Neck Liposuction in Portland, OR
Refine Your Jawline, Eliminate Your Double Chin
Unwanted fat deposits beneath the chin and along the neck can obscure the jawline and create the appearance of a "double chin," detracting from facial harmony. Neck liposuction offers a targeted surgical solution, precisely removing this excess fatty tissue to restore a slimmer, more defined, and youthful neck contour. This cosmetic procedure effectively enhances your overall facial profile.
Dr. Samuel Bartholomew, a double board-certified plastic surgeon serving the Portland and Clackamas communities, possesses extensive experience in performing meticulous neck liposuction procedures. He utilizes advanced surgical techniques tailored to your specific anatomy and aesthetic goals. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and explore how neck contouring can rejuvenate your appearance.
What is Neck Liposuction?
Neck liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure specifically designed to remove localized, excess fatty tissue from the neck and the area underneath the chin (submental region). Using specialized liposuction instruments, your plastic surgeon will carefully extract unwanted fat deposits that are often resistant to diet and exercise. It primarily addresses fat accumulation, distinct from a neck lift procedure, which targets loose skin and muscle laxity in the neck region, although the procedures can sometimes be combined for comprehensive results.
How Does Neck Liposuction Work?
The neck liposuction procedure performed by Dr. Bartholomew typically involves the following key steps for optimal results and safety:
- Anesthesia Administered: Your comfort is ensured using appropriate anesthesia, commonly local anesthesia combined with intravenous sedation (twilight sleep), based on the surgical plan discussed during your consultation.
- Tiny Incisions Created: Dr. Bartholomew makes very small, strategically placed incisions, often discreetly hidden within natural skin creases under the chin or near the earlobes to minimize visible scarring.
- Excess Fat Removed: A thin, hollow tube called a cannula is inserted through the incisions. Using gentle back-and-forth motions and controlled suction, the targeted excess fat deposits are carefully removed to sculpt the desired neck contour.
- Incisions Closed: Following fat removal, the minimal incisions are closed with fine sutures, contributing to a seamless final appearance after healing is complete.
Benefits of Neck Liposuction
Defined Jawline & Neck Contour
Effectively removes the excess fat that can obscure the natural angle between the jaw and neck, creating a sharper, more defined, and aesthetically pleasing profile.
Reduced Double Chin Appearance
Directly targets and permanently eliminates the submental fatty tissue responsible for the common appearance of a "double chin," resulting in a slimmer under-chin area.
Improved Facial Harmony
Creates a smoother, more proportionate transition from the face to the neck, enhancing the overall balance and harmony of your facial features naturally and subtly.
Minimal Scarring
Utilizes very small incisions placed inconspicuously within natural skin folds or shadows, typically resulting in scarring that is barely visible once fully healed over time.
Complements Other Procedures
Frequently enhances the results of other facial procedures like a facelift, chin implant (chin augmentation), or neck lift when performed concurrently for more comprehensive rejuvenation.
Who is a Good Candidate for Neck Liposuction?
You may be a suitable candidate for neck liposuction if you:
- Possess localized deposits of excess fat beneath your chin or along your neck, have an undefined jawline, or the appearance of a double chin.
- Retain good skin elasticity in the neck region, which allows the skin to retract smoothly and conform to the new, slimmer contour after fat removal for optimal results.
- Primarily seek improvement related to excess fatty tissue, rather than significant amounts of loose skin or prominent neck muscle banding (which often requires a neck lift).
- Maintain a relatively stable body weight and practice a healthy lifestyle, supporting the longevity of your surgical procedure outcomes.
- Hold realistic expectations regarding the improvements achievable with targeted fat removal, specifically through neck liposuction cosmetic surgery alone.
Recovery After Neck Liposuction
Following your neck liposuction procedure, expect some degree of swelling, bruising, and tenderness in the treated area, which is normal during the initial healing process. Dr. Bartholomew typically requires patients to wear a supportive compression garment or chin strap for a specific period. This minimizes swelling and helps the skin conform to the new neck contour smoothly. Discomfort is usually manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. Most individuals return to work and light social activities within approximately one week, although strenuous activity should be avoided for several weeks, as advised in your detailed postoperative care instructions.
Anesthesia for Neck Liposuction Surgery
Neck liposuction is most commonly performed using local anesthesia combined with intravenous (IV) sedation, often referred to as "twilight anesthesia." This approach ensures you are completely comfortable, relaxed, and unaware during the procedure without requiring full general anesthesia. Depending on the extent of the liposuction, or if combined with other facial procedures, general anesthesia might be utilized. Dr. Bartholomew will discuss the most appropriate anesthesia option for your specific needs during your comprehensive consultation.
Start Your Transformation Today
If you are bothered by the appearance of a double chin or lack of definition along your jawline and neck, explore the benefits of neck liposuction with Dr. Samuel Bartholomew. Contact our Portland or Clackamas office to schedule your personalized consultation. Dr. Bartholomew will evaluate your concerns, discuss suitable treatment options, and help you achieve your aesthetic goals with expert surgical care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, neck liposuction is a type of cosmetic surgery procedure performed by a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Bartholomew. Its primary goal is to aesthetically improve the contours of the neck and under-chin area by surgically removing excess fatty tissue for a more defined appearance.
This procedure specifically targets and removes unwanted subcutaneous fatty tissue located directly beneath the chin (the submental area, contributing to a "double chin") and along the jawline and upper neck region where localized fat deposits can obscure facial definition.
The fat cells removed during neck liposuction are gone permanently from the treated area. Therefore, the contouring results are generally very long-lasting, provided you maintain a relatively stable weight and healthy lifestyle afterward, as significant weight gain can cause remaining fat cells to enlarge. Natural aging processes will continue over time.
Effective anesthesia ensures you are completely comfortable and experience no pain during the actual surgical procedure. Post-operative soreness, tenderness, and bruising are expected but typically well-managed with prescribed or recommended pain medication during the initial recovery period. The compression garment also provides support.