Neck liposuction can remove fat below the chin and restore an appealing contour to the lower face. Because losing neck fat through diet and exercise is so difficult, this procedure is very rewarding for many patients. At our South Denver plastic surgery practice, Dr. Hunsicker and Dr. Nguyen can perform neck liposuction to enhance your neck and lower facial contour. If you have persistent fat deposits on the neck that detract from the youthful angularity of your lower face, you are a good candidate for liposuction. Consider neck liposuction if you have a double chin, neck bands, fat in the jowl area, or poor jaw definition. Patients should have adequate skin tone and elasticity. This procedure does not address loose skin on the neck or loss of tissue volume.
Techniques In Neck Liposuction
Before surgery, photos are taken and the neck area is marked. The face and neck are cleansed thoroughly and local anesthesia is administered. Small incisions are placed on each side of the jaw, or centrally below the chin. The fat is saturated with tumescent solution, preparing it for removal. The fat that is situated just below the skin and above the neck muscle (the platysma) is removed with suction. This area contains no major blood vessels or nerves, so it can be removed safely. The doctor uses a small tube called a cannula to vacuum the fat from the area. The neck, lower chin, and jaw may all be treated.
FAQ
Neck liposuction can be a very effective way to improve the look of your neck, especially if you are dissatisfied with the appearance of a “double chin”. This surgery can remove excess fat from the neck area, resulting in a more sculpted and defined appearance. Drs. Hunsicker and Nguyen of Revalla in Littleton, CO, encourage patients who have a double chin, sometimes referred to in the field of medicine as "submental fullness," to talk to them about whether or not they are appropriate candidates for this treatment.
Some patients see results immediately following surgery, while others may take a few weeks for the full effects to be visible. Once the swelling and bruising have dissipated, you should have a good idea of how your new neck looks.
The results of your neck liposuction should be long-lasting, provided that you maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, it is essential that you remember that the aging process and gravity can cause the skin in your neck area to loosen over time. As a result, you may eventually need a touch-up procedure or an additional surgery to remove any further accumulation of fat cells that might occur later on.
If you gain weight after neck liposuction, the new fat cells may accumulate in other areas of your body. However, they are unlikely to return to the neck area where the surgery was performed. If you experience added fat in the chin area after the treatment, additional services may need to be performed by the team at Revalla.
Most patients can take a shower the day after their surgery. However, you should avoid exposing the incisions to water for at least the first 24 hours. After that, you can gently clean the incisions with soap and water as recommended by your plastic surgeon. Be sure to pat them dry afterward, not rub. You must follow all aftercare instructions given by Drs. Hunsicker and Nguyen after the procedure has been performed to reduce the risk of complications such as infection.
The incisions for neck liposuction are usually made in inconspicuous places, such as along the natural creases in your skin. This helps to ensure that any resulting scars will be hidden from view. In many cases, the surgeon will use a tiny cannula to enter the target area to ensure the smallest possible incision. Before the procedure is scheduled, our surgical team will discuss the process and how they intend to complete neck liposuction to ensure effective and natural-looking results.
Neck liposuction usually leaves very little in the way of visible scarring. However, every patient heals differently, and some may be more prone to developing visible scarring than others. If you are concerned about the chance of visible scarring, be sure to discuss this with Drs. Hunsicker and Nguyen prior to treatment.
Recovery time with this procedure is relatively short. For the first 24 hours, the neck area will be wrapped in gauze. Some swelling should be expected for about 3 to 5 days after surgery. You will be given a special elastic garment (a chin strap) and a soft cervical collar to control swelling and promote skin contraction; this should be worn for about two weeks or until the doctor instructs you to remove it. You may want to plan on wearing high-necked clothing or scarves during recovery from this procedure.
After healing is complete, you will have a smooth, more angular definition around your neck with a clearly marked transition from your neck to your face.
All cosmetic surgery procedures carry a risk of complications. With neck liposuction, side effects may include soreness, bruising, and temporary difficulty speaking. Complications may include, but are not limited to, infection, irregular skin contour due to overcorrection, poor healing, a formation of fat clots or blood clots, fluid loss, tissue trauma, or adverse reaction to anesthesia.
If liposuction is not the ideal solution for your needs, the doctor may recommend a different cosmetic procedure. Possible alternatives include a neck lift (platysmaplasty) or a chin implant.
Learn More About Neck Lipo In South Denver
Dr. Lisa M. Hunsicker has been practicing medicine since 1995. Since 2001, Revalla Plastic Surgery has been providing patients in the Denver, Morrison, Littleton and Colorado Springs area with excellent, individualized cosmetic surgery results. We encourage you to call us for a personal consultation with Dr. Hunsicker. Contact us at 720.283.2500 or online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hunsicker. Together, you can determine if you are a good candidate for neck contouring.