A shapely neck is admired by cultures throughout the world. A young and firm neck draws attention to the shape of the chin and face; however, not all necks are shaped alike. Whether because of age or genetic predisposition, fatty deposits gather in the neck, resulting in a loss of shape in the chin and neck.



Often done in conjunction with a face lift, neck liposuction gently removes the sagging fatty tissue that has collected in the lower face and underneath the chin. Liposuction of the neck is appropriate for men and women of all ages.

The procedure is performed in our office, usually on an outpatient basis. Neck liposuction is generally performed under local anesthesia, which allows you to remain awake but anesthetized and relaxed. The procedure takes about one hour, depending on its extent.

Preparation

Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet before surgery. A healthy diet will help speed recovery. Plan ahead and prepare nutritious meals that are easy to warm up so that you won't need to spend too much time in the kitchen during your recovery.

If you smoke, abstain from smoking for at least six weeks before and after surgery. This reduces the risk of infection and encourages faster healing.

Do not take any medicines containing aspirin or ibuprofen during the two weeks preceding surgery.

Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery.

Be certain you do not have a cold or sunburn the day of surgery.

Do not wear make-up or contact lenses to surgery.

Arrange to have someone take you home after surgery and, if possible, help you around the house for a few days while you recover.

Procedure Overview

Using the "tumescent" technique, the surgeon injects the area with a large amount of sterile saline solution in order to make the area tumescent or firm. The saline solution also acts as a local anesthetic as it constricts the blood vessels, which reduces discomfort and lessens the bruising that follows liposuction.

After the area is firm, the surgeon makes a tiny incision either beneath the chin or in the crease under the ears.

A narrow tube called a cannula is inserted through the incision and excess fat cells are vacuumed out. The incision is stitched up and a compression bandage is applied to the treated area.

What to Expect After Neck Liposuction

After the procedure is over, patients may experience some numbness and swelling and/or discomfort at the incision site. This is normal and will pass with time. Incision site pain is usually minimal and can be controlled with medication, if necessary. Swelling can be treated with cold compresses.

The compression bandage is usually removed in our office the next day, but patients should continue to wear the bandage at night for several weeks to speed recovery.

Within two days you should be able to return to work, if liposuction is the only procedure performed. If done in conjunction with another procedure, patients usually won't notice any additional discomfort.

Risks

As with any surgery there is the risk of complication. Most complications associated with liposuction are minor and will pass with time. Possible complications include bruising, infection, and reactions to the anesthesia. You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following instructions both before and after surgery.