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Introduction

The neck and chin region are very powerful in projecting the appearance of weight change and aging. The neck is one of the first areas of the body to show signs of aging. Additionally, even a slight double chin or excess fat in the neck can cause a person to appear significantly heavier than he or she truly is. For patients who desire to slim the appearance of their neck, eliminate the look of a ‘double chin,’ and sharpen the contour of their jawline, Chin and Neck Liposuction with Toronto plastic surgeon Dr. Lawrence Tong can yield exceptional results with minimal recovery time.

Although the term Chin and Neck liposuction is used to describe the procedure, it is not entirely accurate. The actual area of liposuction is technically under the chin (i.e. the submental region) and neck, and there is no actual liposuction of the chin itself. The term has been popularized to the point where it is now understood that it means liposuction under the chin (the submental area).

How to Choose the Best Plastic Surgeon For You

Goals and Benefits of Chin and Neck Liposuction

Chin and Neck Liposuction with Toronto Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Lawrence Tong is an ideal procedure for many patients who are troubled by excess fat in the neck area. By removing excess fatty tissue from the chin and neck, patients can achieve dramatic results such as:

  • Elimination of a ‘double chin’
  • A sharper transition at the angle under the chin where it meets the neck
  • Enhanced definition between the jawline and neck

Additional benefits that make Chin and Neck Liposuction especially appealing to many of Dr. Tong’s patients include:

  • Minimally invasive
  • Relatively low cost
  • Short and easy recovery
  • Potentially dramatic results

Candidates for Chin and Neck Liposuction

Through Chin and Neck Liposuction, suitable candidates can achieve a slimmer, more youthful-looking neck and chin with more defined contours. This procedure is ideal for patients who have excess fatty tissue in the neck area and whose skin tone is relatively elastic.

In general, the best candidates for Chin and Neck Liposuction:

  • Are between the ages of 30-60
  • Suffer from excess fat in the neck and chin
  • Have good skin tone (not loose)

The benefits of Chin and Neck Liposuction are related to the removal of excess fat and do not directly address loose or lax skin in the neck area. A patient who possesses poor skin elasticity may have worsening of the sagging if liposuction alone is performed. Thus, patients who are troubled by sagging neck skin, muscle banding, the appearance of a ‘turkey neck,’ or other aesthetic concerns related to loss of elasticity may be better-served by a Neck Lift1 or one of its variations (Extended Neck Lift or Facelift). A Mini Neck Lift may be a good option in patients with good skin tone who have excess fat under the skin but ALSO excess subplatysmal fat and/or platysmal bands.

Occasionally, patients will also want the jowls along the anterior jawline to be addressed in conjunction with Chin and Neck Liposuction. If it is a simple matter of excess fat in the jowl region, a procedure known as microliposuction may be done at the same time. Microliposuction is similar to regular liposuction but the cannulas (fat removal instruments) are much smaller. Any liposuction in the face (i.e. areas at or above the jawline) must be selected carefully and performed using these small cannulas or else there is a significant risk of contour issues. In patients with jowls that are also caused by lax or sagging skin, a different surgical approach may be required.

The best way to determine whether you are a candidate for Chin and Neck Liposuction is to address your concerns and goals during a consultation with Dr. Tong.

Chin and Neck Liposuction Incisions

Any surgical procedure will leave some type of scar. However, a highly-skilled Plastic Surgeon like Dr. Tong specializes in minimizing the appearance of scars through technical expertise and careful placement of incisions. The incision for Chin and Neck Liposuction is 2 mm long located in the ‘double chin’ fold. It heals to be virtually undetectable in the majority of cases.

Details of the Chin and Neck Liposuction Procedure

Dr. Tong performs Chin and Neck Liposuction in our private CPSO-accredited surgical centre. This facial plastic surgery procedure can be performed under general anesthesia or more commonly under IV sedation, on an outpatient basis. Select patients may have this procedure performed solely under local anesthetic.

To begin Chin and Neck Liposuction, Dr. Tong infuses the neck and chin region with a partially diluted local anesthetic mixture and saline fluid, among other medications. This fluid helps to facilitate fat removal and also minimizes bleeding and post-operative discomfort.

