Neck Liposuction vs. Neck Lift: What’s the Difference?

Several factors can change the appearance of your neck area. Many of us tend to accumulate fat under the chin (the submental area), leading to the appearance of a double chin. Aging also leads to loose skin and prominent neck bands. A neck lift or neck liposuction may be a good solution to your concerns about this challenging area. 

*Individual Results May Vary

What is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift is a surgical procedure that addresses concerns about your neck area. During this procedure, your plastic surgeon uses small, hidden incisions to lift the loose skin around your neck and tighten separated neck muscles. These incisions can be made around the ears or in the crease under the chin. In any case, they are strategically made to be undetectable once you are fully healed. This procedure can slim and shape your neck but is not focused on addressing a double chin or accumulated fat. That is where liposuction comes in. A neck lift can be performed alone or in combination with other procedures.

What is a MyEllevate® Neck Lift?

An innovative new neck lift procedure is also available called MyEllevate®. This is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that provides natural looking neck rejuvenation by tightening the skin beneath the chin. It offers dramatic results that many of our patients consider to rival that of a neck lift. Once you are fully numbed and comfortable, the procedure begins with a series of small punctures made around the targeted area. Then, small sutures are placed into the neck muscle. Our surgeons weave the sutures through the muscle as necessary and tighten them when they are in the optimal position. You can think about this as if you are tying a shoelace or lacing a corset. MyEllevate® in Newport Beach provides an immediate improvement in the appearance of the neck, with results that continue to get better over time.

What is Neck Liposuction?

Neck liposuction is a way to address unwanted fat under the chin (submental fat). Liposuction is a face and body sculpting procedure that can be performed almost anywhere you have unwanted fat. Your surgeon uses small incisions to insert a cannula that breaks up and removes problem fat. Liposuction can be used under the chin to remove the appearance of a double chin, giving you a slimmer, more shapely neck. This treatment is very effective against submental fat but will not tighten loose or sagging skin. That’s where a neck lift comes in. A combination of the two procedures may be recommended by your surgeon.  

Neck Liposuction vs. Neck Lift: What’s the Difference?

A neck lift and neck liposuction treat the same area but differ in a few ways. Some of their primary differences include:

• These procedures use different types of incisions
• Your surgeon may use a different type of anesthesia 
• A neck lift alone is often best for those with loose skin but not much excess fat
• Neck liposuction alone is often best for those with a double chin but good skin elasticity 
• A neck lift and neck liposuction have different recovery times and aftercare

In general, these are two different procedures that accomplish different goals. However, they are often performed together or in combination with other procedures. Common procedures to combine with a neck lift or neck liposuction are a LiteLift®, Facelift, or Eyelid Lift. Your cosmetic surgeon will recommend what is best for you to give you the best results overall.

Can I Combine a Neck Lift With Neck Liposuction?

Yes, you can combine a neck lift with neck liposuction. However, only a consultation can properly determine which procedure or combination of procedures will help you achieve your goals. We offer virtual consultations and in-person consultations with our facial rejuvenation experts in Newport Beach. You can easily request a consultation online and one of our friendly and knowledgeable team members will contact you to set up an appointment to meet with one of our surgeons. 

Many patients have loose skin or neck bands in combination with submental fat. It’s very common! For that reason, your plastic surgeon may recommend adding liposuction to a neck lift or MyEllevate® to sculpt and shape the area under the chin. The good news is that combining these procedures does not significantly increase your recovery time. 

How Long is Recovery From Neck Liposuction or a Neck Lift?

Recovery from a cosmetic neck procedure depends on the details of your specific treatment plan. Many people can return to work within a week or two after a neck lift. You can often return to work within a week after neck liposuction. With more and more people working from home these days, you may only need a day off for your neck procedure and the weekend to fully focus on healing. 

Your surgeon will ask you questions about your lifestyle and provide you with aftercare instructions. These instructions will explain when you can resume exercise and other strenuous activities. Be sure to ask about any specifics you are unclear on! It’s important to closely follow the instructions from your plastic surgeon to heal properly and ensure you get the best results. Many patients have completely recovered from their neck surgery within about six weeks. 

Which Procedures Combine Well With a Neck Lift?

A neck lift, MyEllevate® neck lift, and neck liposuction are often used as part of a facelift. Many of our Orange County patients with loose skin around the jowls and lower face also have sagging neck skin or accumulated fat. Adding a neck lift allows us to provide a seamlessly lifted neck and more youthful lower face and neck appearance. Neck liposuction is recommended and added as needed. Patients who choose our LiteLift® procedure often combine it with a neck lift for maximum results and have the procedures performed in-office under local anesthesia. Other cosmetic procedures you may wish to consider are a temple lift, chin augmentation with a chin implant, or non-surgical skin rejuvenation with a laser or chemical peel. 

Am I a Good Candidate for Neck Liposuction or a Neck Lift?

Good candidates for any medical aesthetic procedure should be in good health and have achievable goals. Additionally, you may be a good candidate for a neck lift or MyEllevate® neck lift if you want to address sagging neck skin, jowls, and visible neck bands. You may be a good candidate for neck liposuction if you want to treat a double chin or submental fat. Most healthy men and women can be good candidates for these procedures, including younger individuals with a genetic predisposition to early neck aging or double chin development. The trouble areas you are seeing in the mirror truly may be genetic. Our board-certified plastic surgery experts in Orange County can evaluate your concerns and let you know if you are a good candidate for cosmetic neck surgery.