Neck and face liposuction

A crisp jawline, a slimmer neck, a revealed harmony. By Dr Afshin Yousefpour, specialist in facial surgery and anatomy.

With time or because of genetics, localised fat builds up under the chin (double chin), along the jaw (early jowls) and in the neck. These deposits, which resist dieting, weigh down the profile, blur the natural transition between face and neck and give a tired or prematurely aged look.

Chin and face liposuction (submental and face-and-neck liposculpture) removes these excess fat cells with great precision to redefine a crisp, elegant and athletic chin-neck angle.

The protocol, step by step.

1. Step 1

   Consultation and assessment

   Assessment of skin quality and its ability to retract, and precise mapping of the fat pads.

2. Step 2

   The procedure

   Performed as a day case, usually under local anaesthesia with light sedation, or under general anaesthesia depending on the comfort wanted. Duration: about 45 to 60 minutes.

3. Step 3

   Micro-incisions

   Two to three tiny openings of 2 to 3 mm, hidden in the natural crease under the chin and behind the earlobes. No visible stitches, imperceptible scars in time.

4. Step 4

   Support and recovery

   A compressive chin strap worn day and night for the first days, then at night as instructed. Daily and social life can resume after 4 to 7 days.

Dr Yousefpour’s expert approach: why anatomy makes all the difference

The face and neck are a dense, vital and vulnerable anatomical region. Successful face and neck liposuction requires far more than simple suction: it demands complete command of the surgical planes and in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy.

• Respect for vital nerves and vessels: the marginal branch of the facial nerve, the sensory nerve branches and the facial vessels run right next to the treated areas. Dr Yousefpour’s in-depth surgical expertise secures the procedure and preserves these structures.

• Precise distinction between fat layers: it is essential to distinguish superficial fat (in front of the platysma, accessible to liposuction) from deep fat (behind the platysma) or a drooping submandibular gland. This diagnostic rigour avoids unsightly hollows or incomplete results.

• Atraumatic micro-cannulas and three-dimensional sculpting: micro-cannulas of a few millimetres preserve skin elasticity, encourage even skin retraction and avoid surface irregularities (“waves”).

• An overall view of the profile: Dr Yousefpour analyses the interplay between the nose, the chin bone and the neck. Submental liposuction can, if indicated, be combined with increased chin projection (genioplasty).

Areas treated

• The double chin (submental area): removing the central fat mass to create a well-defined chin-neck angle, ideally around 90 to 105°.

• The jawline and jowls: subtle removal of fatty jowls to restore a continuous, dynamic jawline.

• The upper third of the neck: a smooth, even transition downwards for a harmonious neckline.

Recovery

• Wearing the compressive chin strap: a suitable compression garment is worn day and night for the first days, then at night as instructed, to hold the tissues in place, limit swelling and optimise skin retraction.

• Return to activities: daily and social life can resume after 4 to 7 days.

• Results: visible improvement from the first week, a refined result at 1 month and the final result once the skin has fully retracted, between 3 and 6 months. The fat cells removed do not come back: the result is lasting.

Is chin liposuction painful?

The procedure is only mildly painful. A full local anaesthetic infiltration is performed. Afterwards, patients mainly feel tightness in the neck and tenderness to touch, easily relieved with simple painkillers.

Will the scars be visible?

The incisions are 2 to 3 millimetres long and strategically placed in natural anatomical shadows: under the chin in a skin crease and at the base of or behind the earlobe. Once fully healed, they are almost undetectable.

What if my skin is loose?

Liposuction works when the skin has good elastic tone; the passage of the cannula encourages skin retraction. If skin or muscle laxity (platysmal bands) is too great, Dr Yousefpour will recommend a face and neck lift or platysma plasty to treat the excess skin.

Can the fat cells come back?

The fat cells (adipocytes) removed are gone for good. A healthy lifestyle and stable weight are nevertheless recommended to preserve the harmony of the contours and not overload the remaining fat cells.

Why choose a facial surgeon for neck liposuction?

The area under the chin and along the side of the face contains the branches of the facial nerve that control movements of the mouth and lower lip, as well as vital vessels. Thanks to his specialist training and in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy, Dr Yousefpour performs the procedure in the right surgical plane, combining safety, precision and an elegant result.

Medical information: principles of the procedure

Submental and face-and-neck liposculpture aims at the selective, atraumatic removal of stubborn subcutaneous fat deposits under the chin, along the jawline and in the upper neck.

Treatment is performed by Dr Afshin Yousefpour, a doctor dedicated to facial anatomy and aesthetic surgery. This expertise allows careful selection of the superficial subcutaneous working planes, minimising the risks to the deep nerves and vessels of the neck and face.

Normal recovery and progress

• Swelling and bruising of the neck and lower face, settling on their own within 1 to 3 weeks.

• A temporary feeling of firmness under the skin (firm or cardboard-like tissue), due to internal healing and skin retraction, disappearing within a few weeks with draining massage.

• Temporary numbness of the skin of the chin and neck.

• The compression garment (chin strap) must be worn as prescribed to help the skin adhere and prevent fluid collections.

Possible risks and complications

Even with a proven technique performed to the highest standards, every operation carries potential risks:

• Haematoma or seroma: a collection of blood or lymph under the skin that may exceptionally require aspiration or drainage.

• Infection: rare in the face and neck, prevented by strict sterile technique and treated with antibiotics if needed.

• Injury to the marginal branch of the facial nerve: temporary weakness of the corner of the mouth (temporary difficulty lowering the corner of the mouth when smiling) may exceptionally occur through bruising or traction, and usually recovers gradually.

• Contour irregularities: minor asymmetry, over-correction creating a fold or under-correction, which may require a touch-up once fully stable (at least 6 months).

• Insufficient skin retraction: persistent loose or creased skin if skin elasticity was already reduced or at an older age.

Medical instructions

• Smoking: stopping is strongly advised for at least 3 weeks before and 3 weeks after the procedure, to support microcirculation and skin retraction.

• Medication: aspirin, anti-inflammatories and anticoagulants must be discussed with the surgeon before the procedure, particularly in the 10 days beforehand. Do not change a prescribed treatment without the agreement of the doctor who manages it.

Information and informed consent

An information and informed consent document accompanies your care. Dr Afshin Yousefpour explains the face and neck liposuction technique, the aesthetic goals that can reasonably be achieved and the alternatives, as well as the recovery, precautions and possible risks.

You can ask all your questions, receive detailed and clear answers and take enough time to reflect before confirming your decision.