Liposuction To Neck & Chin Liposuction is a procedure that can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat. During the past 10 years liposuction has benefited from several new methods including the tumescent technique. Although no type of liposuction is a substitute for diet and exercise, it can help remove a portion of fat in stubborn areas that doesn't respond to traditional weight loss methods.

The ideal candidate is someone who has realistic expectations of what can be achieved, given the patient's age and skin elasticity. If skin elasticity is sufficient, the patient's skin retracts after the procedure, giving them a satisfactory result. An older patient (who may have less skin elasticity or neck bands) may require additional procedures such as such as a plication of the neck bands or redraping.

Planning The Procedure

In the initial consultation the doctor will determine where your fat deposits lie and assess the condition of the skin. Be frank in discussing your expectations. This will help your surgeon determine if liposuction will meet your needs.

The Procedure

The area will be made numb by the infiltration of a dilute anesthetic solution mixed with saline and epinephrine. This is allowed to act for several minutes to achieve the maximum anesthesia and hemostasis. Small canulas (less than 1/16" in diameter) are used to vacuum the subcutaneous fat away. The canulas are passed through very small incisions. The incision areas are so small they require no suturing.

After Your Surgery

An elastic support bandage will be put on at the end of surgery and may be removed two days later. There will be some drainage of fluid from the incisions initially. You may be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection. There may be some bruising that usually clears in 1 to 2 weeks. The area may feel stiff and sore with some temporary numbness. Healing is a gradual process. Although you will see a noticeable difference soon after surgery, the improvement will become even more apparent after 4 to 6 weeks. It can take 12 to 14 weeks to reach the final result.