Neck Liposuction

Neck liposuction is a cosmetic procedure to reduce the prominence of fat in the neck and just under the chin- the submental region of the neck. Frequently referred to as chin liposuction, the procedure can completely redefine the contours of your face, creating a slimmer jawline and reducing the appearance of a “double chin”. This procedure can offer patients a slimmer, more shapely side profile. 

Due to genetics, age, or other factors, some people are more susceptible to storing fat in this area. Since it impacts the outline of the face, it can have significant effects on one’s self-esteem. The procedure is not meant to produce drastic changes but it will greatly enhance and show off your natural beauty. It preserves the overall structure of your face, allowing for subtle results. The incisions are only a fraction of an inch and are well-hidden just under the chin and/or below the ears, so there are no visible signs of surgery long after you’ve healed. 

If you are unhappy with unwanted fat buildup in the neck and submental area, contact Metamorphosis Plastic Surgery in Baltimore. Our state-of-the-art practice utilizes the latest techniques in cosmetic surgery, resulting in hundreds of satisfied patients. Our team is led by the experience and training of board-certified surgeons Dr. Daniel Markmann and Dr. Jigar Sitapara who will guide you through the preparation and recovery process with thorough, specialized care for your individual needs. 

To get started today, use our contact form or call (410) 465-3600 to request your consultation at a date that suits you best. 

Why Liposuction? 

Since liposuction debuted in the 1970s, it has remained one of the most highly-requested procedures in the world of minimally invasive cosmetic rejuvenation. In 2020 alone, American surgeons performed over 210,000 liposuction-based procedures, remaining within the top 5 most popular procedures even through the pandemic. ⁽¹⁾  Patients are not only attracted to the results it can create but also to the fact that it is extremely versatile and requires minimal downtime. By making extremely small incisions, surgeons can access the fat layer and strategically suction out the targeted fat deposits. Usually, these are so insignificant that no sutures are required to close them. Studies also support liposuction’s efficacy and low-risk profile; research points out the infection rates are somewhere around 0.1%, a low complication rate when compared to other procedures. ⁽²⁾  In fact, in just the past 10 years, roughly 50 new products and developments have made the surgery even safer and more equipped to remove fat while preserving connective tissues and minimizing blood loss. 

Neck/ submental liposuction (often, but incorrectly referred to as “Chin Liposuction”) is a great solution for those who want the renewed confidence of more defined features. Many patients can see slimming results from targeted workouts for other areas of the body, but the neck simply doesn’t respond in the same way. It has relatively thin skin when compared to other areas, making it weaker and more susceptible to sagging. Any pockets of fat can more easily protrude, giving way to a more aged, heavier look. For both genders, this can be a problematic cosmetic issue. For women, a slim neck is often seen as a desirable feature associated with beauty and youthfulness, while men may see a more sculpted neck as a way to highlight more masculine features, like a chiseled jawline. 

Candidates for Neck Liposuction 

The best candidates for neck liposuction are patients who have good skin elasticity that will recoil well. Ideally, prospective patients should be non-smokers, but those who are willing to quit before and after the procedure will be able to heal better with a lower risk of complications. Small, remaining fat deposits in the neck and submental region can enlarge with weight gain just as will occur in any area of the body with weight gain.  But, the enlargement will not be as much as it would have been if the majority of this fat had not been removed . Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, and you won’t lose any significant amount of weight with it, so patients should be willing to maintain their results with proper diet and exercise. Finally, patients should have all underlying conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, well-managed before the procedure date. 

Personal Consultation

During your consultation at Metamorphosis Plastic Surgery, Dr. Markmann or Dr. Sitapara will evaluate the excess tissue at the site of your neck and submental area. They will assess how much of this tissue is skin and how much of it is fat. If you have more lax skin than fat, they may recommend a neck lift  procedure or minimally invasive skin tightening procedures including FaceTite and Morpheus8 (Radiofrequency Microneedling), that may or may not include neck liposuction. If they find that you are a better candidate for only neck liposuction, they will make sure you receive information regarding the preparation process, how the procedure itself will go, and the timeline for recovery. You will have the chance to ask questions to help you make an informed, educated decision. At our practice, we understand that any cosmetic procedure is a big decision for patients that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Our team does our best work in regards to providing the highest quality care to assure patients feel satisfied in their decision to choose Metamorphosis Plastic Surgery. 

To find out when you can schedule your comprehensive consultation call us at (410) 465-3600, fill out our online form, or visit our office in Baltimore. We can’t wait to help you attain a newfound confidence in your appearance. 

