MICROLIPOSUCTION OF THE NECK Note: All procedures shown were performed by Dr. Churukian, and no photos were altered to enhance the results. Before; early 1980s After Liposuction was introduced to America from Europe in the early 1980s. Before this time, surgery was required to remove fat from the neck. This patient was only in her 30s when she requested a more defined neckline for professional purposes. Our only option at the time was a surgical neck lift. Before After Switching to liposuction (or later, microliposuction) under local anesthesia greatly simplified this procedure. It became common as an office procedure for a wide variety of patients. Here we have an older teen with a hereditary neck fullness who benefited from microlipo as an office visit. Before After Sometimes we see a fullness just under the chin, and sometimes we lose the definition along the jawline. Here microlipo was used to both smooth the bulge under her chin and better define her jawline. A total of 53cc of fat was removed. Before After Here the fat was localized just under the chin. A total of 20cc’s of fat was removed for a subtle result. Before After In the front view of this same patient, she appears to have lost weight. This is a common perception, although this patient remained at the same weight. Before After Here we see an early example from the 1980s before we could accurately measure the amount of fat removed. Judging from the photos, over 50cc’s of fat was removed, and we were both pleased with the results. Before After The microlipo technique is well suited for the neck because it allows precise control. Here only 8cc of fat was carefully removed for the desired result. Before After Microliposuction of the neck means using small 2mm cannulas (less than 1/8th inch diameter) and a hand syringe to gradually remove the fat. Machine suction is not used. We also use a dilute local anesthetic to avoid stinging and a cocktail of happy pills (see Patient Info). Here 39cc of fat was removed to better define the jawline. Before After We have seen that removing fat along the jawline sharpens the definition. Sometimes further strengthening the profile with a chin implant also helps. This can be done at the same time. Here the profile was further modified by slightly lifting the nose, all done together. Before After Removing fat from below the jawline works well depending on the skin of the neck. However, any fat removal above the jawline into the face must be very focused, conservative, & accurately measured. Before After The front view of the same patient above shows a subtle increase of her cheek definition. This was due to a tiny fat removal just under the cheekbones. More commonly we add a little fat over the cheeks for a similar result (see Fat Grafting). Before After When we get into the early 40’s we become more cautious in removing fat from the central neck to avoid sagging skin. It still works well for the jowls and jawline. Here we have someone with thicker smoother skin in her 40’s who is still a good candidate and can have a good result. Before After Most men have naturally thicker and stronger skin than women, probably in part due to our beards. This means that usually men can have microlipo of the neck into the 40’s with good results and without compromising the skin. Before After Entering the 50’s there are still occasions when men can successfully have this procedure if it is mostly excess fat to be removed and not sagging skin or muscle in the neck. Before After Rarely, some women may be candidates for a conservative fat removal to avoid a surgical tightening of the skin or muscle. Again, this works best for the jawline where the skin cooperates rather than just under the chin in the middle of the neck. Before 1.5 Years Later Sometimes how evenly the skin eventually shrinks after microlipo or weight loss can be difficult to predict. Here we had both. A total of 37cc of fat was removed and her weight dropped 27 lbs over the next few years. While the neck and jawline became more slim and defined there was some residual skin excess in the central neck. Before After This patient in her 50’s was mostly concerned with a lump of fat showing just under her chin. We agreed that removing the fat here would likely involve a compromise with her thin skin. Surgical tightening was not desired or performed. The front view shows the desired improvement. Before After The side view shows an improvement in her profile. Although a total of only 3cc of fat was removed the skin did not shrink evenly. In this age group and especially with thin skin this compromise must be acceptable in order to have this procedure. Home | Face & Neck | Nose | Ears | Eyelids | Fat Grafting | Microlipo-Neck | Microlipo-Body | Skin Resurfacing | Testimonials | Give Back | About Dr Churukian | About the Clinic | Patient Info | Contact