Neck Submental Liposuction

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Chesterfield Valley, O'Fallon and Chesterfield, MO

Neck liposuction is a specialized contouring procedure that reduces stubborn, diet-resistant fat deposits around your neck and jawline. (1)

Neck fat is notoriously difficult to burn off through traditional dieting and exercise. Neck offers a precise and long-lasting solution to stubborn submental fat, allowing you to achieve a more slender neck and defined jawline.

Dr. Robert T. Cristel is a double board-certified surgeon at Synergi Facial Surgery who specializes in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology/head and neck surgery. With more than 12 years of experience, he has helped many patients achieve their aesthetic goals with refined techniques like neck liposuction. When he is not treating patients, Dr. Cristel can be found serving as a clinical instructor at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, mentoring fellows, residents, and medical students alike.

To start working with Dr. Cristel, please schedule a consultation online or call (314) 523-5738 to reach our Chesterfield Valley, O’Fallon, or Chesterfield locations.

About Neck Liposuction

Neck liposuction uses a suction cannula to precisely target and remove fat. Benefits include:

  • Reduced Fullness: Neck liposuction may create a smoother, slimmer, and more defined appearance.
  • Improves Proportions: Addressing submental fullness improves proportions by enhancing the definition between the chin and neck.
  • Long-Lasting Results: Neck liposuction yields essentially permanent results, as fat cells cannot regenerate after removal.
  • Minimal Scarring: Dr. Cristel uses small, discreet incisions to reduce the possibility of any visible post-procedure scarring.
  • Boosted Self-Esteem: Reducing submental fullness may help you feel more confident about your appearance.

Candidates for Neck Liposuction

You may be an ideal candidate for neck liposuction if you have accumulated excess fat around your neck and jawline and wish to remove it to restore a more contoured appearance. To qualify for this procedure, you should be in good general health, have good skin elasticity, and be at a stable and maintainable weight. You should also be nonsmoking or willing to quit using nicotine.

For patients with sagging neck skin, Dr. Cristel may recommend a neck lift either instead of or alongside neck liposuction. This procedure addresses sagging neck tissue, whereas neck liposuction primarily targets the fat and does not offer substantial skin tightening.

It is important that you have realistic expectations regarding your results. Dr. Cristel will officially determine your candidacy during your consultation.

Personal Consultation

Each patient is unique, which is why we ask that you attend a personal consultation before scheduling your procedure. During this consultation, Dr. Cristel will meet with you individually to explain what neck liposuction involves, determine your candidacy, and create your treatment plan. He will assess your medical history, ask you about your personal concerns, and discuss your desired results. He will also perform a physical examination to evaluate your neck anatomy and skin quality.

To schedule this consultation, please submit our online contact form. Alternatively, you may call (314) 523-5738 to reach our Chesterfield Valley, O’Fallon, and Chesterfield offices.

Preparing for Neck Liposuction

Once you have scheduled your neck liposuction procedure, you may need to make certain preparations to ensure you are ready. Dr. Cristel will give you a set of detailed pre-operative instructions. He may direct you to:

  • Adjust Certain Medications: Discontinue taking any medications or supplements that may thin your blood.
  • Arrange Transportation: You should arrange a ride home from your procedure with a trusted friend or family member.
  • Request Time Off: Prepare to take a step back from some of your daily activities to focus on healing.
  • Fill Your Prescriptions: Pick up any medications that you may need beforehand.
  • Stop Smoking: Refrain from smoking or using any nicotine for at least four weeks before your procedure, and maintain your cessation throughout your recovery. (2)
  • Avoid Alcohol: You will need to avoid consuming alcohol in the days before and after your procedure.

Procedure

Dr. Cristel performs neck liposuction in our surgical suite. The exact duration of your procedure will vary depending on the details of your treatment plan, but you can expect it to be about an hour. You will receive the necessary anesthesia for your comfort.

