Sculpt Your Neckline with Neck Liposuction
Neck liposuction removes excess fat from the chin and neck to contour the jawline and create a more balanced, slimmer facial profile.
Contour and Define Your Lower Face
Everyone stores and carries fat in different ways. Sometimes, no amount of exercise or healthy eating can eliminate certain fat deposits.
Neck liposuction patients are generally people who are at an optimal weight but have excess fat along the jawline. These patients are often frustrated or self-conscious about having a neckline that doesn’t complement the rest of their bodies.
What You Should Know About Neck Liposuction
Neck liposuction can remove the fat pockets that cause a “double chin” or other unwanted fullness in a patient’s jawline area. For patients with good skin elasticity who maintain a healthy weight, neck liposuction results can be permanent.
It is important to understand that while neck liposuction can effectively address excess fat, it does not correct sagging skin. If loose skin in the neck area is a concern, Dr. Balikian may recommend undergoing an alternative neck-contouring procedure or combining neck liposuction with another treatment.
What to Expect During Neck Liposuction
The procedure for removing unwanted fat in the neck and chin (submental liposuction) starts with the administration of anesthesia. Local anesthesia is usually administered to numb the target area. Then, markings may be made to outline the treatment area.
A small cannula is inserted through a tiny incision on the neck and chin. Through repeated movements of the cannula, adipose tissue is suctioned out of the target areas. The whole process may take only about 30 minutes or more.
Healing and Recovery Following Neck Liposuction
Thanks to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, downtime and recovery are typically brief. While some swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal, these can be effectively managed with prescribed medication.
Patients are advised to wear compression garments around the neck and jawline for several days to support healing. Results are visible immediately and continue to improve as swelling and bruising gradually diminish.
Neck Liposuction Before and After Gallery
Who is a Good Candidate for Neck Liposuction?
During your consultation, Dr. Balikian will assess your candidacy by performing a physical examination and reviewing your medical history. Ideal candidates are in good overall health, at a stable and healthy weight, and committed to following pre- and post-operative guidelines, including avoiding alcohol and tobacco use.
Skin elasticity also plays a key role in achieving optimal results. Younger patients with firmer skin tend to see the best outcomes, as the skin can naturally conform to the new contours. Older individuals or those with reduced skin elasticity may benefit more from alternative or combined neck-contouring procedures.
Procedures Commonly Combined with Neck Liposuction
To enhance your results and address other areas of concern, neck liposuction is often performed alongside additional procedures. These may include a chin implant to improve facial balance, a preservation deep plane facelift to lift sagging tissues in the mid and lower face, or a neck lift to tighten loose skin and underlying muscles.
In select cases, submental gland reduction or platysmaplasty may be recommended to create a smoother, more defined neckline. Dr. Balikian will help you explore the most effective combinations based on your anatomy, goals, and skin condition.
What to Expect During Your Consultation
A physical examination of your neck and chin will be performed during your consultation. This assessment will help determine the best treatment approach to address your concerns.
A review of your medical history will be conducted to evaluate your health, including existing illnesses and current medications. Discuss your issues and expected outcome so that a tailored treatment plan can be developed for you.
What Is the Cost of Neck Liposuction?
The overall cost of neck liposuction depends on several factors, including anesthesia fees, facility costs, post-surgical garments, medications, medical tests, the surgeon’s fees, and the specific techniques used during the procedure.
Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Richard Balikian is a highly respected facial plastic surgeon serving the San Diego area.
With over 20 years of experience and double board certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Balikian offers a unique combination of technical expertise and artistic vision.
He is part of an elite group of surgeons with extensive training focused exclusively on the face and neck.
Neck Liposuction FAQs
What is neck liposuction?
Neck liposuction removes excess fat beneath the chin and along the jawline to restore sharper definition and a smoother neck contour. Dr. Balikian uses small, hidden incisions and fine microcannulas to sculpt the area precisely. The goal is not to remove too much, but to create natural transitions between the jaw, chin, and neck for a refined, elegant profile.
How does Dr. Balikian perform neck liposuction?
He begins by marking key anatomical landmarks while the patient is upright to account for natural light and shadow. Under local or general anesthesia, he uses tumescent infiltration for comfort and safety, then inserts ultra-fine cannulas through tiny incisions hidden under the chin or behind the ears. Using controlled, multi-directional passes, he removes just enough fat to enhance jawline structure without flattening the neck.
What makes Dr. Balikian’s approach unique?
As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Balikian applies the same principles he uses in his deep plane facelift. He balances artistry with engineering, sculpting the neckline in harmony with the lower face. His approach prioritizes definition, proportion, and natural results that blend seamlessly with the cheeks and jaw.
Who is a good candidate for neck liposuction?
Ideal candidates have good skin elasticity and localized fullness beneath the chin or along the jawline. It is not a skin-tightening procedure but works best in patients whose skin can contract naturally after fat removal. For patients with significant laxity or visible neck bands, Dr. Balikian may recommend a deep vertical neck lift or facelift instead.
Does neck liposuction tighten the skin?
Liposuction itself does not tighten skin, but when performed conservatively in patients with good tone, the skin often contracts smoothly as swelling subsides. For mild looseness, Dr. Balikian may pair neck liposuction with SkinTyte™ or laser resurfacing to promote collagen remodeling.
Can neck liposuction be combined with other facial procedures?
Yes. Dr. Balikian often performs submental liposuction alongside his deep plane facelift, deep vertical neck lift, or chin implant to improve structural definition. When performed together, these procedures create a seamless transition from the jawline to the neckline.
What is recovery like?
Expect swelling, tightness, and mild bruising for a few days. A soft compression garment helps the skin re-drape. Most patients resume desk work in 3 to 5 days. Photobiomodulation protocols can help reduce postoperative swelling and support healing.
How long do results last?
Removed fat cells do not regenerate. With a stable weight and good skincare, contour improvement is long lasting. In oncology-related neck lymphedema, carefully selected submental liposuction has also demonstrated quality-of-life and appearance benefits, underscoring durability when the indication is correct.
What are the risks?
When performed by an experienced, board-certified surgeon, serious complications are uncommon. Potential issues include contour irregularity, temporary numbness, small fluid collections, or bruising. Reviews of liposuction safety and outpatient series report low overall complication rates with tumescent technique; submental-specific literature notes that complications are rare but can be significant if they occur, emphasizing careful technique and blood-pressure control.
How does Dr. Balikian keep results natural?
He removes only what is necessary and sculpts in multiple planes with fine instruments. The goal is a smooth transition from chin to jaw to neck, never an over-resected or hollow look. This restraint, paired with structural thinking from his facelift work, is what keeps results believable.
Your Journey Starts Here
Elevated Care. Exceptional Results.
Dr. Richard Balikian is recognized for elevating facial plastic surgery through precision, artistry and outcomes that reflect your true self.
Discover the Art of Facial Plastic Surgery
Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery: Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS