Head and Neck Liposuction

Everyone has slight differences in the neck region. You may have excessive fat, an unflattering angle, folds, excessive skin or a combination of these problems. One option for addressing this area is head and neck liposuction, which removes stubborn fat.

At Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Centers of El Paso, we offer a wide variety of surgical and non-surgical services to give you the best results possible. When you come to our office, we will sit down and discuss your needs and desires. Using computer simulation, we will formulate a plan that is best for you.

What Is Liposuction of the Head and Neck?

Liposuction is a surgical fat removal technique in which a surgeon makes small incisions and then inserts a thin hollow tube called a cannula to loosen and suction out fat cells. In the head and neck, it targets pockets of fat that sit between the skin and muscle. Removing these cells reshapes the area permanently since fat cells do not grow back. The amount of fat in the head and neck is small, so the work is precise and controlled. Our surgeons use different techniques based on your bone structure and skin quality.

Areas Treated With Head and Neck Liposuction

We can treat many areas with head and neck liposuction, including:

• Under the Chin
• Jawline
• Neck
• Jowls
• Cheeks

Am I a Good Candidate for Head and Neck Liposuction?

If there is good skin elasticity with some fatty deposits in the neck, liposuction alone is sometimes enough to rejuvenate the neckline and jawline. This often works best in patients under 40 years old or in conjunction with another procedure such as a facelift in older patients with more skin laxity. If you do have more significant sagging, you may be a better candidate for a facelift or for a combination of facelift, neck lift and liposuction. 

Candidates for liposuction should also be in good general health with no diagnoses that could interfere with the healing process. Patients also need to either be nonsmokers or be willing to stop for the duration of the preparation and healing period. 

What to Expect From the Procedure

Before your surgery, you will meet with your surgeon to review your medical history and mark the treatment areas. Head and neck liposuction can often be done under local anesthesia because of the smaller treatment area, but general anesthesia may be used for larger-volume cases. You will discuss anesthesia during the consultation process so you know what to expect and how to prepare.

Once the surgery begins, your surgeon will make a tiny incision just a few millimeters wide. For head and neck surgery, this is often hidden under the chin or behind the ears. Your surgeon will then insert the cannula into the opening and begin to suction out the fat. Most cases take one to two hours, during which time your surgeon will carefully contour the area according to plans made during your consultation. 

The incisions can be closed with a single stitch or surgical tape. Head and neck liposuction is an outpatient surgery, so you can go home the same day. Depending on the surgery, you may need someone to drive you home. 

Recovery and Results

You can expect swelling and bruising around the chin and neck for the first one to two weeks, along with some soreness and discomfort that can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Your surgeon will fit you with a compression garment that wraps the chin and neck. Make sure you wear it as often and as long as they instruct you to, as it will help the area heal and allow the skin to settle into the new contour.

With liposuction, you will likely be able to return to desk work within three to five days. During the first two or three weeks, you should pause heavy workouts and any activities that cause the area to be exposed to too much heat. The early swelling will hide your results at first, before you can fully enjoy your new contours. In around three months, you will see your full results. 

Why Choose Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Centers of El Paso

Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Centers of El Paso has been serving the community for decades and brings together three board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Mark A. Jabor, Dr. R. Dale Reynolds and Dr. Jaime Aburto. We offer the full range of cosmetic surgery. From your first consultation through your final follow-up, you work directly with your chosen surgeon and never with a nurse practitioner or assistant in their place.

Dr. Jabor holds dual board certification in plastic surgery and otolaryngology. Dr. Reynolds has been repeatedly recognized as one of the region’s top plastic surgeons, and Dr. Aburto is fellowship-trained in surgical oncology and plastic surgery. Our team serves the El Paso community with honesty and personal attention to every patient.

FAQs About Head and Neck Liposuction

Is head and neck liposuction permanent?

The fat cells removed during liposuction do not grow back. Your contour stays as long as your weight remains fairly steady. If you gain a significant amount of weight, the remaining fat cells in the area can enlarge and change how the contour looks.

Will I have visible scars after head and neck liposuction?

Scars after liposuction are minimal. Your surgeon will take care to place them in hidden locations where they will not be visible after healing, especially as the marks will fade with time. Your surgeon may also give you specific steps to follow to help the incisions heal and be less visible.

Can head and neck liposuction be combined with other procedures?

It is possible to combine head and neck liposuction with other procedures like a neck lift, facelift or chin implant in order to address different concerns in addition to the excess fat. If you do have multiple areas you want treated, combining surgeries means one recovery period instead of several.

Does insurance cover head and neck liposuction?

Head and neck liposuction is considered a cosmetic procedure, so insurance does not cover it. Costs depend on how many areas you treat. We discuss pricing at your consultation once your surgeon builds your treatment plan and can walk you through payment and financing options so you understand the full cost before you decide.

How is head and neck liposuction different from Kybella or CoolSculpting?

Kybella® and CoolSculpting® are non-surgical fat reduction treatments. Kybella uses an injected acid to dissolve fat under the chin, while CoolSculpting freezes fat cells so the body clears them. Both treat smaller areas and often need several sessions. Liposuction removes more fat in one surgery and lets the surgeon shape the area directly, so the results are more precise and predictable, though downtime is longer. 

Schedule Your Head and Neck Liposuction Consultation in El Paso, TX

Find out whether head and neck liposuction fits your goals. You can meet with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons at Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Centers of El Paso by booking an appointment online or calling us at 915-543-5600.