Neck Liposuction
Tired of dealing with a stubborn double chin, undefined jawline, or excess fullness in the neck? Neck liposuction is a highly effective and customizable cosmetic procedure that targets and removes fat deposits in the neck and under the chin. In the hands of a skilled, board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon, this procedure can help define your jawline and refine your profile.
Below, we explain what to expect and how to choose a surgeon who can help you achieve the best results.
What is neck liposuction?
Neck liposuction (or lipoplasty) is a cosmetic surgical procedure that targets and removes unwanted fat cells in the neck and chin area, such as a “double chin.” Using a small cannula (a thin tube), your surgeon carefully suctions out excess fat, contouring the area to create a more defined, youthful appearance. This procedure is also known as chin liposuction, or may be abbreviated to “chin lipo.”
Why patients choose this procedure
While exercise and a healthy diet can help you to manage your overall body weight, they may not effectively target diet-resistant fat in specific areas like the neck and chin. Neck liposuction directly treats these stubborn areas, resulting in a more toned and streamlined neck and jawline.
What to expect during the consultation
The first step on your journey to a more refined facial appearance is a consultation with a facial cosmetic surgeon. The surgeon will review your medical history and ask about your aesthetic goals. They should learn as much as they can in order to recommend the ideal procedure—or procedure options—that could help you meet your goals. They will also take time to explain the procedure, potential risks, and recovery process so that you are well-informed before making a decision. You should also receive a comprehensive fee quote at the consultation and learn about any financing options that are available.
Good candidates
Good candidates for neck liposuction are individuals in good health who have stubborn fat in the neck and chin area that is resistant to diet and exercise. You should also have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcome. Liposuction can contour or sculpt the body, but it is not a weight-loss solution, so good candidates for liposuction should be at a stable weight they plan to maintain, as weight fluctuations are likely to affect your results.
The procedure
The neck liposuction procedure generally takes about one to two hours. It may be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the amount of fat to be removed and the patient’s preference. With local anesthesia, the patient remains awake, but the neck area is numbed. With general anesthesia, the patient is put to sleep for the duration of the surgery.
During the procedure, a small incision or incisions are made in inconspicuous areas, such as under the chin or behind the ears, to allow for the insertion of the liposuction cannula. The liposuction cannula breaks up and removes the fat via suction.
After surgery, you may be placed in a compression garment to help facilitate healing and smooth results.
Techniques
There are other newer liposuction techniques your surgeon may use that utilize additional technologies which are purported to lead to less bruising, pain, and downtime, as well as to help tighten skin by promoting collagen production at the same time. These technologies include Laser lipolysis, such as SmartLipo, and ultrasound-assisted liposuction, such as VASER.
Additionally, skin tightening devices such as Facetite or Renuvion may be combined with liposuction surgery to promote skin retraction for certain patients.
- Key Benefits
- Terms to Know
More sculpted, youthful jawline
Long-lasting results, as long as you maintain a stable weight
Minimal scarring, as the incisions are very small
Can be combined with neck lift surgery, chin augmentation, or other procedures
Anesthesia: A group of medicines used to prevent pain during a surgery or procedure. General anesthesia makes the patient unconscious and unable to feel pain, while local anesthesia numbs a specific area of the body.
Cannula: A thin, hollow tube that is used during liposuction to remove fat from the body. It is inserted through small incisions in the skin. Cannulas may also be used for other applications, such as to place dermal fillers in the face.
Cervicoplasty: A surgical procedure that removes excess skin from the neck area, often performed in conjunction with neck liposuction to enhance neck contour and overall appearance.
Chin Augmentation: A surgical procedure to reshape or enhance the size of the chin. It can be performed simultaneously with neck liposuction to improve facial proportions.
Compression Garment: A type of tight clothing worn by patients after liposuction to help reduce swelling and support the healing tissues.
Intravenous Sedation: A type of anesthesia where sedative drugs are administered through an intravenous (IV) line to make the patient relaxed and drowsy but not fully asleep.
Jowls: Sagging skin around the chin or jawline, often due to aging or weight gain.
