Neck fullness is a problem that is commonly encountered by people both young and old. Sometimes it has to do with obesity or being overweight, whereas other times it reflects just the nature of the neck shape one is born with, and finally it can be caused simply by aging. Whatever the cause, the right procedure must be performed to correct the problem. Traditionally, neck liposuction has been considered the way to easily remove this unwanted neck fullness but with ongoing understanding of the causes of neck fullness that occurs in both young and old, neck lipo alone rarely accomplishes the intended objective and can cause undue risk, such as premature aging, as well, which will be discussed. In the past, Dr. Lam performed neck liposuction but today he feels as if he is doing a disservice to his patients. This page explains why he no longer performs isolated neck liposuction and what he prefers to do today for full neck contours along with some supportive or alternative methods of managing a fuller or sagging neck.
This 64-year-old woman underwent a combination of a deep-plane facelift and a deep neck lift, with fat removed in the deep neck as well as in the superficial, subcutaneous plane.
Neck liposuction addresses only the subcutaneous, superficial fat in the neck through suctioning that fat away with a cannula. This would be similar to body liposuction. However, neck fullness actually is typically more located in the deep neck compartments and can be attributed to the fullness of the submandibular glands, digastric muscles, and deep fat compartment. However, at times he will remove subcutaneous fat as well when needed but almost never in isolation. In patients who are overweight, removal of some of this subcutaneous fat is warranted and beneficial but when not performed with deep neck management the result will most likely be inferior and insufficient
In younger necks (under the age of 40 years old), he can oftentimes perform a deep neck lift (which is what he calls sculpting the fullness in the deep neck) without need for a lateral face lift
This 39-year-old gentleman is shown before and one year after a deep neck lift in which Dr. Lam sculpted his submandibular glands, digastric muscles, and subplatysmal fat to achieve a favorable cosmetic neck and jawline result. No neck liposuction was performed, and he did not have any lateral facelifting performed either.
But at times even younger patients with sufficient sagging may benefit from a deep-plane facelift as well to achieve the desired results.
This 36-year-old lady underwent a deep-plane facelift and deep neck lift to improve a jawline and neck that were too full, even in her youth.
What are the risks of neck liposuction?Â
The real risk is that removing this precious fat without performing any other procedures can expose the platysmal bands prematurely and cause early aging. The platysmal bands are the two vertical bands that become visible as one ages and is oftentimes known as a turkey gobbler problem. Similarly, Kybella only addresses this superficial fat through dissolving and simply does not work well but instead causes the same problem as neck liposuction. In fact, Kybella causes more subcutaneous scarring making proper surgery more difficult and can also lead to a lot of swelling for longer than even neck liposuction can cause. Other minimally invasive tightening procedures like Ultherapy, radiofrequency microneedling like Morpheus 8, Halo, thread lifts, etc., all fail to make any discernible improvements. Further, these treatments can cause the same problems as neck liposuction including contour issues, premature sagging of platysmal bands, and lack of results.
Sometimes a chin implant will also help balance the lower face but not always. A chin implant, however, by itself will be insufficient to improve the neck contour. Also, there have been incorrect comments that fillers will lift full necks, which is simply untrue. Similarly, threadlifts will have absolutely no benefit in improving a full neck contour.
If you should have questions about what Dr. Lam performs and why, please come in for an in-person or virtual consultation with him so that he can evaluate you and help you to determine the right procedure or procedures for you.
Key Points
- Neck lipocontouring is good for someone with good skin tone and is typically under 40 to 45 years of age but that number can be relaxed at times by a decade for non-white ethnic groups who maintain good skin tone longer. The worry is that in someone older fat removal of the neck may expose neck banding and thereby make the neck look worse.
- An alternative to neck lipocontouring is Kybella injection, which dissolves fat. Typically, Kybella must be repeated a few times and may ultimately cost more than fat removal. However, Kybella is a good alternative for those who simply do not want any incisions or surgery. Neck lipocontouring can be performed under local anesthesia or light intravenous sedation.
- If fat resides deep in the platysma muscle, then not all fat may be able to be removed during a procedure, so the result may be less than ideal. If someone has a low hyoid bone in the neck, then the neck shape may be unfavorable for a perfect outcome.
- At times a chin implant may help improve the neck contour, and for someone with neck sagging the answer may not be neck lipocontouring but instead, a face and neck lift.
Frequently Asked Questions about Neck Liposuction
What’s the recovery time of neck lipocontouring?
Typically, very fast, about a week. There will be sutures under the chin that either dissolve or will be removed at a week in the office. There can be some bruising or swelling in the neck, and most bruising can be managed with a laser for a week (but not necessarily all bruising).
Why does Dr. Lam not do neck liposuction?
Liposuction is not as precise since it involves the indiscriminate removal of fat. Dr. Lam visualizes the excess fat and trims away fat that causes the neck fullness so as to shape a better neck.
Does Dr. Lam use a laser to remove neck fat?
No, there is no need for a laser since the laser also indiscriminately removes fat from the neck.
Your Cosmetic Surgery Procedures will be performed by Dr. Lam's surgery center located in Dallas, Frisco and Plano, TX.
Dr. Lam is very professional. He spends his time making sure you understand what he is going to do. His knowledge of his work is exceptional and shows in his results.
The office staff is also very helpful and always try to make you feel comfortable.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about the treatment of Neck Liposuction in Dallas, contact us and schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr Lam.
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All neck liposuction procedures are performed by Dr Lam himself, at his Cosmetic Surgery center in Dallas Texas. To schedule, a neck liposuction consultation call 972.312.8105 or email us. The details of your neck liposuction (both the limitations and the benefits in your particular situation) will be explained to you during your consultation with Dr. Lam and his team.