Submental Lipo vs Neck Lift: Which One Do I Need?

Sometimes, patients ask us whether a submental lipo vs neck lift is a better choice for them. The best option depends on your goals.

We hope to clarify the difference between a Submental liposuction vs neck lift. Both are excellent procedures that lead to great results if it is right for you. Please remember this article isn’t a substitute for a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. However, it can help you prepare for a consultation.

What is Submental Liposuction?

Submental liposuction procedure helps people who want to get rid of excessive submental fat and who have good skin elasticity in the neck area. Because of the need for good skin texture and elasticity, it’s usually best for people aged 45 and younger. This procedure is one of the best way to get rid of loose skin.

It gets rid of the “double chin” and other unwanted fat around the neck and chin area. It can firm a sagging jawline, which, for many people, is one of the first signs of aging. Sometimes, people prefer it, either as chin liposuction or neck liposuction.

You may be a good candidate for submental liposuction if you:

• You have a “double chin” or saggy jawline that bothers you
• You want to improve the shape and definition of your jawline
• You have good skin elasticity in your neck and chin area
• You’re at or near your ideal weight and cannot get rid of that double chin with diet and exercise
• You’re a nonsmoker in good general health

What is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift addresses extra fat in the chin, neck and loose skin. Because your surgeon removes loose skin, it is a good choice for people over 45 or with sagging skin who are healthy enough for elective surgery. As with any lift, the plastic surgeon will also tighten the affected muscles.

A neck lift goes beyond merely firming the skin under your chin and around your neck. It also enhances the appearance of jowls, contributing to a more youthful facial contour. Your plastic surgeon will ensure the underlying neck muscles are tightened and lifted. After enhancing and lifting your neck skin, your plastic surgeon removes any excess skin, resulting in a sleek and youthful neck and jawline.

It’s an attractive alternative to a full facelift for people who don’t need a facelift in the upper face but want to get rid of jowls, double chin, turkey neck, or wattle.

You may be a good candidate for a neck lift if:

• You have a “double chin” excess neck fat, or saggy jawline that bothers you
• You have saggy skin in your neck and chin area that you want to have tightened
• You have neckbands you want to get rid of
• You want a more toned-looking jawline and neck
• You’re at or near your ideal weight
• You’re a nonsmoker in good general health

Choosing Between the Two Options

Choosing between a Submental Liposuction and a Neck Lift depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Both procedures help give your neck a tighter and more youthful appearance. Both can define the contours and give you a more sculpted-looking jawline.

Submental Liposuction is a procedure that targets excessive submental fat, often referred to as a “double chin.” It’s particularly effective for those with good skin elasticity in the neck area. It is a little less invasive than a neck lift vs facelift, so it usually requires less downtime and expense.

On the other hand, a Neck Lift is a more comprehensive procedure that addresses extra fat and loose skin in the chin and neck area. It’s a good choice for people over 45 or those with sagging skin who are healthy enough for elective surgery.

Both procedures can effectively address issues with the chin and neck area, but the best choice depends on your age, skin elasticity, and specific aesthetic goals.

The time for the surgery itself varies from as short as 45 minutes to a little over two hours. This depends on the specific procedure, the amount of fat to remove, the level of skin and muscle laxity, and your aesthetic needs. You may need to take a week or longer off work in both cases. The recovery time for liposuction is usually quicker than for a neck lift due to the level of invasiveness.

Schedule a Consultation

Always consult with a professional before you make a decision weather a submental lipo vs neck lift is good for you. Sometimes, a patient will come in planning on a specific procedure, but during the appointment, it becomes clear another surgical procedure or body contouring procedures treatment may be a better fit.

We encourage you to come in with an open mind but be prepared to tell your plastic surgeon about your hopes, concerns, and aesthetic goals. Also, be ready to discuss your full medical history, including any unresolved symptoms you are experiencing, over-the-counter supplements, and your lifestyle. Feel free to ask any questions since the goal is to prepare you to have a good patient experience and to get the results you want. Also, discuss upcoming plans like moving, having a child, or losing weight. This will allow your doctor to troubleshoot if any of your plans don’t align with the surgery, your recovery, or whether it would make more sense to wait until after your big event.

If you think you might want more than one procedure, ask your plastic surgeon what plastic surgeries can be combined. The procedures may often be combined into one operation to save you time, expense, anesthesia, and recovery time.

If you live in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area, consider Charlotte Plastic Surgery as your choice. Area residents have trusted us for decades to help them with their goals and to keep them safe. Our team shares compassion, a keen aesthetic sense, and a passion for patient care. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.