about the neck liposculpture procedure
In both men and women, liposculpture of the neck and under the chin may be performed. Of all the areas of the body which may have liposculpture, the small amount of fat that may be removed may provide a significant change in shape and contour of the jawline in carefully selected individuals. Acquiring fat in this area is often genetically inherited, and may be evident from an early age. Unfortunately, sometimes, diet and exercise may not adequately reduce fat here. Ageing is another risk factor, so this procedure may suit people of all age ages, depending on the skin quality.
Shape changes may be seen early following the procedure. Furthermore, swelling occurs post-operatively and is maximal between the first and second week. As part of the natural remodelling process of the chin area post-operatively, the tissue can feel firm and lumpy for some time afterwards. It is important to massage the area in the first few months. It may take up to 6 months or longer to get final results.
There could be temporary damage to one of the smiling muscles nerves (marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve). Should this occur, this is usually only temporary, and in most cases, the nerve usually regains its function within 8-12 weeks. In that time, the smile may be asymmetrical because the function of the nerve has been affected.
Interested in neck liposuction?
Request a consultation online. Or, if you have a question, explore our patient info page or get in touch with our team.
face & neck liposuction
Neck contouring may be achieved with liposuction using micro-cannulas. This is a 2-hour procedure performed under mild sedation. Because neck liposuction cannot significantly improve sagging skin, the typical liposuction patient will be in his or her 20’s through to early 50’s. Generally, the younger liposuction patients typically have good skin elasticity, which is necessary for the skin to contract smoothly and evenly after liposuction. A Facelift may be the preferred procedure by women or men who have large folds of skin on the neck with little subcutaneous fat.
Through small 3-5mm incisions, placed under the earlobes and under the jawline, the liposuction proceduralist injects the tumescent local anaesthesia solution into the fatty tissue (located between the skin and muscle). Then small blunt liposuction cannulas are used to remove the excess fatty tissue to contour the chin and neck. Following the liposuction procedure, patients typically wear a special supportive chin strap for a few days up to a week. It is typical to experience some swelling and bruising after neck liposuction and this should resolve within 10-14 days after the procedure.
Medical Research
Liposuction of the neck study findings are reported in international peer reviewed medical journals. These are made available to you and may be accessed below:
This 2022 scoping review of 539 submental liposuction research studies, reported transient (temporary) facial nerve paralysis occurred after submental liposuction in only one study and that nerve injuries were not significant.
Diniz, D., Gonçalves, K., Silva, C., Araújo, E., Carneiro, S., Lago, C., & De Vasconcelos, B. C. (2022). Complications associated with submental liposuction: a scoping review. Medicina Oral Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, e257–e264.
In this 2018 study, findings determined that neck liposuction performed with tumescent local anaesthesia is a safe procedure associated with a low incidence of nerve injury and other complications.
Habbema, L., Tang, J.C., T., Sattler, G., & Hanke, C. W. (2018). Liposuction of the Neck: Low Incidence of Nerve Injury and Other Complications in 987 Patients. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 17(1), 30–34. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29320585/
This informative 2009 article focuses on the common complications of neck liposuction and reviews the management, benefits and avoidance of possible complications.
Koehler, J. K. (2009). Complications of Neck Liposuction and Submentoplasty”. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics of North America, 21(1), 43–52
Who is suitable for neck Liposculpture?
Those individuals who have tangible fatty tissue in the neck/ chin area, also called the submental area.
Some people may have loose neck muscles (platysma) or sometimes there is not a sharp angle between the jaw and the neck. These people may have neck Liposculpture, but they may also request combined treatments with muscle-relaxing injections or possibly a face or neck lift (particularly in those patients who may have excessive or lax skin). Individual assessment is necessary to ascertain if suitable or not. Dr Meaghan Heckenberg only performs liposculpture / liposuction.
Liposculpture isn’t suitable for everyone. Only patients with a Body Mass Index of under 35 will be considered but only after they have been properly assessed during the consultation. Your BMI can be checked using the following online calculator: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/bmi-calculator
Smoking increases the level of carbon monoxide in the blood, which deprives tissues of oxygen. Blood supply is a major concern during any surgical procedure. Combining smoking and cosmetic surgery can categorically result in increased pain, loss of skin, infections, death of tissue or fat cells, delayed healing, thick scarring, permanent vessel damage, or blood clots. Smokers should cease smoking 6 weeks prior to the procedure or consider to not have the procedure at all.
