Neck Liposuction in Scottsdale

If you have ever watched your weight and stayed active, you have probably learned that the way your body stores fat is inherited from your parents.  Whether it's that last bit that won't leave the backside, belly or neck, it just seems that no matter how much weight we lose or exercise we do, there are stubborn areas that just won't go away.

This is especially true of the fat deposits below the jaw and on the neck, also called the submental area.  Many physicians offer procedures to try and improve these deposits including excision (cutting out the fat), medical treatment (for example Lipodissolve), medical devices (radiofrequency treatment, temperature treatment, ultrasound, etc) and liposuction.  Why so many treatments for the same problem?  Because there are many patients who are dissatisfied with their results.  It is a general rule in medicine and in other fields that when a problem is difficult to solve, there are a wide range of products and services sold for it, most of which don't work.  I have even seen devices sold on late night "info-mercials" that are intended to "exercise" the neck fat away.

The reality is that the error when it comes to improving the neck is not in treatment per se.  It is actually in the analysis of the neck and selection of the treatment.  For example, if prominent muscle bands or sagging skin is the main problem, the more suitable solution is most likely a neck lift or facelift.  Either of these operations can be combined with neck liposuction in order to achieve the best results.

In many cases, however, the problem area truly is a deposit of unwanted fat, and there are no major issues with skin elasticity or neck muscle bands.  For these patients, I will recommend neck liposuction, also called submental liposuction, in order to get the best results.

Neck liposuction is usually performed under "twilight" sedation or IV sedation and takes less than an hour.  The procedure usually involves three very tiny incisions (usually only a few millimeters in length) that are hidden and become invisible very quickly.  The fat is removed in a way that leaves a normal contour without signs that surgery was performed.  After the procedure, patients wear an elastic support dressing for a week and then at night only for another week.  Patients usually experience mild discomfort with the operation, usually not requiring narcotic medication.

Contact Dr. Holden for an analysis of your neck and a facial cosmetic consultation.  During your visit, Dr. Holden will review a computer image with you of what your postoperative results can look like.