What is Chin and Neck Liposuction?
Liposuction of the neck and chin is a cosmetic surgery procedure. It is performed on areas of the chin, neck, and body that have excess fat tissue that won’t go away, even with weight loss and exercise. This procedure can remove stubborn fat pockets and create a firmer chin, neck, or body.
Disclaimer: All information on the Gold Coast Plastic Surgery website is general in nature and is not intended to be medical advice, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Results can vary significantly and depend on individual patient circumstances. Please be aware that the outcomes shown are specific to those patients and may not necessarily reflect the results others may experience. Individual results can vary due to many factors, including genetics, diet, and exercise. All images on this website, unless specified as real patient images, are graphics used for illustrative purposes only. Surgery risks and complications will be covered in detail during a consultation with your surgeon. Book a consult for details regarding your cosmetic surgery procedure.
Neck liposuction is performed with a small incision under your chin and can be done with a combination of facial surgery procedures, such as a facelift. Chin liposuction is performed through a small incision on the chin. Then, the fat is removed through a hollow tube known as a cannula. Please note, that liposuction is not a weight loss method and is not an obesity treatment.
Chin Liposuction, at a glance
Target area: Excess fat deposits under the chin or on the neck
Time off work: Generally 1 -2 weeks
Total recovery: Generally 4 – 6 weeks
Compression garment: 1 week full time, 4 weeks total
Scar position: Small needle incision marks under chin and jaw
Am I a Suitable Candidate for Chin (Submental Liposuction) and Neck Liposuction?
Liposuction surgery may be an option for those who have an excess accumulation of fat on their neck or chin. If you are trying to decide whether or not you are a suitable candidate for this treatment, consider a few qualifying factors:
- You have pockets of excess, stubborn fat around your neck
- You must be in good general health
- You must have realistic expectations and realistic surgery goals
- You have firm, skin elasticity
- You must not be under certain medications and supplements
- You are a nonsmoker
- You are within 30% of your ideal body weight
Benefits of the Liposuction
A heavy chin and neck with excess fat accumulation can affect your neck and chin movement. One of the benefits of chin liposuction treatment is that it is reported to involve less pain and discomfort in comparison to the non-surgical treatment using fat dissolving injectables.
Please note, that liposuction may be suitable for people with good skin tone and elasticity, to allow for optimal recovery.
Before and After Photos
Disclaimer: All information on the Gold Coast Plastic Surgery website is general in nature and is not intended to be medical advice, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Results can vary significantly and depend on individual patient circumstances. Please be aware that the outcomes shown are specific to those patients and may not necessarily reflect the results others may experience. Individual results can vary due to many factors, including genetics, diet, and exercise. All images on this website, unless specified as real patient images, are graphics used for illustrative purposes only. Surgery risks and complications will be covered in detail during a consultation with your surgeon. Book a consult for details regarding your cosmetic surgery procedure.
Steps of a Liposuction Procedure
The following are the basic steps for chin and neck liposuction:
- Dr Doyle will examine your chin and neck and make markings with a marker to outline which areas he recommends liposuction and where the cannula will be inserted.
- The anaesthetist team will then administer the anaesthesia into the treatment area
- Dr Doyle will then make small incisions in the skin which will be just large enough to introduce the liposuction cannula.
- After the introduction of the liposuction cannula, Dr Doyle will use a back-and-forth or fanning motion to remove the excess fat. In this period, he will closely monitor the amount of fat removed to allow for a smooth and firm result.
- Once the excess fat has been removed, the cannula is removed, and the incision is closed.
- After the end of the procedure, bandaging is fitted as required. This typically includes a neck support garment to support the skin while it heals.
Recovery From Liposuction Procedure
Most bruising and swelling should cease within two weeks post-surgery. After neck and chin liposuction, it is a common side effect to suffer from mild discomfort in the neck. If required, Dr Doyle will prescribe pain relief medication and anti-inflammatory medications, to ensure that you can remain comfortable throughout your recovery. During this period, you will be recommended to use a compression bandage for 1 week (7 days) following the liposuction treatment, to ensure that the neck stays firm day and night and then each night for the next two weeks (14 days).