Preparation

Sometime before your procedure, your surgeon will conduct blood tests to rule out any major conditions that could put you at a high risk of having complications. They will also review your current prescriptions and daily supplements and advise you to make any necessary changes. For example, you will have to stop taking blood thinners and anti-inflammatories that could cause bleeding or bruising complications. If you are a smoker, you should aim to quit at least 4 to 6 weeks before your surgery date to encourage healthy blood circulation that will help you recover faster.

Procedure Steps

Neck liposuction is a relatively simple outpatient procedure that will only require local anesthesia.   Sedation is also offered to keep you anxiety-free and relaxed. After the anesthesia settles in, your surgeon will administer the tumescent numbing fluid. They will make 1 to 3 incisions slightly larger than a needle stick just under the chin and/or behind the ears to inject this solution. The tumescent fluid will serve to numb the fat layer under the skin, engorge the fat deposits to prepare them for suction and constrict blood vessels to keep blood loss to a minimum. 

Using the same incisions, your surgeon will use a thin, tubular device called a cannula to suction out the targeted fat without damaging the surrounding tissues. After your surgeon is finished removing the desired fat, bandages will be applied.  The entire procedure, in total, takes about 30-60 minutes depending on how much fat removal is required. They will wrap your chin and neck with supportive dressings and a compression garment to encourage quality skin retraction as you begin to heal.

Recovery 

We will monitor you immediately after your neck liposuction surgery and discharge you on the same day. If you opt for numbing and Nitrous Oxide (aka Laughing Gas) only, you can actually drive yourself home.   If you choose the sedation option, you won’t be able to drive, but a trusted family member or friend can escort you home. Your surgeon will give you further instructions on how to care for your incisions to prevent any risk of infection. Though you will likely be well enough to return to non strenuous work after 2 to 3 days.  You should continue to wear your compression garment full-time for about 1 week and then at night time for the next couple of weeks as needed for swelling. You will be able to return to the gym or any strenuous activity after about 10 days. Your swelling will subside over the next several weeks. You may have some mild bruising, but this will gradually resolve on its own over a week or 2. Your surgeon will give you further information on how to use lymphatic massage to further relieve swelling. 

When Will I See the Results of Neck Liposuction? 

You’ll notice immediate results after the procedure, but they won’t be your final results. As you heal and the swelling recedes, you’ll get a more accurate view of your results. Within a few months of your procedure, any residual swelling will be gone. You can expect to see the full effect of this rejuvenating procedure anywhere from 3 to 6 months later. You should expect your results to last forever if you maintain your weight. 

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures 

Neck Lift 

A neck lift is a skin-removal procedure that can be performed in conjunction with neck liposuction to enhance results for aging patients who may exhibit a “turkey neck”. It is also a common accompaniment to a facelift. For a neck lift, your surgeon will make an incision behind each ear to access the platysma, a superficial muscle that travels throughout the lower face and neck. If there is only minor laxity present, they may choose to access it through a small incision just under the chin. By tightening and modifying this muscle, surgeons can reduce jowling, restore a more youthful-looking neck, and provide more definition to the jawline. ⁽³⁾ After adjusting the platysma, they can remove excess skin. 

Cost of Neck Liposuction in Baltimore 

The total cost of your neck liposuction will depend on surgical fees, anesthesia, the extent of the procedure, and whether or not you require a neck lift to help you attain your desired results. Dr. Markmann or Dr. Sitapara will provide you with a comprehensive breakdown of the costs involved in your consultation. At Metamorphosis Plastic Surgery, we understand that not every patient can make an out-of-pocket payment. If you are interested in an alternative method of covering the cost, apply for one of our available financing options. 

To find out more about other procedure options we offer, browse through our blog. If you’re ready to learn more about the benefits of neck liposuction, call our Baltimore office at (410) 465-3600 or book an appointment online. 

References

1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Plastic Surgery Statistics Report.; 2020. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2020/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2020.pdf 
2. Cuevas Bustos R, Cervantes Gutierrez O, Perez Tristan FA, Acuña Macouzet A, Flores-Huidobro Martinez A, Jafif Cojab M. Necrotizing soft tissue infection after liposculpture; Case report. International Journal of Surgery Case Reports. 2020;77:677-681. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijscr.2020.11.078 
3. Narasimhan K, Stuzin JM, Rohrich RJ. Five-Step Neck Lift: Integrating Anatomy with Clinical Practice to Optimize Results. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2013;132(2):339-350. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0b013e3182958b6f