Neck liposuction, otherwise called a chin liposuction, is a popular cosmetic procedure for correcting a double-chin and reducing the appearance of a heavy neck. It is designed to enhance a patient’s natural features by removing unwanted fat from the neck and chin region.
The results are a better-defined jawline, a more sculpted chin and neck area, and a return to a youthful and toned appearance. It’s a great option for those who have already attempted to remove stubborn deposits of fat through diet and exercise, but with little success.
The results often do wonders in boosting the self-esteem and confidence of an individual. The surgery itself is minimally invasive and typically only takes an hour to perform. It also doesn’t require an extensive recovery period post-surgery, allowing patients to quickly return to their normal lives.
What Does Neck Liposuction Procedure Involve?
It’s important to note that neck liposuction focuses on removing fat but does not address excess skin or slack muscles. It’s ideal for people who have good skin elasticity and simply want to get rid of extraneous fat in the chin and neck area.
Where sagging skin is a concern, a neck lift surgery is usually more appropriate. It involves reshaping the neck muscles and tightening loose skin.
This is much better suited to individuals who experience lax skin and muscle tone due to aging or significant weight loss.
In some cases, a neck liposuction and lift can be performed together for more optimal results. At Miami, you will always be consulted by a professional to determine the best procedure for you.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate?
A neck liposuction is most beneficial to those with excess submental fat: the fat on the underside of the chin responsible for the appearance of a double chin or a thicker neck.
The ideal candidates are usually between the ages of 20 and 50, as they typically display good skin elasticity and tone.
Candidates should also be in good physical and emotional health. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential for the long-term success of the procedure.
Successful candidates are those who are ready to make the necessary lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, exercising, and limiting the use of certain medications.
Who Is Not a Good Candidate?
While neck lipo can dramatically improve a person’s appearance, it is not a comprehensive solution for overweight individuals or a substitute for weight loss.
Additionally, those lacking skin elasticity may experience sagging skin post-surgery, which could require additional procedures to correct.
Causes of a Double Chin
A double chin can be a source of acute anxiety and insecurity for many individuals. Though it often results from weight gain, even people at a normal weight can experience a double chin.
It is influenced by several factors including genetics, poor posture, and aging skin. In particular, individuals with less pronounced jawlines or recessive chins may be more likely to develop a double chin due to the skin stretching over a smaller area.
How To Treat Stubborn Fat Around the Chin?
A combination of diet and exercise can help to reduce the appearance of a double chin. Stubborn fat persists in some cases however, and procedures like liposuction can prove necessary.
The results of these procedures can vary from person to person. For some, a single treatment may be sufficient to achieve the desired result.
For others, a combination of treatments may be necessary. A qualified healthcare professional will always work with you to determine the best course of action for your individual needs.
What Is the Procedure Like?
The procedure is generally an hour long and performed under local anesthesia. An incision is made under the chin or behind the ears. Additional incisions may also be made according to your needs.
Through the incisions, your surgeon will insert a cannula and remove undesirable areas of fat while contouring the chin and neck area. When enough fat has been withdrawn, the cannula (small tube) is removed and the incisions are closed by suture.
What is Recovery Like?
Most patients can generally return to work and their everyday lives within a week of surgery. It’s essential that patients adhere to all post-operative care instructions for a smooth and speedy recovery.
Immediately after the procedure, a compression garment is applied to the treated area to minimize bruising and swelling. The patient should continue to wear this for at least 1 to 2 weeks after the surgery.
It’s quite possible that the fat removed during the procedure can result in watery, blood-tinged leakage from the incision sites.
This typically ceases after a week. Likewise, it’s completely normal to experience some swelling and bruising as consequence of surgery, and these can be managed with the help of over-the-counter medication and ice packs.
All patients should of course be kind to their bodies and ensure they don’t over-exert themselves physically.
What Are the Risks?
As with any surgical procedure, neck lipo carries a degree of risk. Complications can include infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
There is also the possibility uneven contours or asymmetry in the chin and neck area post-procedure. Other risks include the formation of seromas or fluid-filled pockets, skin discoloration, and numbness around the treated area.
It’s crucial that all patients fully understand and discuss the potential risks with their surgeon, as well as take great care to follow all of their aftercare instructions.
What Is the Cost of Neck Liposuction in Miami?
The cost of neck liposuction in Miami is between $3,000 – $6,000 according to certain factors, including the extent of the procedure, the expertise of the surgeon and the type of anesthesia used.
It’s good to bear in mind that this type of surgery is often part of a comprehensive body sculpting plan that may include procedures like fat transfer, Brazilian butt lift, and breast surgery.
It’s crucial to consider the long-term benefits of the procedure. For many patients, the resulting confidence and improved appearance far outweigh the initial cost.
What Leads to Fullness or Excess Fat in the Chin / Submental Neck?
Several factors can lead to fullness or excess fat in the chin or submental neck area. In some cases, it may be due to weight gain or genetics.
Even people who are near their ideal weight may struggle with this issue due to the stubborn nature of the fat in this area. At times, the fullness may not be due to fat at all but rather a result of a small chin or jawline, which does not project enough, thereby creating an “apparent fullness”.
In such cases where liposuction procedures may not be enough, other treatments such as chin implant or breast augmentation may be recommended.
As with all cosmetic procedures, results may vary based on individual factors. It’s always best to consult your surgeon to determine the best treatment for your individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I Have Loose Skin After the Procedure?
One of these factors is the amount of loose skin present prior to liposuction. If there is already a significant amount of excess skin in the neck area, liposuction alone may not be enough to achieve desired results.
In such cases, a second procedure, such as a neck lift or skin tightening treatment, may be recommended to address the excess skin.
Another important factor to consider is skin elasticity. Skin that lacks elasticity may not be able to fully contract after fat removal. The success of your liposuction procedure depends on the individual’s skin quality and its ability to retract and conform to the new contour of the neck.
Weak muscle tone also affects the looseness of the skin. In some cases, a neck lift may be combined with liposuction to address muscle laxity.
How Long Does Procedure Last?
Fat removal through neck liposuction is permanent. Once the unwanted fatty tissue has been removed, it cannot return.
That being said, it is important to note that the remaining fat cells can still fluctuate in size with overall weight changes. Therefore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and stable weight after the procedure is crucial to ensure long-lasting results.
References
[1] Keramidas E, Rodopoulou S. Radiofrequency-assisted Liposuction for Neck and Lower Face Adipodermal Remodeling and Contouring. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2016 Aug 24;4(8):e850. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000000809. PMID: 27622118; PMCID: PMC5010341.
[2] Diniz DA, Gonçalves KK, Silva CC, Araújo ES, Carneiro SC, Lago CA, Vasconcelos BC. Complications associated with submental liposuction: a scoping review. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2022 May 1;27(3):e257-e264. doi: 10.4317/medoral.25122. PMID: 35420070; PMCID: PMC9054168.