The neck is one of the most popular treatment areas for targeted fat removal, allowing men and women in Houston to achieve a slimmer, sleeker, and more defined look in the lower face. Not only can neck liposuction reduce a “double chin,” but the procedure can also resculpt the submental region to better reveal your jawline and youthful facial angles. Our doctors at Texas Liposuction Specialty Clinic are highly skilled in recontouring the lower face with liposuction, and can meticulously remove fat deposits from around the face and neck to give you the natural-looking results you desire.
What are the Benefits of Neck Liposuction?
Whether caused by a poor diet or a loss of tone from the natural aging process, a “double chin” is one of the most prominent aesthetic concerns for both men and women. With fat buildup in the submental (neck) area, many patients struggle with self-consciousness, insecurity, and a negative body image. In these situations, neck liposuction can help rebuild confidence by:
- Sharpening the jawline and profile of the neck
- Slimming your facial appearance
- Revealing more youthful, sculpted facial angles
- Better defining your facial profile
Plus, neck liposuction is among the least invasive cosmetic surgeries available. The procedure only requires short incisions, typically doesn’t cause noticeable scarring, and offers a relatively brief period of downtime after surgery. Your surgeon will show you before-and-after photos of previous patients who achieved their goals with neck liposuction during your consultation.
Am I a Good Candidate for Neck Liposuction?
Neck liposuction removes fat from the neck’s subcutaneous layer of tissue, sculpting a more youthful, contoured neck and jawline. Good candidates for liposuction of the neck have stubborn fat along with good skin elasticity and muscle tone. To determine whether you’re a good candidate for neck liposuction, ask yourself a few questions:
- Am I in good health?
- Am I at or close to my ideal weight?
- Does my skin have good elasticity to help it “bounce back” after fat removal?
- Do I have realistic expectations for the final results?
If your answer to these questions is yes, neck liposuction could be the perfect choice for you. The procedure is usually advised when you want to get rid of excess fullness in the face, or a “double chin.” The contouring treatment can give your face a slimmer look, taking years off your neckline.
Neck Lift vs. Neck Liposuction
A neck lift is a plastic surgery procedure that will lift loose, wrinkled, or crepey skin underneath the chin, correcting what’s often referred to as a “turkey neck.” Neck lift surgery is often combined with other treatments, including a facelift and rhinoplasty. In contrast, neck liposuction removes fat deposits in the face to give you a more chiseled look. Using laser liposuction, it’s possible to see a natural tightening of the skin if it has sufficient elasticity. Your liposuction specialist can explain which procedure is appropriate to address your concerns and achieve your goals.
How is the Neck Liposuction Procedure Performed?
Neck liposuction is a simple, minimally invasive procedure performed under tumescent local anesthesia. Unlike other aesthetic procedures, liposuction to the neck is performed as an outpatient procedure. It does not require general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, and only involves a few tiny incisions to give you your desired results.
During surgery, your liposuction specialist uses small cannulas and the SmartLipo Triplex laser to remove fat cells in the neck area. The use of SmartLipo enables the best skin tightening possible by allowing your surgeon to balance head-to-shoulder ratios and reduce the appearance of loose skin. There is no need for sutures. The local anesthetic wears off after a few hours and most patients can return to work the very next day. We advise patients to organize transport from the clinic because there may be residual effects associated with the oral sedative.
What is Recovery From Neck Liposuction Like?
The recovery time for neck liposuction is quite rapid. The first 36-72 hours after treatment is the most uncomfortable part of recovery since patients often experience a combination of numbness, swelling, and soreness. Avoid activities that involve twisting and turning in the first three days to minimize soreness. During this time, patients may take medication prescribed or recommended by our surgeons to help them manage discomfort.
All patients should observe the following recovery guidelines after a liposuction procedure:
- Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy, well-rounded diet is one of the most important ways to heal your body, produce new collagen, and prevent fat from returning near the treated area. Consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in either a raw or steamed form to allow your body to digest the food and absorb vital nutrients easily. Avoid fast food and other processed foods.
- Drink plenty of water. Water hydrates the skin and will help tighten up skin tissues after liposuction. Adequate hydration will help with the expulsion of dead cells in your urine
- Get enough rest and avoid stress. Patients who have liposuction surgery will be able to return to a light exercise workout within 4-6 days after the procedure with the doctor’s permission. It is important to avoid strenuous activity to allow new blood vessels to form.
- Wear the chin strap. These are required for all patients to reduce swelling and support your new contours during the healing process. Compression garments must be worn for optimal results.
- Follow instructions on medications. Your doctor may prescribe medication after liposuction. It’s imperative that patients carefully follow these instructions.
How Long Do Neck Liposuction Results Last?
Neck liposuction resculpts the submental area for a lifetime, and the targeted fat cells do not regenerate or “regrow” once removed. That said, extra weight and the natural aging process will continue to affect the tone and texture of your neck over time, which is why we advise maintaining a healthy weight through an active lifestyle. A nutritious diet and regular exercise can go a long way in helping preserve your liposuction results, so it’s important to minimize weight fluctuations after your procedure.
Are Neck Liposuction Scars Noticeable?
Scarring from liposuction is usually undetectable to outside observers. The procedure only requires short incisions made in inconspicuous locations, such as along the natural folds and creases of the skin. As a result, patients are not typically bothered by scarring after liposuction and enjoy the improvement achieved with their facial recontouring. Nevertheless, your liposuction surgeon will show you exactly where your scars will be located during your consultation so you have a good idea of what to expect. You will also receive information on incision care and how to gradually lighten the appearance of your scars over time.
Who Should Perform Neck Liposuction?
Our liposuction surgeons are members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Society of Liposuction Surgery. They have performed many liposuction surgeries and are recognized as some of the best in Texas. All of our doctors are board-certified plastic surgeons in Central Texas with additional aesthetic fellowship training. Each provider specializes in aesthetic surgery of the breast and body.
Our doctors will be able to answer all your questions concerning this procedure and will personally handle your case from your preliminary consultation to the post-op recovery. Their dedication and expertise are unsurpassed in this procedure.
Additional Neck Liposuction FAQ
Why do I have to wear a chin strap after neck liposuction?
The purpose of the chin strap is to exert pressure to keep the shape of the treatment area. It is especially important when sleeping.
How long is recovery from neck liposuction?
Typically, patients return to daily activities, including returning to work, within a few days after surgery. Expect your neck to feel tight for a few weeks, and know that bruising and swelling are normal.
Neck liposuction can be a perfect choice if you want to take years off your profile and give yourself a more pleasing neckline. Schedule your complimentary consultation in Houston by calling (713) 401-9090.