While fine lines and wrinkles can show the age of a person, excess fat on the neck and loose skin and neck folds can make a person seem older or heavier than they really are. Neck liposuction can remove this fullness in the neck and get rid of the dreaded “double chin”. A double chin is created by extra fat in the neck located just below the chin. On the other hand, some people may not have a double chin but still enough to look like a lump of excess fat. Others have so much fullness in the neck region that the chin literally disappears. This collection of fatty tissue in the neck can be caused by the natural signs of aging, gravity, weight gain and genetics. However, people do not have to live with these issues. Neck liposuction can provide a contoured neck and jawline while providing overall rejuvenation of the skin.
Ideal candidates for neck liposuction include:
Patients who have an excessive amount of hanging, loose skin may be better candidates for a neck lift and/or facelift since liposuction does not remove excess skin. While liposuction can provide a slight tightening effect during the healing period, it cannot provide the degree of tightness that patients with excessively loose skin need for optimal results.
Neck liposuction can be performed under general or local anesthesia and is a relatively quick procedure. While there are many different liposuction techniques, tumescent liposuction is typically used for treating the neck area. The surgeon will inject the treatment area with a combination of saline, local anesthetic and epinephrine. This combination will numb the area, constrict the blood vessels to reduce bruising and bleeding and swell the tissue to help break down the fat. The surgeon will make one or two small incisions beneath the chin or behind the ears for the insertion of the cannula. The surgeon will move the cannula within the treatment area to break up the fat cells. The cannula is connected to a vacuum-like device which suctions the damaged fat cells from the area while providing a more natural contour to the neck and chin. The incisions are typically so small that sutures are not necessary. However, tape or bandages and surgical dressing may be applied. A supportive chin strap will need to be worn for three to five days following the procedure. Patients can expect some discomfort, bruising and swelling which should subside within 10 to 14 days. Pain medications, cold compresses and keeping the neck elevated can help to speed recovery. Patients can return to light duty work within one week and resume normal activity after two weeks.
SP