Neck Liposuction

Neck liposuction is considered a minimally invasive surgical treatment to remove excess fat from under the chin. This can be done by your surgeon using several techniques.

• Traditional liposuction uses a small tube, called a cannula, to physically suction out the fat after making a small incision under the chin.
• Laser-assisted liposuction uses laser energy to liquefy the fat first, making it easier to remove with the liposuction cannula.
• Ultrasound-assisted liposuction uses ultrasound waves for the same purpose as laser-assisted liposuction, helping to target fat more precisely.
• Tumescent liposuction involves injecting a special solution to swell the fat, making it easier to extract. This method can minimize bruising and bleeding. However, it is usually a better option for body liposuction than for the neck, where subtleties of contour are more critical.
• Smartlipo® combines laser fat removal with skin tightening.

Although neck liposuction is relatively simple and safe, the procedure requires significant artistic skill to avoid excessive fat removal. If too much fat is removed, it can lead to irregular contours or dimpling of the skin, a sunken or unnatural appearance, and potential damage to underlying structures such as muscles or nerves.

Be sure to discuss the risks and benefits of each technique with your specialist, as you work together to develop a plan tailored to your specific needs.

During a consultation with your surgeon, it is important to investigate whether you are a good candidate for neck fat liposuction. Sometimes, what appears to be excess neck fat under the skin might actually stem from your unique anatomical structure, particularly if that fat is deep in the neck muscles (and therefore inaccessible to liposuction).

You may also have a recessed chin, sagging salivary glands (submandibular) or a hyoid bone that is poorly positioned. Liposuction alone often fails to address these concerns adequately, and a “deep neck lift” or chin implant may be necessary. A deep neck lift involves making a small incision beneath the chin to directly eliminate deep fat deposits, alter the submandibular gland, augment the recessed chin, and tighten the neck muscles, resulting in a well-defined jawline. In some cases, younger people may be suitable candidates for this surgery due to hereditary predispositions.

For individuals with minor fat deposits beneath the chin, non-surgical options like Kybella® and cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting®) provide less invasive alternatives to liposuction. Kybella® targets and dissolves fat cells using a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, which naturally occurs in the body to aid in fat breakdown. CoolSculpting®, on the other hand, uses controlled cooling to freeze and eliminate fat cells in various body areas without affecting the surrounding tissues.

One drawback of non-surgical techniques is that they often necessitate multiple treatment sessions to achieve desired results. Additionally, each treatment can cause considerable swelling, potentially leading to more cumulative downtime compared to surgical liposuction.

Be sure to discuss the risks and benefits of each procedure, surgical or non-surgical, with your physician. Consulting with a specialized surgeon will offer insights into the best approach for your specific anatomical structure.

Before you go

Before surgery, you and your physician should have a conversation about your goals and desired outcomes. Together, you’ll review your medical history — including existing health conditions or past surgeries — medications and supplement use; some routines may need to be temporarily altered. You will also undergo required imaging or blood testing and be provided with an opportunity to learn more about the surgery. This includes its advantages, potential risks, strategies for pain management, available alternatives, and a comprehensive overview of what to anticipate both during and after the procedure.

You should feel comfortable that all of your questions have been answered and you should never feel pressure to commit to treatments you don’t fully understand.

On the day of your neck liposuction, it’s crucial to come prepared. Wear comfortable, loose clothing that doesn’t need to be pulled over your head. Arrange for someone to drive you home post-procedure.

Before you go, set up a restful space at home with pillows for elevation, have ice packs ready to help with swelling, and keep easy-to-digest foods and water within reach. Ensure you have a friend or family member available to assist you in the first 24 hours.

During the procedure

Neck liposuction can be comfortably performed under local anesthesia. However, if you are undergoing additional procedures such as a chin augmentation or a neck lift, your surgeon may recommend sedation or general anesthesia.

During the submental liposuction procedure, your surgeon will make a tiny incision under the chin and use a cannula (a thin metal tube) to “suction” and remove the excess fat under the skin. Liposuction can be combined with lasers, ultrasound or tightening devices (Smartlipo®) to enhance its effect.

Expect the procedure to last less than an hour. After it is completed, most surgeons will apply a compression dressing to minimize swelling.

Neck Liposuction Aftercare 

Preparing a comfortable home environment is key to a smooth recovery. You will also be given detailed post-operative care instructions. Be sure to follow these closely.

Bruising and swelling are common. Pain can typically be managed with over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) and prescription pain medication if needed. Your surgeon may also prescribe antibiotics and other medications.

You should be able to resume everyday activities without much delay, typically in less than a week, and exercise in three weeks. Although you will see the changes from the surgery quickly, the final results may take several weeks to months to appear as healing finalizes.