Next, Dr. Tong removes excess fat by inserting a small cannula into a tiny 2mm incision made in the natural crease under the chin. Using the cannula, Dr. Tong is careful to remove a uniform degree of fat thickness and gently sculpt the area to achieve contouring that looks natural. Once Dr. Tong is satisfied with the results, he closes the incision using a small piece of surgical tape. The incision is so small stitches are generally not required. The patient is then gently awakened from anesthesia.2

Recovery after Chin and Neck Liposuction

After Chin and Neck Liposuction at our Toronto surgery centre, patients are monitored by nursing staff as they awaken from anesthesia in a dedicated recovery area. Shortly thereafter, patients are able to return home accompanied by a friend or family member.

Upon returning home, patients are encouraged to rest and relax as much as possible by engaging in non-strenuous activities such as watching television, reading, sleeping, or listening to music. Following Chin and Neck Liposuction, it is important to keep the head elevated while resting and sleeping, as this helps decrease swelling and shortens recovery time.

Patients can expect to experience mild discomfort following Chin and Neck Liposuction. This generally only lasts for 3 days or less and is easily managed with pain medication prescribed by Dr. Tong. Bruising may be evident for the first week following the procedure, during which time patients are encouraged to wear the removable compression dressing provided by Dr. Tong as much as possible.

One week after Chin and Neck Liposuction, patients attend a follow-up appointment with Dr. Tong to have their progress evaluated and stitches removed.

Most patients are able to return to non-strenuous work 3-5 days after their procedure, and can begin exercise after 1 week. This is unique in that most surgical procedures require avoidance of strenuous activity for 4 weeks following surgery.

Additional follow-up visits with Dr. Tong are scheduled for 6 weeks and 6 months after Chin and Neck Liposuction. Post-operative photos will be taken during these visits to document a patient’s progress.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chin and Neck Liposuction

How much does chin and neck liposuction cost?

The cost of treatment depends on a number of factors, including the patient’s aesthetic goals and the areas treated. When you attend your consultation with Dr. Tong, you will be given a detailed cost breakdown for your customized treatment plan.

Does chin and neck liposuction correct all signs of aging?

Chin and neck liposuction eliminates fat from the chin and neck, but does not treat other signs of aging like vertical bands, wrinkles in the neck, or excess skin. If these are concerns for you, you may be a good candidate for a facelift, mini neck lift, or neck lift.

Are results from chin and neck liposuction permanent?

The results from chin and neck liposuction are permanent, but cannot stop the aging process. Additionally, if a patient gains weight after chin and neck liposuction, the results may be diminished.

When will I see the results of my chin and neck liposuction?

Most of Dr. Tong’s patients begin to see results immediately after surgery, but as the swelling subsides, patients will see continued improvement after their procedure for the first several weeks.

Learn More About Chin and Neck Liposuction in Toronto

Dr. Tong and our team feel strongly that patients can only make confident decisions about plastic surgery when they are fully educated about the potential benefits and risks of their procedure of choice. During your consultation with Dr. Tong, he will listen carefully to your concerns and desires, and evaluate your condition to help you arrive at the right treatment plan to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of Chin and Neck Liposuction with our Toronto plastic surgeon, we encourage you to call us at (416) 972-0999 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Tong. Or if you prefer, let us give you a call; just fill out our contact form and we will be in touch on the same or the next business day. No physician’s referral is required.

See Dr. Tong’s work in our Chin and Neck Liposuction before and after photos.

Chin and Neck Liposuction at a Glance

What the procedure does
Makes the neck and area under the chin slimmer by removing fat
Duration of the result
Usually permanent; neck may sag with weight gain, aging, smoking, suntanning
Length of time to perform the procedure
45 minutes
Type of anesthetic most commonly used
IV sedation or general anesthesia, local anesthetic in select patients
Length of time off of work
3-5 days
Time to get back to exercise
1 week light exercise, 3 weeks heavy exercise
Pitfalls your Plastic Surgeon should avoid
  • Overly defatted neck (skeletonized appearance)
  • Performing Neck Liposuction when a Neck Lift is needed


1 Matarasso A. Managing the components of the aging neck. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2014;41(1)L85-98. doi:10.1016/j.cos.2013.09.013. Accessed April 27, 2020.
2 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Liposuction. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/liposuction. Accessed April 27, 2020.

Dr. Lawrence Tong has either authored or reviewed and approved this content.

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