Neck Lift: A cosmetic surgery that tightens the skin and muscles in the neck, often combined with neck liposuction for patients with signs of aging or sagging skin to achieve desired results.
Platysma Muscle: The muscle that runs vertically in the front of the neck. In some cases, surgeons may tighten this muscle in combination with the neck liposuction procedure to achieve better results.
Submental Fat: The medical term for a double chin, it refers to the fat stored below the chin.
Tumescent Technique: A technique often used in liposuction where a large amount of a diluted solution of local anesthetic and a drug that contracts the blood vessels (epinephrine) is injected into the fatty tissue before fat removal. This allows for easier removal of fat, reduces blood loss, and provides local anesthesia.
VaserLiposuction: A type of liposuction that uses ultrasound technology to break up fat cells before they are removed. This technique can allow for more precise removal of fat.
The recovery process
Immediately after surgery, you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least a day if you underwent general anesthesia. You will likely experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated areas, though most patients are able to return to non-strenuous activities and work within about a week. You may be advised to wear a special compression garment to minimize swelling and support your neck as it heals. As with any surgery, you will need to refrain from exercise for several weeks, so be sure to follow your surgeon’s personalized guidance.
Maintaining results long-term
The fat cells removed during liposuction are permanently gone, but maintaining a stable weight is crucial to preserving your new contours. Significant weight gain can cause remaining fat cells to enlarge, affecting the overall result.
Alternative procedures
Non-surgical
For patients who have a small amount of fat below the chin and who are willing to wait for results to develop over the course of several months, non-surgical fat reduction with cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting®) or with an injectable deoxycholic acid (Kybella®) may be alternatives to liposuction in this area. Non-surgical skin tightening may also be appropriate for patients who have mild skin laxity that constitutes their “double chin,” rather than fat deposits in this area.
To compare your options, schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable cosmetic surgeon who offers several alternatives and can help you make an informed and cost-effective decision for reaching your cosmetic goals.
Surgical
Patients who would like more comprehensive chin and neck rejuvenation may choose to have a neck lift or submentoplasty, both of which are highly customizable cosmetic surgeries that can sculpt away fat and tighten muscles for a more defined neck area. A submentoplasty focuses on the submental area below the chin and the upper neck, while a neck lift offers more comprehensive rejuvenation by removing excess skin and creating a more defined jawline.
Understanding the risks
As with any surgical procedure, neck liposuction comes with potential risks such as infection, bleeding, or adverse reactions to anesthesia. Be sure to choose a surgeon who prioritizes your safety first and who has the experience and skills to offer you a safe procedure.
Choosing a board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon from the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS) means that your procedure is performed by an experienced professional who prioritizes patient safety and meets other required standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of anesthesia is typically used during neck liposuction surgery?
Neck liposuction is usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation, where the patient is awake but relaxed and insensitive to pain. However, the type of anesthesia used can depend on the specifics of the surgery and the patient’s comfort level. Some patients may prefer general anesthesia, in which they are completely asleep for the duration of surgery.
How much does chin lipo cost?
The cost of neck liposuction can vary based on several factors, including the extent of the treatment area, the surgeon’s experience, and geographical location. During the consultation, your surgeon will provide an estimate tailored to your specific treatment plan.
Can neck liposuction be combined with other cosmetic procedures, like a chin augmentation or a neck lift?
Yes, neck liposuction can often be combined with other procedures such as chin augmentation or a neck lift. This can enhance the overall results by improving facial proportions (chin augmentation) or addressing skin laxity (neck lift).
How will my neck look immediately following the neck liposuction procedure?
Immediately after the procedure, the neck is likely to appear swollen and bruised. This is temporary and will begin to subside over the course of several weeks, gradually revealing a more sculpted and defined appearance. While you will likely begin enjoying your results within a few weeks, it can take several months before swelling is completely subsided and results are considered final.
What lifestyle changes, if any, should I consider making before and after neck liposuction surgery?
