Let's Talk Lipo: Neck Liposuction

Neck liposuction is best for ages 20-50’s and depends on skin quality. In this edition we will cover:

• The features of the ideal neck
• Ideal candidates for neck liposuction
• Anesthesia requirements
• Surgical procedure details including incisions, technique, and overview of risks
• Recovery and how to optimize your outcome

Neck liposuction is best for ages 20-50’s and depends on skin quality. In this edition we will cover:

• The features of the ideal neck
• Ideal candidates for neck liposuction
• Anesthesia requirements
• Surgical procedure details including incisions, technique, and overview of risks
• Recovery and how to optimize your outcome

Neck Liposuction

One of the most frustrating and diet-resistant areas of fat is the neck. If you are within 20 pounds of your goal weight but still have a double chin then chances are it was programmed into your DNA since birth. No matter how trim the rest of your body gets, the double chin and fluffy neck will not resolve with diet and exercise if you were genetically programmed to have extra fat in your neck. 

Neck Liposuction

One of the most frustrating and diet-resistant areas of fat is the neck. If you are within 20 pounds of your goal weight but still have a double chin then chances are it was programmed into your DNA since birth. No matter how trim the rest of your body gets, the double chin and fluffy neck will not resolve with diet and exercise if you were genetically programmed to have extra fat in your neck. 

The Ideal Neck

There are two main features of an aesthetically ideal neck, and those are: 

• Visible and distinct inferior border of the mandible (strong jaw and chin)
• Cervicomental angle of 105-120 degrees (the angle between your jaw and neck)

The Ideal Neck

There are two main features of an aesthetically ideal neck, and those are: 

• Visible and distinct inferior border of the mandible (strong jaw and chin)
• Cervicomental angle of 105-120 degrees (the angle between your jaw and neck)

I always evaluate the bony skeleton of the face when I am examining a patient who is unhappy with the appearance of their neck. If your jawbone is small or poorly positioned then you may not be a candidate for neck liposuction alone. In some cases either non-surgical filler, surgical fat grafting, or a chin implant may be indicated to improve the overall appearance of the jaw and neck area. My recommendations are based upon your anatomy and the tools I have available to get your neck contour closer to the aesthetic ideal.

I always evaluate the bony skeleton of the face when I am examining a patient who is unhappy with the appearance of their neck. If your jawbone is small or poorly positioned then you may not be a candidate for neck liposuction alone. In some cases either non-surgical filler, surgical fat grafting, or a chin implant may be indicated to improve the overall appearance of the jaw and neck area. My recommendations are based upon your anatomy and the tools I have available to get your neck contour closer to the aesthetic ideal.

Candidates

The perfect patient for neck liposuction should:

• Be at a stable weight within 20 pounds of their goal weight 
• Have a focal area of fat that gives the appearance of a double chin 
• Have good skin quality - the skin wraps the underlying tissue tightly and is firm and elastic 

Candidates

The perfect patient for neck liposuction should:

• Be at a stable weight within 20 pounds of their goal weight 
• Have a focal area of fat that gives the appearance of a double chin 
• Have good skin quality - the skin wraps the underlying tissue tightly and is firm and elastic 

Anesthesia

• Local anesthesia is used to numb the area and keep you comfortable
• Neck liposuction does not require general anesthesia unless you are combining it with another procedure that does
• I offer the option of sedation without general anesthesia for those who need IV medication to reduce their anxiety during the procedure

Anesthesia

• Local anesthesia is used to numb the area and keep you comfortable
• Neck liposuction does not require general anesthesia unless you are combining it with another procedure that does
• I offer the option of sedation without general anesthesia for those who need IV medication to reduce their anxiety during the procedure

Procedure

• The Highland Park Plastic Surgery Center is fantastic for many reasons, but especially because we have all of our facilities within the office, including the operating room where you will have your procedure.
• On the day of surgery I will examine your neck and use a pen to mark the areas of fullness and poor definition. 
• An antiseptic solution will be used to sterilize the neck to prevent infection.
• Medications for sedation will be administered if desired. 
• A special mixture of numbing medication and agents to control bleeding will be injected under the skin to keep you comfortable, minimize bleeding, and minimize trauma to the tissue. 
• I will then make a few small incisions that are placed in inconspicuous areas of the neck and chin.
• I will insert a small liposuction cannula through the different incisions and suction the fat with great care and attention to detail.
• I will perform a careful assessment of the suctioned area to ensure that the contour is smooth.
• Finally, a compression wrap will be applied. 

