Tired of the jowls and neck fat that won’t go away? Want to flaunt your new dress but feel self-conscious about the sagging skin under your chin? Neck liposuction may be your next move.
As we age, our skin loses elasticity, and fat deposits start to accumulate in the neck area. This can cause sagging skin and jowls, which can make you feel unattractive and look older than you actually are. In addition, these areas may also be prone to sun damage, causing them to become discolored and wrinkled over time.
While there are many ways to combat this, neck liposuction may be one of the most effective and popular procedures to address these issues. In this article, we’ll discuss what neck liposuction is and how it works, as well as its benefits and risks.
What Is Neck Liposuction?
Also known as submental liposuction, neck liposuction is a surgical procedure that may help you get rid of deep fat from a cervical-chin angle, resulting in a more youthful appearance. Some of the benefits of neck liposuction include:
- Reducing fatty deposits in your neck, which may cause indents or folds in your skin
- Reducing the appearance of a double chin
- Contouring the jawline to balance facial features
- Minimizing the appearance of a “turkey neck”
- Improving skin texture and tone
In some cases, neck lipo is combined with other treatments, such as a facelift, rhinoplasty, and/or chin augmentation for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
How To Prepare for Neck Liposuction Surgery?
Just like any other surgery, liposuction has pre-op steps that need to be taken care of before the procedure can be performed. Prior to undergoing neck liposuction surgery, it is important that you have a thorough consultation with your doctor. During this appointment, your surgeon will discuss the procedure, as well as answer any questions you may have. It’s also important that you provide your surgeon with a medical history and complete any blood tests that may be required before your surgery date.
If you have certain health conditions like diabetes, thyroid problems, or hypertension, it’s important that you inform your doctor before undergoing neck liposuction surgery. This will help ensure that your surgery does not present any additional risks. You should also consult with your surgeon about any medications or supplements that you’re currently taking, as some medications can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery or interfere with the healing process afterward.
Some other pre-operative requirements may include the following:
- You must stop smoking or consuming alcoholic beverages two weeks before your surgery.
- You should not take any aspirin, ibuprofen, or other blood-thinning medications for at least two weeks before your procedure.
- If you are taking birth control pills, ask your doctor when you should stop taking them so that they don’t interfere with the effects of anesthesia.
- As far as diet goes, try to eat healthily. Your surgeon may advise avoiding foods that are too rich in carbohydrates or fats. You will also be directed to stop eating or drinking anything after midnight on the evening before your surgery.
What To Expect During a Neck Liposuction Procedure?
During the procedure, your surgeon will make small incisions — typically ⅜ inches long — behind the ear or under the chin to insert a cannula. The cannula is attached to an aspirator, which will remove the excess fat from your neck using suction. This process is repeated until your neck is as smooth and narrow as you and your doctor planned.
Once the procedure is done, the doctor will close the incision with sutures or staples. You will be asked to wear a dressing over the incisions, which can be removed a few days after the procedure.
The process is relatively quick, and recovery time is much faster than other types of cosmetic surgery. Plus, downtime after your procedure will vary depending on the type of surgery you choose. For example, if you opt for local anesthesia, you should have no downtime at all, whereas with general anesthesia, you’ll need to spend a few days at home with pain medication.
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Aftercare for Neck Liposuction
After the procedure, you will be asked to avoid moving your neck for a few days. If you are having liposuction under your chin, it is important that you do not lift any heavy objects or bend over until the sutures or staples have been removed.
You may also have to use two to three pillows to keep your head elevated after the procedure. Although you can take a bath 24 hours after your surgery, you should avoid getting your chin wet as this can make your stitches come off prematurely.
Your doctor may also prescribe pain medication for the first few days after surgery, which can help relieve any discomfort caused by postoperative swelling and bruising. It is important to note that you must take antibiotics and pain relievers as instructed in order to avoid any adverse side effects from the medication. During your recovery period after neck liposuction, you must follow your doctor’s recommendations closely to ensure that you are healing properly and don’t develop an infection.
Risks Associated With Neck Liposuction
Although neck liposuction is a safe procedure, there are some risks that you should be aware of. These include:
- Nerve damage
- Hematoma (blood collection)
- Infection or scarring at the site of incision
- Changes in sensation, numbness, or tingling
- Internal puncture(s)
- Fat embolism
- Contour irregularities
- Fluid accumulation
To reduce the risk of complications, you should only have your neck liposuction performed by a qualified, experienced surgeon. If you are considering neck liposuction, contact Clinique Dallas today to schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Question
No. Neck liposuction is a procedure that removes fat from the body, while a neck lift is an incision-based procedure that removes excess skin and fat from your neck area to help contour the jawline while eliminating wrinkles.
After your procedure, you will be given a thin elastic bandage that goes around your head and tightens around your neck to help minimize swelling and bruising and drain away any blood or fluid build-up around your incision sites. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how long you need to wear it, but it typically ranges from two to five days.
The choice of anesthesia is based on the patient’s medical history, as well as their individual preferences. For most patients, local anesthesia with sedation is sufficient to complete the procedure. However, general anesthesia may also be used to ensure that your body remains completely still throughout the procedure.
The results from any cosmetic procedure are subtle at first but gradually become more noticeable over time as your skin heals and new collagen forms around the treated area. This means you’ll be able to see the full results of your procedure after one to three months.
The cost of neck liposuction varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, the type of anesthesia being used, and whether other procedures are done simultaneously. To determine the exact cost of your procedure, schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.
For those who want to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, neck liposuction may be able to help. Our board-certified doctors are dedicated to providing a personalized experience tailored to your unique needs so that you can achieve the results you desire. If you are interested in learning more about our services or scheduling a consultation, please contact us today!
