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For some people, being in great shape and eating right still can’t get rid of the extra fullness in the neck and chin (submental area). This “double chin” can be related to many issues, including the bone structure or alignment of the teeth, but is most often familial or genetic. This issue can appear throughout life, including in patients as young as their late 20’s. Many people will be frustrated by the appearance of extra fat in the chin region – and subsequently realize that their parents, brothers, or sisters have the exact same problem!
Planning for Your Procedure
Play VideoLuckily, Dr. Ransom offers a variety of approaches that are specifically designed to treat the neck and chin areas. In younger patients or those with good elasticity and bone structure, neck liposculpting (cervicofacial liposuction) is an excellent choice. Neck liposculpting is a minor surgical procedure that can be performed with local anesthesia or minimal sedation, depending on patient preference. Tiny incisions (the size of a straw) hidden behind the earlobes and in a crease under the chin are made, and a small liposuction cannula is then used to remove excess fatty tissue from the anterior neck, without disrupting the delicate overlying neck skin.
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For older patients, the effects of the constant force of gravity coupled with changes in the skin and adipose (fat) tissues may demand a different, more global approach. In some, however, the majority of the signs of aging occur at the jawline, under the chin (submental area), or in the neck region – leaving the upper face looking younger and more vibrant than the neck. These patients may seek rejuvenation of the neck region alone, and depending on the specific anatomical details, may choose to undergo liposculpting (neck liposuction) or a neck lift – rather than a full facelift.
Liposculpting can be easily combined with other aesthetic procedures, such as chin augmentation. After the procedure, the neck will appear mildly swollen and red. A soft cotton dressing is used to wrap the area for about 24 hours, after which a light bandage is applied. Some bruising will occur, but pain is limited. Patients are generally able to return to work in a few days. For more information about neck liposculpting (liposuction), please contact Dr. Ransom or schedule your consultation today!
Who is a candidate?
Anyone with extra adipose tissue in the upper neck and the area under the chin can benefit from neck liposculpting. This procedure is most effective when the overall skin tone is good and there is minimal skin excess. When used as a primary treatment, neck liposculpting is generally performed on younger patients; for older patients, it is often used as an adjunct to other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as a facelift or midface lift. Neck liposuction (liposculpting) is a minimally invasive procedure with minimal downtime, and is often combined with placement of a chin implant to enhance the jawline and the neck contour. Non-surgical options are also available and may be more appropriate in some cases; these include ThermiTight, InfiniRF and Kybella injection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please note that all patients are different and individual healing times and results may vary. The statements regarding procedures and recovery made here are general rules.
The first night after surgery, you will wear a soft cotton bandage. This provides necessary support and reduces the overall bruising and swelling. After this initial dressing is removed, a supportive wrap may be used. Some mild bruising and swelling will occur immediately after the surgery, but this will begin to resolve around the third day. For most patients, a few days off of work is sufficient. Pain is very minimal, and any significant increase in pain or swelling should be reported immediately. Dr. Ransom works closely with you throughout the postoperative period, making sure that you are making progress toward an excellent result. Further details can be discussed with Dr. Ransom during your confidential consultation.
Dr. Evan Ransom is an Ivy League-educated and Ivy League trained Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. He is a Double Board Certified Head and Neck Surgeon and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and fellowship-trained in facial plastic, reconstructive, and laser surgery. His practice is in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving patients from San Francisco, Oakland, Marin County, Palo Alto, Silicon Valley, Walnut Creek, the East Bay, and all over Northern California.
