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Neck Liposuction

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What is liposuction? What is submental liposuction? Is this different than chin liposuction?

Liposuction is removal of fatty tissue (adipose tissue) using suction or a suction-assisted device. Liposuction can be performed in many different areas of the body, but we perform liposuction in the neck area for cosmetic purposes. We also perform liposuction from different body areas such as the abdomen or thighs, but only for the harvesting of fat to be used during fat transfer or fat grafting. As we are facial plastic surgeons and facial aesthetic experts, we do not perform liposuction on the body for cosmetic purposes on the body, only for harvesting fat for facial fat grafting. CLICK HERE to read more about fat grafting and how fat can be used to rejuvenate the face with its own natural tissue.

The submental area is the area of the central neck near the midline and under the chin. This tends to be the biggest problem area for patients who have excess fatty tissue in the neck. We do commonly address areas of the neck beyond the submental area with liposuction.

Neck Liposuction Before and After Performed by Matthew A. Richardson, MD

The neck area, especially under the chin, tends to be a very common area of concern due to excess fatty tissue in this area. Neck liposuction can be performed quickly and easily to address this problem. This procedure is often performed as a stand-alone procedure, but can also easily be performed in conjunction with other surgical procedures such as face or neck lifting procedures, chin augmentation, rhinoplasty, or other surgical procedures.

The shape and appearance of the neck is also affected by the size and shape of the chin. Sometimes chin augmentation can make a dramatic improvement in the appearance of the jawline and neckline, especially when performed at the same time as neck liposuction. Dr. Richardson and Dr. Cain are experts in facial aesthetics and can help you determine which procedures and techniques would be ideal for each patient’s areas of concern.

How is liposuction performed? What happens during submental liposuction?

Liposuction is performed using specialized instruments called cannulas attached to suction that are designed to remove fatty tissue without affecting the other normal surrounding tissues. Very small incisions are hidden under the chin or behind the ears in order to allow access to the fatty tissue under the skin. This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, oral sedation, or deep intravenous (IV) sedation, depending on patient preference and comfort level.

The liposuction cannula is passed many times over the area of concern and fatty tissue directed into the cannula for removal, leaving the skin intact and without damaging the underlying muscular structures. The procedure can be customized to treat problem areas and sculpt the neck and jawline for each individual.

At the end of the procedure, the small incisions under the chin and/or behind the ears are closed with sutures and a neck dressing is placed to help minimize bruising, swelling, and bleeding risk.

What are the risks of neck liposuction? Is neck liposuction safe?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure, so there are risks such as bleeding, bruising, swelling, temporary or permanent nerve injury, lack of significant cosmetic improvement, scarring, infection, and other potential problems. These risks are basically the same as the risks associated with Kybella injections. Neck liposuction is generally very safe and easily tolerated with minimal side effects and risks.

What is the difference between submental liposuction and neck liposuction?

Submental (under the chin) liposuction focuses on the central midline neck and surrounding areas. Neck liposuction includes submental liposuction but may also be customized to include the surrounding sides of the neck, jawline, etc. In reality, the terms submental liposuction and neck liposuction are used interchangeably.

Should I have Kybella injections or liposuction? What are the differences between submental liposuction and Kybella?

Kybella is an injectable medicine that works very well to dissolve fat permanently in a non-surgical procedure. CLICK HERE to read more about Kybella. Kybella does require multiple treatments, and most patients will need 2-4 injection sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart, with some recovery time associated with each session. Liposuction is generally performed once with one recovery period. Kybella is indicated only for the central neck in the submental zone, but liposuction can be used to sculpt the jawline laterally toward the sides of the neck. Being able to customize the treatment zone and having only one recovery period make liposuction very attractive to many patients.

Liposuction is generally not offered by doctors who are not facial plastic surgeons or plastic surgeons because these doctors simply don’t have the training or skill to perform liposuction, and as a result, they will often recommend Kybella instead. We offer both options and let patients choose the treatment that works best for their lifestyle, budget, etc.

Is liposuction painful?

Liposuction is very well-tolerated. For patients who want to remain awake for the procedure, numbing injections are used to numb the neck. These injections cause some brief discomfort initially, but then the neck is numb for the procedure. This medication lasts for several hours. After the numbing medication wears off, there is some mild pain, but this is easily controlled with oral pain medication, often just with over-the-counter acetaminophen. This soreness tapers off after a few days.

