Liposuction of the neck and jowls is clinically one of the most rewarding procedures in aesthetic surgery. With a short, low-risk, relatively inexpensive procedure, patients can achieve a dramatic change in their jaw/neck-line. The results achieved with liposuction alone can, in many patients, create a much more chisled jaw-line.
Fat in the submental region is usually related to obesity. However, fat may be present even in individuals of normal weight. As we get older, many people develop submental fat deposits independent of their weight. This may be more apparent as the skin loses elasticity and begins to hang. Similarly, jowl fat may be caused by excess fat or may be related to the aging process as well. This may also result in an ill-defined neck-line.
Deposits of submental fat causes the jaw-line to become blunted and flows into the chest without a well-defined angle. A youthful neck is associated with a cervicofacial angle close to 118 degrees. While body fat may be hidden with clothing, this area cannot be hidden and is a sure sign of aging or obesity.
Jowls are also a constant sign of aging and are present in most people by age 50. A loss of definition of the mandibular border also is a characteristic of aging, particularly in individuals who are overweight. In addition to removing fat, submental liposcultpure will tighten the skin and may cause contraction of the skin, giving the appearance of skin removal. This is much more common in younger patients who have better elasticity of the skin.
Excess fatty tissues beneath the chin can also lead to a "double chin" deformity. Many patients with this problem can be treated by Tumescent Liposuction of the excess fat or by direct fat excision via a small incision under the chin. This approach allows fat removal from the neck and jowl region and, via the incision under the chin, direct tightening of the neck's superficial platysma muscles to establish a better neck/jaw-line. If there is too much loose neck skin and muscle, a Facelift / Necklift procedure may be indicated to properly correct these issues in the lower portion of the face and neck. Submental liposuction, direct fat excision, and tightening the superficial muscles of the neck (platysmaplasty) is usually perfomed in the office under anesthesia or a "twilight light" sedation.
Take the next step: request a FREE Facial Rejuvenation Consultation now and find out if Submental Liposuction or a Platysmaplasty is the best procedure for you. Call us at 216.227.FACE. You can visit the Western Reserve Center for Orofacial and Cosmetic Surgery at our convenient locations in Canton and Cleveland, Ohio or complete the form and one of our representatives will call you within 24 hours!