Dr. Cristel will make a small incision beneath the chin before administering tumescent fluid to your local fat deposits. This solution consists of lidocaine, epinephrine, and saline, and will further numb the tissues, minimize excess bleeding, and swell your fat cells for easier removal. (2) Using a suction cannula, Dr. Cristel will gently remove the targeted fat.

If you are undergoing a neck lift as well, this portion of the procedure will be performed after fat removal. Dr. Cristel will remove sagging skin and tighten the neck muscles for long-lasting, stable results and reduced neck banding.

Recovery

After neck liposuction, you will need to take some time to focus on your recovery. You may return to most of your daily activities after resting for approximately a week or two, but you will need to avoid more strenuous or vigorous tasks until Dr. Cristel approves.

Throughout recovery, it is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, or tenderness in the treated areas. These effects are temporary and will subside on their own, but you may also manage them with a cold compress, medications that Dr. Cristel prescribes, and plenty of rest.

Dr. Cristel will provide you with a full set of recovery instructions after your procedure.

Neck Liposuction Results

After your procedure, you may notice immediate improvements, but the full results of neck liposuction will become more apparent as any residual swelling decreases. Once you are fully healed, you will be able to see a slimmer neck and a more defined jaw. Patients often look younger after removing this fat.

The results of neck liposuction are essentially permanent, as once fat cells are removed, they cannot return. However, the surrounding, untreated fat cells can still swell, making it essential to maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle in order to preserve your results.

Cost of Neck Liposuction in St. Louis, MO

The cost of your neck liposuction can vary depending on several aspects of your treatment plan, such as the amount of fat that Dr. Cristel removes and whether any other procedures are performed. Once Dr. Cristel has met with you to discuss the details of your procedure, he will provide you with a cost estimate. We also list our pricing on our website, excluding any potential anesthesia or surgical center fees, so you can get a general idea of costs before your consultation.

To schedule your consultation today and learn more about pricing, please contact us online or call (314) 523-5738.

FAQ

How much fat will Dr. Cristel remove from my neck during my procedure?

The exact amount of fat that Dr. Cristel removes during your procedure will be unique to you. The neck is naturally a very small treatment area, so he will remove just enough fat to offer optimal definition and natural results.

How long does it usually take for Dr. Cristel to perform neck liposuction?

The neck liposuction procedure typically takes less than an hour to perform. The exact duration of your unique procedure may vary. If you are undergoing any additional procedures, your procedure time may be longer. Dr. Cristel can give you an estimation of how long your procedure might take during your personal consultation.

How long does it take to recover from neck liposuction?

Recovery after a neck liposuction procedure is considered fairly quick when compared to larger-scale treatments. You will still need to take time away from some of your normal responsibilities to focus on resting, but many patients return to light work after just one week. In any case, you will need to refrain from more strenuous or physically demanding tasks until Dr. Cristel has cleared you to return.

How long do the results of neck liposuction typically last?

Neck liposuction results are long-lasting, as fat cannot return after removal. However, other fat deposits can still swell, so you should do your best to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Can Dr. Cristel combine neck liposuction with another aesthetic procedure?

Yes, Dr. Cristel can combine your neck liposuction with another procedure or treatment for more comprehensive contouring or to address several concerns within one appointment. We recommend scheduling a personal consultation for further information and personalized suggestions.

Does neck liposuction address sagging skin?

No, neck liposuction does not traditionally address sagging skin. For patients with both excess submental fat and sagging skin, Dr. Cristel may recommend a combined approach of neck liposuction with a neck lift. A neck lift removes excess skin after liposuction for smoother results—it also tightens the neck muscle to reduce neck banding.

References

  1. Jacob CI, Berkes BJ, Kaminer MS. Liposuction and surgical recontouring of the neck: a retrospective analysis. Dermatologic Surgery: Official Publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et Al]. 2000;26(7):625-632. doi:https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1524-4725.2000.00021.x
  2. Bartow MJ, Raggio BS. Liposuction. Nih.gov. Published February 14, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563135/#article-112503.s4