Procedure

• The Highland Park Plastic Surgery Center is fantastic for many reasons, but especially because we have all of our facilities within the office, including the operating room where you will have your procedure.
• On the day of surgery I will examine your neck and use a pen to mark the areas of fullness and poor definition. 
• An antiseptic solution will be used to sterilize the neck to prevent infection.
• Medications for sedation will be administered if desired. 
• A special mixture of numbing medication and agents to control bleeding will be injected under the skin to keep you comfortable, minimize bleeding, and minimize trauma to the tissue. 
• I will then make a few small incisions that are placed in inconspicuous areas of the neck and chin.
• I will insert a small liposuction cannula through the different incisions and suction the fat with great care and attention to detail.
• I will perform a careful assessment of the suctioned area to ensure that the contour is smooth.
• Finally, a compression wrap will be applied. 

Results

After neck liposuction the results are usually immediately noticeable depending on the amount of fat removed. For small changes you may not see them immediately because of swelling, but for true double chin liposuction you will see immediate results. As swelling subsides over the next several weeks the result will continue to look better and better. During the healing process not only is swelling decreasing but the skin is tightening over the new underlying neck contour. Good quality, elastic skin will have a better result because of it’s ability to shrink down to fit the new neck size. 

Results

After neck liposuction the results are usually immediately noticeable depending on the amount of fat removed. For small changes you may not see them immediately because of swelling, but for true double chin liposuction you will see immediate results. As swelling subsides over the next several weeks the result will continue to look better and better. During the healing process not only is swelling decreasing but the skin is tightening over the new underlying neck contour. Good quality, elastic skin will have a better result because of it’s ability to shrink down to fit the new neck size. 

Recovery 

The compression wrap will be worn day and night for 3 days, and then you will transition to nightly wear only. This is important to prevent an unwanted fluid collection and to help support the skin as it adheres back down to the neck. 

• Week 1: over the first 3 days your swelling will peak and your compression wrap will be worn at all times. You can return to work on day 4 depending on the physical demands of your job. Pain medication will be provided for the first 72 hours, but is often not needed. 
• Week 2: most normal activities can be resumed except for strenuous exercise.
• Depending on the quality of your skin I will determine when you can stop wearing the compression wrap, those with less elasticity will require longer wear.
• Light cardio can be resumed around 2 weeks after surgery and then progressed over the next 2-4 weeks to as rigorous as you like.

Neck liposuction is a quick procedure that can have dramatic results. Call our office today to book a private consultation with me. I will perform a facial analysis on you during the consultation, determine if you are a candidate for neck liposuction, and then educate you on your options.  

As always, here's to choosing how we age, on our own terms!

Dr. Lindsey Tavakolian, MD 

Recovery 

The compression wrap will be worn day and night for 3 days, and then you will transition to nightly wear only. This is important to prevent an unwanted fluid collection and to help support the skin as it adheres back down to the neck. 

• Week 1: over the first 3 days your swelling will peak and your compression wrap will be worn at all times. You can return to work on day 4 depending on the physical demands of your job. Pain medication will be provided for the first 72 hours, but is often not needed. 
• Week 2: most normal activities can be resumed except for strenuous exercise.
• Depending on the quality of your skin I will determine when you can stop wearing the compression wrap, those with less elasticity will require longer wear.
• Light cardio can be resumed around 2 weeks after surgery and then progressed over the next 2-4 weeks to as rigorous as you like.

Neck liposuction is a quick procedure that can have dramatic results. Call our office today to book a private consultation with me. I will perform a facial analysis on you during the consultation, determine if you are a candidate for neck liposuction, and then educate you on your options.  

As always, here's to choosing how we age, on our own terms!

Dr. Lindsey Tavakolian, MD