Before surgery, you should quit smoking, as it can interfere with wound healing. You should also avoid certain medications and supplements that can increase bleeding. After surgery, maintain a stable weight to preserve the results of the procedure. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help with this.
Are there any limitations to what neck liposuction can achieve?
Neck liposuction can significantly improve the contour of the neck by removing excess fat. However, it doesn’t address skin laxity or sagging. If loose skin is a concern, a neck lift might be needed in addition to liposuction.
How does the surgeon ensure a smooth, natural-looking contour in the neck region after liposuction?
The surgeon uses careful and precise techniques during the fat removal process, ensuring that fat is removed evenly and the remaining fat is smoothed out. Post-surgery care, such as wearing a compression garment, also helps in shaping a natural-looking contour.
What kind of care will my incision areas need following neck liposuction surgery?
Incision sites should be kept clean and dry, and any prescribed antibiotic ointment should be applied as directed to prevent infection. You may also be directed to wear a special compression garment to help reduce swelling and support the new contours as they heal.
Is the removal of fat during neck liposuction permanent, or can the fat return over time?
The removal of fat cells during liposuction is permanent. However, if you gain a significant amount of weight after the procedure, the remaining fat cells in your body can grow larger, potentially altering the results of the surgery.
How long before neck lipo should I stop taking certain medications or supplements?
Generally, your surgeon will advise you to stop taking medications and supplements that can increase bleeding, like aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs, about two weeks before surgery.
How much time will I need to take off work after undergoing neck liposuction?
Most patients are able to return to work within one to two weeks following neck liposuction. Depending on the nature of your job, you may need a longer period of time off of work, since physical activity should be limited after surgery.
Will my insurance cover any part of the neck liposuction procedure?
Most insurance companies do not cover cosmetic procedures like neck liposuction, as they are considered elective and not medically necessary. However, every policy is different, so it’s best to check with your individual insurance provider.
What are the signs of complications that I should watch for after my neck liposuction procedure?
Signs of a postoperative complication can include excessive pain, unusual swelling, fever, signs of infection (like redness or warmth at the incision site), persistent bleeding, numbness, or discoloration of the skin. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately.
References
Diniz DA, Gonçalves KK, Silva CC, Araújo ES, Carneiro SC, Lago CA, Vasconcelos BC. Complications associated with submental liposuction: a scoping review. Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral, Cirugia Bucal. 2022 May 1;27(3):e257-e264. doi: 10.4317/medoral.25122.
Stebbins WG, Hanke CW. Rejuvenation of the neck with liposuction and ancillary techniques. Dermatology and Therapy. 2011 Jan-Feb;24(1):28-40. doi: 10.1111/j.1529-8019.2010.01376.x.
Koehler J. Complications of neck liposuction and submentoplasty. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics of North America. 2009 Feb;21(1):43-52, vi. doi: 10.1016/j.coms.2008.10.008.
Matarasso A. Managing the components of the aging neck: from liposuction to submentalplasty, to neck lift. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2014 Jan;41(1):85-98. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2013.09.013.
Habbema L, Tang JC, Sattler G, Hanke CW. Liposuction of the Neck: Low Incidence of Nerve Injury and Other Complications in 987 Patients. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2018 Jan 1;17(1):30-34.
Innocenti A, Andretto Amodeo C, Ciancio F. Wide-undermining neck liposuction: tips and tricks for good results. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2014 Aug;38(4):662-9. doi: 10.1007/s00266-014-0330-6.
Nadgauda A, Burdett J, Paknezhad H, Sataloff RT. Laryngeal Liposuction. Ear Nose Throat J. 2021 Mar;100(3):153-154. doi: 10.1177/0145561319863366.
It is key to choose an experienced facial cosmetic surgeon who has the skills and aesthetic eye to guide you to the ideal procedure plan for you and provide outstanding care every step of the way. Check your surgeon’s credentials, reviews, and before and after photos, and schedule a consultation to learn about their recommendations and whether they are a good fit for you.
The American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS) is a facial cosmetic surgery certifying board that carefully screens Diplomates for both aesthetic and medical expertise; find an ACS-certified surgeon near you in our surgeon directory