Neck Liposuction

Neck Liposuction (Neck Lift): The term “double chin” is a misnomer. A double chin is essentially a neck problem, not a chin issue. It is due to excess fat in the area of the neck that is directly below the chin, hence creating the appearance of an extra chin or double chin.

In order to understand whether neck liposuction is for you, you must first recognise a few things; including how loose is your neck skin as it plays a vital role in the treatment plan. If your skin is reasonably tight then liposuction is all you need. If your neck skin is very loose then you may require more than neck liposuction.

Face/Neck Lift
Before After Photos

Planning your treatment

The consultation

It is important, in fact critical, to have a certain amount of neck fat to provide a cushion between your skin and neck muscles. Extra neck fat may be hereditary, and if so is normally evident in early adulthood. It may also be developed; in which case, it is gradual with weight gain. There are also those who have extra neck fat in response to aging, even in the absence of weight gain. In these cases, fat can accumulate in the neck due to a redistribution of subcutaneous fat that happens with aging.

Candidates for Neck Lift

Neck liposuction is most suited to people who have extra neck fat and either 1) neck skin which is not loose or 2) neck skin which is loose but not sagging.
If you have neck skin that is loose and sagging, then in addition to neck liposuction you will need neck tightening by Laser, peel or neck lift.

Jawline and Jowls

Many who have extra neck fat also suffer the problem of having no distinction between the face and neck, in other words; it is difficult to tell where the face ends and the neck starts. In these cases, liposuction of the neck along the jawline really assists to define this area and can be performed at the same time as neck liposuction (Neck Lift).

Jowls are the pockets of fat alongside and above the jawline, about halfway between the ears and the chin. While jowls are typically reflective of loose facial skin, liposuction of the jowls can sometimes be completed at the same time as neck liposuction.

This is something best discussed between you and your plastic surgeon.

Neck Liposuction Surgery

Neck liposuction can be performed under local and sedation as an outpatient procedure. It takes 30-60min. Your plastic surgeon will commence by injecting your neck with tumescent fluid, which is a mixture of saline, local anaesthetic (similar to Novocain and epinephrine) which helps constrict blood vessels, reduce bleeding, and prevent bruising. Tumescent fluid is not injected until you are temporarily asleep, so that you feel nothing. Followed by making a keyhole incision under the chin to insert the cannula and start drawing out the fat with suction. At the completion of the procedure, the keyhole will be closed with fine sutures; this will leave you with virtually an undetectable scar under your chin.

After Neck Liposuction Surgery

Following the procedure, pain is relatively minimal and most finds that they can return to work in 1-5 days, depending more upon bruising than on discomfort. You will need to wear a tape or a garment on your neck for few days. Again, your greatest limitation with regard to returning to work will likely be due to bruising. Some have no bruising; others may bruise for 1-2 weeks. Most fall somewhere in between with about 3-7 days of bruising. There is no simple way to predict where you will fall.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

Plastic surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries inherent risks and potential complications.

Please read our Risks and Complications of Plastic Surgery page.

Getting you back to work and normal activities

You will need 1-2 days rest, followed by light duties for 1 week.

You will be back to normal duties from the second week after surgery.