What can I expect after neck liposuction? What is the downtime and recovery after submental liposuction?

After submental liposuction, patients can expect some bruising, swelling, numbness, and soreness. Most bruising and swelling should resolve within 7-10 days. The degree of bruising and swelling varies from one patient to the next. Patients will follow up one day after surgery for a around one week postoperatively to remove any sutures from the incision sites and to check on the treated areas. Some small amount of swelling can persist for several months and gets better very slowly. Patients are instructed to avoid any physical exertion for two weeks after surgery, but can return to all normal activities two weeks postop. Most patients will take 5-7 days out of social activities, work, school, etc depending on their comfort level with visible bruising and swelling.

How is neck liposuction different from a neck lift or facelift?

Submental or neck liposuction just removes fatty tissue from the neck. As long as the patient has good skin elasticity, the skin will rebound and tighten up with the neck as it heals. This is generally the case with younger patients. Older patients may not have good skin elasticity or may have excess skin that needs to be tightened or removed. This skin removal and/or tightening is performed as part of a facelift or neck lift procedure. During these lifting procedures, the muscle layers under the skin are also tightened in addition to tightening the skin. Liposuction is commonly performed as part of neck lifting and facelifting procedures as well.

Satisfied woman at spa. neck liposuction

What are the contraindications to liposuction? Who is a good candidate for neck liposuction?

Good candidates for neck liposuction are healthy patients with good skin elasticity (as explained above) and fatty tissue in the neck that is causing a cosmetic concern. Just like any surgical procedure, the anatomy of some patients will lead to better results in some patients compared to others.

Patients with bleeding disorders, wound healing disorders, some autoimmune diseases, a history of poor scarring or hypertrophic scarring, poor overall health, poorly controlled diabetes, etc may not be good candidates for liposuction. If patients opt for anesthesia, they need to be in very good overall health without any major medical problems as neck liposuction is an elective cosmetic procedure and safety is always the highest priority.

Can men have neck liposuction?

Submental liposuction and neck liposuction are safe for men and women of all races and ethnicities. We commonly perform liposuction in the neck on patients of all different backgrounds, genders, etc.

Who is qualified to perform submental liposuction?

Neck liposuction is a surgical procedure and should be treated as such. This type of procedure should be performed by a board-certified physician specializing in aesthetic surgical procedures of the face and neck. This generally includes facial plastic surgeons and general plastic surgeons. Some dermatologists may also perform liposuction, but this is uncommon. Other specialties such as general otolaryngologists, oral surgeons, and others may also have experience with neck liposuction, but again these are less common. Patients should ask their doctor how often they perform this particular procedure and do they have any before and after photographs of their own patients that they can show during the consultation.

How long does neck liposuction last?

The removal of fatty tissue from the neck is a permanent change. Of course, significant overall weight gains, weight loss, aging, etc will continue to affect the results, but during a liposuction procedure, some (not all) of the fat cells are permanently removed.

How much does neck liposuction cost?

Submental and neck liposuction costs will vary widely from one doctor and region to another. The type of anesthesia definitely impacts the overall cost. Another factor that plays a role is whether liposuction is performed as a stand-alone procedure or combined with other procedures. We commonly combine neck liposuction with other procedures like chin augmentation, rhinoplasty, buccal fat reduction, etc. This may help reduce costs of facility fees, anesthesia fees, etc. In general, neck liposuction costs are going to be in the range of $3000 – $5000 in most areas.

How can I set up a Neck Liposuction Consultation?

Call or text Texas Facial Aesthetics at 469-362-6975 to set up a consultation with either Dr. Matthew Richardson or Dr. Jordan Cain. You can also email us at info@txfaces.com for more information.

Related Procedures

Buccal Fat Reduction

Neck Lift

Fat Transfer

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At Texas Facial Aesthetics, we are committed to providing the highest quality of care and results to our patients. We specialize in facial aesthetics, using the latest techniques and technologies to achieve natural-looking outcomes. Our fellow trained facial plastic and reconstructive doctors have extensive experience in facial anatomy and aesthetics. They work closely with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan that meets their goals and expectations. Whether you want to enhance your features, restore your youthful appearance, or correct a facial deformity, we are here to help you look and feel your best. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can transform your face and your life.