Many people turn to diet and exercise to shrink different body areas, but those options don’t always affect fat deposits on the chin, jawline, or neck. Even those people at their ideal weight can still carry fat in the jaw, chin, and neck areas.
Patients often want a lean, angular jawline that is well-defined, with a clear transition from the lower face to the neck. Unfortunately, aging, heredity, and weight gain distort the appearance of the lower facial contours and create a round, broad and undefined jawline and no clear transition from the neck to the chin.
These stubborn fat pockets in the lower face and neck region are what creates the appearance of a double chin, neckbands, and jowls. Because liposuction can specifically target these areas, patients find it a relatively easy way to gain or regain their desired profile. During the procedure, small cannulas are used, allowing the fibrous connections between your skin and body to remain undamaged.
Following liposuction, if you gain weight, it will still go to your fat cells, but fewer fat cells are remaining to be “filled.” The localized fatty deposits that existed before liposuction are no longer there, giving the fat fewer places for storage. However, the best way to maintain liposuction results is to stay at a healthy, stable weight.
The exact amount of fat removed during your liposuction procedure will depend on your facial structure and cosmetic goals, but it is generally a relatively small amount. Often, liposuction of the chin, neck, and/or jawline can be done comfortably in the office under a combination of local anesthesia and oral sedation. During your initial consultation, your plastic surgeon will evaluate your neck area before making their treatment recommendations. They will then create a custom treatment plan to fulfill your goals.
Following the procedure, one or two small stitches may close the tiny incisions where the cannulas are inserted. A snug-fitting, elastic dressing will be used to compress the treatment area for the first few days, and mild pain relievers may be used as needed, along with an ice pack to reduce discomfort and swelling. Most patients can resume normal activities after 2 to 4 days, but keep in mind that a compression strap that runs under the chin or a neck compression garment will need to be worn.
If excess fat in your neck and jawline is bothering you, liposuction may be the answer. Schedule a personal consultation with one of our award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeons at Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery, Drs. Peter Butler, Jocelyn Leveque, and Nathan Patterson.
