, China.
Li Liu
Heilongjiang Yuandong Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Hospital, Heilongjiang, China.
Mingxing Ding *
Changchun Jiahe Plastic Surgery Hospital, Changchun, China.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Some middle-aged and older adults develop excess fat in the posterior occipito-cervical region—a transitional area between the back of the head and the upper posterior neck—often forming a visible hump. This condition is not only a cosmetic concern but is also linked to reduced mental clarity, shorter attention spans, and an increased risk of cerebrovascular problems. Research has shown that fat in the posterior occipito-cervical region contains high levels of inflammatory substances that may harm brain blood vessels, block fluid drainage, and affect overall brain function. This two-case report explores whether a modified liposuction procedure targeting this region can do more than improve appearance—specifically, whether it can enhance mental clarity and help patients stay alert and focused for longer during the day.
Methods: Two male patients (ages 44 and 66) with fat accumulation in the posterior occipito-cervical region underwent a refined liposuction procedure under local anesthesia. About 40–42 mL of fat was removed in each case. Before and after surgery, both patients rated their visual brightness, mental clarity, and daily productive wakeful time on a 0–10 scale. In one case, a 10% concentration of 35 kDa low-molecular-weight hyaluronan (HA35) was also applied to the incision area to aid in pain relief and healing.
Results: Within 30 minutes after surgery, both patients noticed a sharp improvement in visual brightness, with scores rising from 0 to 6. This effect lasted for about six hours. Mental clarity also improved—by 6 points in the older patient and 5 points in the younger one. Daily productive wakeful time increased to 11 and 12 hours, and the benefits lasted for at least three months. Fat pads were visibly reduced, and neck posture improved. The patient who received HA35 experienced near-complete pain relief within 10 seconds, and his incision healed in just 17 days—faster than the 30-day recovery seen in the other patient.
Conclusion: Posterior occipito-cervical liposuction not only improves appearance but also appears to enhance mental clarity and wakeful working time, potentially attributable to removal of accumulated fat. In addition, topical application of HA35 showed potential in reducing pain and promoting recovery. Taken together, these findings suggest potential medical benefits that extend beyond cosmetic improvement.
Keywords: Posterior occipito-cervical liposuction, mental clarity, wakeful working time, high-concentration HA35, neurofunctional recovery