Dr. Christine Bokman

Facial Surgery

Neck & Chin Liposuction

Liposuction is performed under the chin and in the neck to get rid of unwanted fat, thin the neck, and sculpt the jawline.

Her approach

Under chin and neck fullness can be hereditary or acquired, or a combination of both. There are different fat compartments in the neck, and Dr. Bokman assesses each patient to determine a surgical plan. Neck and chin liposuction alone is typically recommended for patients under 45 years old; if neck muscles need to be repositioned or skin is lax, then a face and neck lift is recommended, which can be at any age.

What neck and chin liposuction addresses

Neck and chin liposuction addresses under-the-chin fullness (a double chin) as well as extra fat in the neck itself. The result is a sculpted jawline, improvement or complete resolution of a double chin, and a slimmed neck. If it is performed as a standalone procedure, then it is typically reserved for younger patients who do not need skin tightened at the same time.

Hereditary oblique necks

Neck fullness is not always acquired but can also be hereditary. An oblique neck is a neck with anteriorly positioned internal neck structures, resulting in the appearance of neck fullness and a blunted cervicomental angle. For these types of cases, Dr. Bokman typically performs both neck liposuction and internal neck surgery to reposition the muscles and glands, creating a sharper and well-defined neck. The result is a well defined jawline and a greater distinction between the neck and chin.

Recovery

The recovery after neck and chin liposuction is minimal, with bruising and swelling limited to the neck area, and typically lasting from just three to seven days after surgery. Sometimes one to two stitches are used to close the small puncture wounds from the liposuction cannula, and those are removed after five to seven days. The final result after liposuction of the face is generally appreciated sooner than one would anticipate, in about four to six weeks.

Frequently asked questions

What is neck and chin liposuction?
A small cannula is introduced through a 2-3mm puncture incision and fat is removed. Liposuction is meticulously performed to sculpt the chin, jawline, and neck. It is almost always performed with a deep plane face and neck lift, but may be performed as a standalone procedure in younger patients who do not need skin tightening.
Can it be performed under local anesthesia?
Yes, in patients who do not need skin tightening (i.e. do not need facelift/neck lift surgery), it can be performed under local anesthesia in the office. Dr. Bokman will assess your skin quality and decide whether or not you also need skin tightening, which is more common in older patients.
Can it be combined with a facelift?
Yes, it is almost always recommended in conjunction with a face and neck lift to better sculpt the chin and jawline. In younger patients or even patients who are older but have good skin quality, it can be performed as a standalone procedure.
I am in my 30s and there is no distinction between my chin and neck. Will liposuction fix this?
Yes and no. Liposuction will definitely improve the definition of the chin and jawline, but in cases for which a patient has an oblique neck, or a neck that has anteriorly positioned muscles and glands, neck surgery may also need to be performed to create a more distinct chin and neck definition.
What is recovery like?
Swelling and bruising are minimal and typically resolve after three to seven days, with the final result closer to one month after surgery. Exercise and normal activities may be resumed after one week. Sometimes stitches are used (usually just one to two stitches) and they are removed after one week.

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