Patients with body dysmorphia disorder (BDD) are inappropriate for liposuction / liposculpture or any type of cosmetic surgery or procedure. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental illness. People who have this illness constantly worry about the way they look. They may believe an inconspicuous or non-existent physical attribute is a serious defect. They respond to this by performing repetitive acts such as mirror checking or comparing their appearance with others. The severity of BDD varies. For example, some people know their feelings and / or perceptions aren’t rational or justified, while others are almost delusional in their conviction. BDD causes severe emotional distress. It is not just vanity and is not something a person can just ‘forget about’ or ‘get over’. The preoccupation of their appearances can be so extreme that the affected person has trouble functioning at work, school or in social situations. People who suffer from BDD can target any part of the body. They may seek out numerous cosmetic procedures to try to “fix” their perceived flaw. Afterward, they may feel temporary satisfaction or a reduction in their distress, but often the anxiety returns and the search for other flaws may resume, along with ways to “fix” them. Treatment of BDD may include cognitive behavioural therapy and medication after an assessment by a Psychologist.
Are there any scars?
The small access incision sites are approximately 3-5mm wide. There are usually 3-4 incision site per side. They are not sutured after the procedure and the skin edges are aligned together by steri-strips. Scars may develop over the incision sites (only 3-5mm) or become darker or lighter in colour or become enlarged but generally they tend to become less obvious with time, especially on the face and neck. Sutures are not required for most incisions and the incision sites act as drainage points post operatively to allow the excess anaesthetic fluid to drain out.
What support garments are required?
A special light-coloured neck and lower face garment is used for the first few days after the procedure and then at night only for a further 2-3 nights. No more than 7 days is usual practice.
How long does the procedure take?
Most neck liposculpture procedures takes approximately 1 and ½ – 2 hours to complete.
How much time will I need off?
In general, you should plan on taking a week off work. Bruising is variable and may take longer in some people to resolve. It would be about 2 weeks or so before normal vigorous physical activities such as going to the gym, should be restarted. Light walking is advisable.
How much will it cost?
The cost of this procedure varies according to the areas requested. The hospital theatre fee is time based and is the anaesthetist’s fee.
Liposuction / liposculpture is NOT covered by Medicare or Private Health Insurance. For an accurate costing, please use the online consultation or make an appointment by phoning 0484898977. For more information please see our Neck Liposculpture PDF here
Please take note
Liposculpture isn’t suitable for everyone. Only patients with a Body Mass Index of under 35 will be considered but only after they have been properly assessed during the consultation. Your BMI can be checked using the following online calculator:
Smoking increases the level of carbon monoxide in the blood, which deprives tissues of oxygen. Blood supply is a major concern during any surgical procedure. Combining smoking and cosmetic surgery can categorically result in increased pain, loss of skin, infections, death of tissue or fat cells, delayed healing, thick scarring, permanent vessel damage, or blood clots. Smokers should cease smoking 6 weeks prior to the procedure or consider to not have the procedure at all.
Patients with body dysmorphia disorder (BDD) are inappropriate for liposuction / liposculpture or any type of cosmetic surgery or procedure. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental illness. People who have this illness constantly worry about the way they look. They may believe an inconspicuous or non-existent physical attribute is a serious defect. They respond to this by performing repetitive acts such as mirror checking or comparing their appearance with others. The severity of BDD varies. For example, some people know their feelings and / or perceptions aren’t rational or justified, while others are almost delusional in their conviction. BDD causes severe emotional distress. It is not just vanity and is not something a person can just ‘forget about’ or ‘get over’.
The preoccupation of their appearances can be so extreme that the affected person has trouble functioning at work, school or in social situations. People who suffer from BDD can target any part of the body. They may seek out numerous cosmetic procedures to try to “fix” their perceived flaw. Afterward, they may feel temporary satisfaction or a reduction in their distress, but often the anxiety returns and the search for other flaws may resume, along with ways to “fix” them. Treatment of BDD may include cognitive behavioural therapy and medication after an assessment by a Psychiatrist.