Neck Liposuction

Learn How to Choose an Expert Surgeon for Your Neck Lyposuction

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.

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.

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.

Why choose a board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon for your neck liposuction?

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