For patients wanting to improve the appearance of the neck and jaw, there are several options to consider. One of the most effective and cutting-edge options to address unwanted fullness in the neck is a surgical procedure called deep neck contouring. While procedures like submental liposuction are effective in targeting superficial fat just below the skin, deep neck contouring has the ability to target submental fat (double chin) as well as fat that exists below the muscle which contributes to unwanted neck fullness and cannot be reached by liposuction alone. Performed by Utah Facial Plastics’ own Dr. James P. Manning, deep neck contouring is a game changer for those patients looking for an effective way to slim and contour the neck and jawline.
What Makes Deep Neck Contouring Unique?
While some patients have experienced improvements with other neck-slimming procedures or the injectable treatment called Kybella, many have still been left with unwanted neck volume that they find to be undesirable. The root of this issue is anatomic and due to fat that exists beneath deeper layers of tissue which is cannot be addressed with fat removing techniques alone. Deep neck contouring is an advanced procedure that is tailored to each patient and has the capability to target this underlying fat, resulting in a slimmer and more defined neck and jaw. By addressing this deeper lying fat, patients are finally able to achieve the results they desire, making deep neck contouring a highly sought-after procedure.
Who is a Candidate?
Skin elasticity plays an important role in the healing process and overall result of this procedure, making it best for younger patients (think teen years up to around age 40). Younger patients with good skin laxity can recover more quickly and effectively than older patients who generally have more sagging skin, a factor that in itself is not addressed with deep neck contouring. As patients age and skin begins to lose elasticity and sag, they typically become better candidates for procedures like face lifts where skin tightening in the face and neck area is specifically addressed as one unit. While deep neck contouring does result in a slimmer appearance of the neck, the purpose of this procedure is to reduce fullness whereas a facelift would address the issue of sagging skin.
About Deep Neck Contouring Surgery
When deep neck contouring is performed, patients are put under general anesthesia and the procedure takes 2.5 – 3 hours depending on the case. A small incision is made (hidden in the crease under the chin) and fat is surgically removed from various areas in the neck as well as excess muscle shaved down to reduce the appearance of fullness. For patients also needing chin projection, it is common to combine this procedure with a chin implant to achieve an ideal result if needed.
After the procedure, patients will need to always wear an ace bandage for the first five days, followed by another seven days of wearing the bandage overnight. Patients can expect some bruising and swelling for the first two weeks, primarily in the jaw area. While patients should be able to notice improvement in the neckline immediately after surgery, they can expect to see further improvements and deepening in the neck over the next 2-3 months post-procedure.
Overall, this procedure is a highly effective option for younger patients wanting to reduce unwanted fullness and achieve a slimmer and more defined appearance of the neck and jaw area. Whether you have tried other treatments in the past and not had the results you hoped for, or you are finally ready to address unwanted neck fullness for the first time, the first step is to schedule a consultation with a certified facial plastic surgeon. At Utah Facial Plastics, our reputable team of facial plastic surgeons are here to provide the highest quality of care and the best possible outcomes. To schedule a consultation or learn more about Deep Neck Contouring, visit our website at www.utahfacialplastics.com or call 801-776-2220.