Despite healthy eating and constant exercise, many men and women still struggle to effectively contour the area under their chin and around their neck. It’s not uncommon for fatty deposits to linger in this region, often creating an appearance of excessive neck fullness—more commonly known as a “double chin.” Board-certified facial plastic surgeon Ali Sepehr, MD can utilize a number of submental liposuction techniques to reduce a double chin and slim the face for a sharper, more defined neck profile. Based on a discussion of your concerns and a physical evaluation, Dr. Sepehr can develop a personalized submental liposuction treatment plan to achieve your aesthetic goals.

What is Submental Liposuction?

Submental liposuction is a relatively simple facial plastic surgery procedure designed to slim and contour the neck area with liposuction to produce a fitter, leaner aesthetic. Using a narrow surgical tube called a cannula, the surgery targets fatty deposits in the submental region and extracts redundant tissue to achieve a deeper angle under the chin. Neck contouring through liposuction can often have a positive effect on the rest of the face, offering a more elegant and refined neckline for those who struggle with stubborn fullness in the area. Depending on your needs and cosmetic goals, submental liposuction is often paired with a facelift or a chin implant to further enhance the profile of the chin and neck.

What are the Benefits of Neck Liposuction?

If you’re bothered by a “double chin,” liposuction in the neck can significantly improve your appearance. The procedure is considered minimally invasive, which translates into a lower risk profile and more tolerable recovery period relative to other cosmetic procedures. In addition, liposuction only requires short, quarter-inch incisions in naturally discreet locations, leading to minimal scarring after surgery. Neck liposuction can achieve many goals, including:

  • A slimmer look in the face
  • A sleeker, more contoured jawline
  • Improved profile in the face and neck
  • More pronounced chin

The benefits of the procedure vary from patient to patient depending on the nature of their concerns, but neck liposuction can generally provide sharper facial contours. Dr. Sepehr will discuss your goals with you and potentially recommend other treatment options, such as a chin implant or facelift surgery, to further enhance your results.

Who is a Candidate for Neck Liposuction?

Neck liposuction is not a method of weight loss, so those interested in submental liposuction should be at or near their ideal weight. The procedure is best suited for patients who desire a leaner facial appearance and simply struggle with removing excess fat under the chin. In addition, candidates for neck liposuction should:

  • Have good skin elasticity
  • Maintain realistic expectations for surgery
  • Experience little to no skin laxity

Since submental liposuction is not designed to correct sagging skin, individuals considering neck liposuction should have good skin tone and minimal muscle laxity to allow even contraction of the tissues after fat removal. If you struggle with loose skin and/or neck musculature (sometimes referred to as a “turkey neck”), a neck lift may be a more effective procedure to enhance your neck contour. Dr. Sepehr will advise you and recommend the best treatment option for your goals based on your needs.

Neck Liposuction vs. Neck Lift

Neck liposuction and neck lift surgery are two separate procedures utilized to smooth the region around the neck and jawline. Some patients only require one approach to achieve their goals, while others may benefit from both techniques. In either case, these facial plastic surgery procedures can be highly effective in producing long-lasting jawline contouring results that look natural.

The primary difference between the two treatment options involves the nature of a patient’s concerns: neck liposuction is designed to address excess fat, while a neck lift can treat the presence of loose skin or weakened musculature. Therefore, the types of concerns preventing individuals from attaining a smooth facial profile will determine the most ideal procedure for each person. This can only be accurately evaluated by a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, so scheduling an initial consultation is the best way to learn the most optimal procedure for your needs.

How is Neck Liposuction Surgery Performed?

Submental liposuction is performed by suctioning out excess fatty deposits via a surgical cannula. This is generally a fairly quick procedure utilizing a short general anesthetic. First, Dr. Sepehr will access the excess fat through very short incisions hidden under the chin and in the crease below the ear lobes. Before removal of the fat, Dr. Sepehr administers a solution of medications to the area to minimize swelling and blood loss. He will then sculpt the neck and chin to achieve a more refined, aesthetic jawline. Special consideration will be given to produce a natural-looking result that appears balanced with your facial features. The incisions are closed, and you will be able to return home with a friend or loved one following your discharge.