Your Procedure Journey
Consultation
Your initial consultation with Dr Doyle is the first step of your liposuction journey and it includes choosing and meeting your surgeon, to be evaluated and to ensure that you have realistic expectations for the procedure. During the consultation period, Dr Doyle will explain the details of the procedure, along with the risks, so that you can decide if it is the right surgery choice for you.
It is strongly recommended that you are completely honest and candid with Dr Doyle when discussing your expectations and goals for the surgery. This will allow Dr Doyle to ensure that the surgery expectations are realistic. If Dr Doyle believes the results cannot be achieved solely by a liposuction procedure, Dr Doyle may recommend other associated procedures.
Post-Operative recovery
Recovery following chin liposuction is different for each patient. There is a minimal amount of swelling, which generally peaks on the third day and generally ceases by the second week. Other things that can assist with your recovery include sleeping with two pillows to elevate your head, avoiding salty foods, and drinking plenty of water for at least 2 weeks (14 days) following surgery. Some postoperative recommendations for you are:
- Avoid straining and heavy lifting exercises for at least two weeks after surgery.
- You must always wear a compression garment supplied by Dr Doyle, otherwise it may compromise the outcome of the surgery.
Risks and Complications of Chin and Neck Liposuction
Patients should expect that some side effects may occur after their chin and neck liposuction procedure.
These risks may include:
- Anaesthesia risks
- Bleeding
- Haematoma
- Infection
- Injury to nearby structures
The most common symptoms to occur after neck liposuction are numbness, tingling, swelling, bruising, and discomfort. However, other symptoms can’t be ruled out. Even though serious complications are rare, patients are still susceptible to them after their surgical procedure. Therefore, patients need to be aware of any signs of serious complications.
You should discuss any side effects with your surgeon in detail to be able to make an informed decision. It is important to note that most of the complications and side effects of the chin and neck liposuction procedure can be minimised by choosing a qualified and experienced specialist plastic surgeon to perform the procedure. Book a consultation with Dr Doyle today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does Chin and Neck Liposuction Cost?
The price of neck and chin liposuction varies depending on the amount of liposuction required and the time in the hospital theatre. The total cost can include an anaesthetist’s fee, a surgeon’s fee, and hospital fees. This cost may or may not include pre-anaesthetic check-up tests. Please note, that the discharge medications may include antibiotics and/or pain relief medication and may also add additional expenses.
Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Mark Doyle offers liposuction using advanced surgical techniques he learnt during his Specialist Plastic Surgery training. His surgeon fee reflects his 30+ years of experience and commitment to patient care. As this is a primarily cosmetic procedure, liposuction to the neck or chin may not attract a Medicare rebate. If you are seeking treatment for loose and excess neck skin, a neck lift may be a recommended surgery alternative. For more pricing information, view our pricing resources:
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Neck Liposuction?
The recovery time following neck liposuction will depend upon the individual, as well as the extent of the surgery. Generally, a patient can return to daily activities 5 days following and return to work within two weeks following surgery. Some persistent neck tightness may occur for 1 – 4 weeks following surgery. Mild bruising and swelling should also be reduced from 2 – 6 weeks post-surgery. The symptoms usually subside after the first week, but tightness can persist for several months following surgery. Please note, that the compression garment will be required to be worn for a minimum of 5 days.
How Painful Is Chin Liposuction (Submental Liposuction)?
As you are under general anaesthetic, generally, patients report that the pain associated with chin liposuction is minimal. Only a small incision is required, to insert the cannula, and therefore, there is only a small soft tissue incision.
Are You Awake During Chin Liposuction?
No, in Queensland by law liposuction is legally only allowed to be performed in a hospital and under general anaesthesia.
How Should I Sleep After Chin Liposuction?
