Submental Liposuction

Submental liposuction is a procedure whereby the fatty tissue under the chin, beneath the jowl, and along the upper portion of the neck, is carefully suctioned away using small mini-cannulas and a sculpting technique. Dr. Sparano performs this procedure not in a broad, general, and imprecise way, but instead with very fine lipo-contouring through a small slit incision under the chin. Dr. Sparano uses special instrumentation designed to leave the overlying skin non-traumatized by the procedure.

This procedure is ideal for patients with an aging neck who request a moderate benefit without a neck lift operation, or for younger patients with a stubborn area of fat under the chin. Results are most impressive when patients have enough inherent elasticity to the overlying skin, to allow for a rebound effect by the skin, with pleasant associated aesthetic contouring.

The procedure is usually performed in an office-based setting using local anesthesia and occasional oral sedation. When combined with other procedures, it may be performed in an outpatient operating room setting. The procedure takes less than 30 minutes. Effective contouring of the target area can be consistently achieved if a patient is a good candidate for the procedure. Details are discussed during private consultation with Dr. Sparano.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will the fat cells treated by liposuction come back?
That fat cells treated by liposuction are removed and will not return. These will not be replaced by other fat cells. With excessive weight gain, the fat cells of the body will respond as they otherwise would.

Will liposuction injure the skin of my neck?
Dr. Sparano uses small mini-cannulas designed for use in the neck, along with a safe methodology to avoid injury to the associated skin of the neck.

What is the recovery like following the procedure?
Dr. Sparano applies a special wrap for the first post-operative night. He sees his patients the next day for a cleaning, and thereafter gives them a wrap to be worn for the first week. Exercise and strenuous activity should be restricted for the week following the procedure. There is minimal discomfort the first day of the procedure, controlled by an oral pain medication. Patients can usually transition to Tylenol/acetaminophen after 1-2 days following the procedure.

Is it too late for liposuction to my neck?
Sometimes it is too late to perform liposuction of the neck tissues if effective contouring is the goal. The type of fat, location of fat, skin elasticity, overall health of patient, and patient’s expectations all factor into the decision to perform this procedure.

How much time off from my daily activities should I schedule?
Most patients return to their normal daily activities after 1 week.