Dr. Sepehr is so attentive and caring. He has such an eye for what looks best, and such attention to detail. You want a perfectionist in a plastic surgeon, and he is one. Beautiful facility, wonderful staff, especially Raha & Mia, and incredible results!

Sheila Harris

February 19, 2020

Patient Results

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What Does Neck Liposuction Recovery Entail?

Patients usually describe the recovery period after submental liposuction as mild. A supportive chin strap is worn for one to two weeks following surgery to help facilitate your new neck contour. Temporary bruising and swelling around the neck should be expected, but discomfort is usually managed well with oral pain medication. Most individuals return to non-strenuous work duties within one week, and fully resume normal activities after two weeks. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least one month, or until given clearance by Dr. Sepehr. Most swelling should resolve within 10 to 14 days; however, it takes several months to completely resolve, revealing the fully defined contours.

How Long Do Neck Liposuction Results Last?

As long as you keep living a healthy, active lifestyle after your procedure, the results from neck contouring can last forever. Although skin and muscle laxity may increase with the natural aging process, the fat cells extracted from the submental region do not “regrow.” However, like most body sculpting surgeries, the results can still be adversely affected by future weight gain. Therefore, minimizing weight fluctuation can be the best way to not only preserve your enhancement, but also to maintain skin elasticity in the neck. By maintaining a stable weight, patients can generally enjoy their sleeker neck contour for years, if not decades.

How Much Does Neck Liposuction Cost?

Enhancing the chin through neck liposuction typically costs between $5,750 to $8,750 depending on the details of your treatment plan. Other factors that may influence the price of submental liposuction include the technique utilized and the amount of fat removal desired. These details are unique to each patient, and our patient care coordinator will be able to provide your investment estimate after your consultation with Dr. Sepehr. OC Facial Plastic Surgery accepts plastic surgery financing through a number of respected lenders, including CareCredit® and Prosper® Healthcare Lending. These companies provide flexible low- to no-interest payment plans for qualified patients, allowing you to proceed with your enhancement while making the cost of surgery more affordable. If you have any questions, please call OC Facial Plastic Surgery to speak to a friendly member of our office.

Can I Get Non-Surgical Neck Liposuction?

Dr. Sepehr offers several neck contouring options for patients’ varying needs, including non-surgical chin augmentation using dermal fillers for those who would rather avoid the downtime of a surgical procedure. Furthermore, KYBELLA™ is an innovative fat removal technique designed to achieve minimally invasive double chin reduction. Performed right here in our treatment rooms, KYBELLA™ injections are composed of deoxycholic acid—a naturally occurring substance in the body that encourages the breakdown of fat cells. As the KYBELLA™ solution is delivered to fatty tissue and fat cells are destroyed, excess fat is naturally flushed out of the body through metabolic processes for a gradual slimming effect under the chin. Since results unfold over time, the outcome often appears to have been achieved naturally. KYBELLA™ is best suited to reduce targeted fat under the chin, but more diffuse fat may be better treated with liposuction. Dr. Sepehr will help you determine the ideal technique to sculpt your chin based on your needs.

Will I Have Visible Neck Liposuction Scars?

One of the major benefits of neck liposuction compared to other procedures is that the surgery usually produces little to no perceptible scarring. The incisions required are less than a quarter of an inch long and made under the chin and earlobes in very discreet locations, often within the natural folds of the skin to further camouflage post-surgical scarring. Even during the healing process, many patients report that their incisions are not noticeable to outside observers. While evidence of surgery should fade over time, patients can further lighten their scars by:

  • Using high-quality skin care products formulated to reduce pigmentation and even the skin tone
  • Not smoking during the healing process, as doing so can reduce blood flow
  • Keeping incisions hydrated by following Dr. Sepehr’s aftercare instructions
  • Applying sunscreen on the face and neck once incisions are fully sealed

Our before-and-after photos from previous patients who received submental liposuction can provide you with a good idea of what to expect after the procedure. Dr. Sepehr will also show you in person where your incisions are likely to be located.