Following liposuction, sleeping can be challenging for those who prefer a side sleep position. It is recommended to sleep on your back with your head elevated on two pillows for at least 1 – 2 weeks post-surgery. It is also recommended to avoid turning your head from side to side, where possible.
How Long Do The Results of Chin Liposuction Last?
Chin and neck liposuction can remove fat in the chin and upper neck areas. The post-surgery results should be present for as long as your weight remains the same. If you gain excess weight, you will put on fat in these areas. Although most of the fat cells are removed, the remaining fat cells can expand up to four times their normal size. Skin laxity can occur with aging, but this process is generally slow and gradual. Living a healthy lifestyle and avoiding obesity are the most important things that can be done post-surgery
How Long After Chin Liposuction Do You See Results?
You should start to observe the differences after the first week. The final result is usually visible at six months post-surgery. As swelling is a very common side effect following liposuction procedures, even with compression devices and massage techniques, it can generally take 2 – 4 weeks for swelling to subside. Please note, full recovery can take up to 6 months.
Can Chin Liposuction Go Wrong?
All surgical procedures have risks and complications, and these will be discussed in further detail at your surgery consultation. The recovery period is also very important. With timely medication and the appropriate wearing of garments, the complication rate is minimised.
Can You Drive After Chin Liposuction?
No, liposuction now requires general anaesthesia in Queensland. Therefore, it is recommended that you do not drive for 24 hours after the procedure.
Does The Fat Come Back After Chin Liposuction?
Excess fat will generally not come back if you maintain your post-surgery weight. If you gain excess weight, then fat cells throughout the body will also increase in size. Please note, as you would have fewer fat cells in your neck and chin as a result of the liposuction, then you would generally put less weight on in this area, compared to if you had not had the procedure done.
Why Does My Face Have Excess Fat But I Am Slim?
Genetics can play a huge role in determining the structure of our body parts and anatomy. Genetics can determine the shape of the face and the structure of fat cells. If you are a healthy weight but have significant excess facial fat, you may be genetically predisposed to have stubborn excess fat cells underneath your chin. Other causes of excess chin fat can include poor posture, diet and even age. Book a consultation today to find out if you are a suitable candidate for liposuction surgery.
Why Is My Neck Fat But I Am Slim?
If you are a healthy weight but have significant excess neck fat, then you might be genetically predisposed to having stubborn excess fat in the neck area. Other causes of excess neck fat can include poor posture, diet and age. Enquire today to find out if you are a suitable candidate for liposuction surgery.
Why Do I Have Excess Fat On My Chin When I Am Slim?
If you are a healthy weight and you have excess fat underneath your chin, then you may be genetically predisposed to having stubborn excess fat underneath the chin area. The storage of stubborn fat can be a genetic predisposition. You may be a suitable candidate for liposuction surgery.
Can I Lose Chin and Neck Fat Overnight?
If you are overweight losing weight can be a challenge on its own and extra facial, chin and neck fat can be stubborn to reduce. It’s not possible to lose excess fat overnight rather, it should be a process of diet and exercise as well as consistency. These tips can assist:
- Do facial exercises
- Add cardio to your routine
- Drink more water
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Cut back on refined carbs
- Switch up your sleep schedule
- Watch your sodium intake
- Eat more fibre
Medical References:
- Goodstein WA (1996) Superficial liposculpture of the face and neck. Plast Reconstr Surg 98:988 discussion 997
- Gasperoni C, Salgarello M, Emiliozzi P, Gargani G (1990) Subdermal liposuction. Aesthet Plast Surg 14(2):137–142
About Dr Mark Doyle FRACS (Plas) – Queensland Plastic Surgeon
Servicing patients in Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and New South Wales NSW – Northern Rivers, Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore and more.
Dr Mark Doyle is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing breast, body, face and nose surgery. He has completed all required training and only carries out approved surgical practices. There are NO undertrained doctors or cosmetic doctors acting as surgeons at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery.
