Liposuction is an elective cosmetic surgical procedure that removes pockets of fat from various areas of the body. One area that has become a popular spot for liposuction is the neck. Aging results in a weakening of skin’s elasticity, causing drooping, sagging, and apparently resulting in an open invitation for fatty tissue deposits to park and hang out in odd places on a permanent basis. This is bothersome for many and to combat this aging effect, neck liposuction is a popular alternative.
All surgical procedures have associated risks, and it’s vital a surgical candidate explore these risks, as well as adopt a realistic view of the probable outcome of a cosmetic procedure. The first consideration is always a patient’s current health. The healthier a patient is, the lower the risk of issues that can result from complications associated with surgery. Risks should be weighed against benefits before deciding to move forward with any medical procedure.
The biggest benefit to neck liposuction is the confidence that is regained by those who are greatly bothered by a sagging neck or “double” chin. Since the face and neck are highly prominent areas, cosmetic procedures in that location can have a dramatic effect. A taut, firm neck in place of a fatter, softer neck can knock years off the visual age of a patient. However, patients must keep expectations realistic, and then decide if the expectations are worth the risk of surgery.
If so, the first step to neck liposuction is the consultation. A surgeon will take a health history and ask questions about weight fluctuations, lifestyle, and body image. She’ll assess the elasticity of the skin, look for overall muscle tone, weight distribution, and areas prone to fatty deposits. The procedure will be explained in detail, and the surgeon will answer any questions regarding the neck liposuction procedure.
On the day of the surgery, the neck will be precisely marked for fat removal, an IV will be inserted to ensure appropriate levels of body fluids are maintained, and either a sedative will be given, or the anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia, depending on the doctor’s recommendation of anesthetic.
When the procedure begins, a small incision is made behind the ears or under the chin. A tube called a cannula is inserted in the fatty areas. This tube breaks up fatty deposits, then a high powered vacuum sucks the fatty deposits out, leaving the skin, muscles, and nerves intact. Neck liposuction takes approximately one hour, can be done as an outpatient procedure with local anesthesia, or general anesthesia if a patient has more extensive areas requiring treatment.
Typically, neck liposuction does not require an overnight stay in a hospital, and patients can return home after a few hours. Bruising and swelling should be expected, but most will be gone within a few weeks. Patients can return to sedentary jobs within a few days, and most others within a week. Stitches will either dissolve or be removed in about ten days.