How Can I Prevent Neck Liposuction Complications?

There is a certain degree of risk with every cosmetic surgery, but choosing a qualified practitioner experienced in your treatment of interest is the most comprehensive way to safeguard your health and appearance. With that in mind, finding a board-certified and fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon to perform your facial liposuction is essential to minimizing your risk of complications.

A plastic surgeon who is accredited by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) typically has the most advanced level of training when it comes to cosmetic procedures of the head and neck. Therefore, ensuring your plastic surgeon specializes exclusively in facial procedures can give you the comfort and assurance necessary to entrust them with your aesthetic goals.

Complements to Neck Liposuction

There are many procedures that can be paired with neck liposuction to further enhance the lower face. In many cases, the results of neck liposuction can be emphasized with a customized chin implant — particularly if patients also want to improve a weak or recessed chin on top of reducing excess fat. Chin implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes to promote greater facial harmony and balance your features. A strong chin and jawline are also considered indications of youth, beauty, and dominance. Neck liposuction can also be performed as part of a more extensive RadiaLift or jawline contouring plan, depending on your goals.

If you’re considering additional procedures, we encourage you to speak with a facial plastic surgeon about your concerns to identify the best treatment options for your needs. Plastic surgeons who focus exclusively on facial procedures generally have a greater understanding of facial aesthetics and can recommend the most optimal treatments to help you achieve your goals.

Neck Liposuction for Men

Neck liposuction is a popular treatment option among men who desire a stronger jawline and/or a more pronounced facial profile. Fat cells tend to build up in the submental area for both men and women, but a sleek and angular jawline is often an aesthetic ideal held by men in particular. Fortunately, neck liposuction can be performed very inconspicuously, thanks to the relatively short incisions utilized during the procedure, and men can use a beard to camouflage the healing period effectively. Scars are typically concealed under the chin and earlobes, allowing exceptionally natural-looking results. Facial liposuction in addition to a facelift, rhinoplasty, and chin implant surgery are procedures frequently pursued by men to achieve a more chiseled, energetic, and overall dominant aesthetic.

Additional Neck Liposuction FAQs

What happens if I gain weight after neck liposuction?

No cosmetic procedure will prevent weight gain, so any extra weight in the future may be distributed to surrounding fat cells and ultimately affect your results. While it’s true that the fat cells extracted during submental liposuction are gone forever, nearby fat cells can still shrink and enlarge as your body changes. To preserve the integrity of your results and help facilitate a slimmer, smoother neck contour well into the future, Dr. Sepehr recommends maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Staying active will help minimize weight gain and prolong the longevity of your liposuction.

When can I exercise again after liposuction?

Most patients are able to return to light exercise one week or two after their procedure, but strenuous activity should be avoided for at least four weeks or until Dr. Sepehr instructs otherwise. Every patient has a unique rate of healing and we encourage patients to give their body adequate time to recover before rushing back to their normal routines. It’s often helpful to listen to your body and increase levels of exercise based on how well you feel as your recovery progresses.

Will neck liposuction give me a sharper jawline?

Depending on the nature of your concerns and the anatomical factors preventing you from enjoying a sleeker neck and jawline, submental liposuction can be an excellent jawline contouring technique. In some cases, neck liposuction is combined with adjunctive treatments — such as neck lift surgery, a chin implant, or non-surgical injectables — to further refine the outcome. Dr. Sepehr will give you an idea of the best possible approach after assessing your concerns in a consultation.

Can I combine face and body liposuction?

Our practice focuses solely on facial rejuvenation services to ensure we are able to deliver the highest caliber of unmatched results. By specializing exclusively in facial plastic surgery and non-surgical anti-aging treatments, Dr. Sepehr is uniquely qualified to provide the Orange County and Newport Beach region with the elegant, natural-looking enhancement that each patient deserves.

 
Questions? For more information about neck liposuction, or to schedule a consultation, please reach out to our practice.