Many people feel insecure about the area under their chin, whether due to excess fat, sagging skin, or both. Understanding the difference between these concerns is the first step toward choosing the right procedure to achieve a more contoured and youthful neck.
Do I Have a Double Chin?
If you have stubborn fat under your chin that doesn’t go away despite diet and exercise, it may be due to genetics. A double chin is often hereditary, meaning that even individuals at their goal weight may still have a persistent fat deposit under the chin that does not seem to go away with lifestyle changes.
“Many patients come in frustrated, telling me they’ve done everything—dieting, exercising, even losing weight overall—yet they still have that stubborn fullness under the chin,” says Dr. Maia. “In these cases, neck liposuction can be a great option to sculpt the jawline and bring out their natural contours.”
Neck liposuction (neck lipo) is ideal for patients with good skin elasticity who need fat removal without significant skin tightening.
What Is Neck Liposuction and How Does It Work?
Neck liposuction, sometimes referred to as “double-chin liposuction”, is a 30 minute, minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia at our Tysons Corner clinic. Dr. Maia uses small, hidden incisions to remove excess fat and sculpt the jawline.
What Is the Recovery Like After Neck Liposuction?
- Expect mild swelling and bruising for 1-2 weeks
- Most patients return to work within a few days
- Final results become visible in about 3 months as swelling fully subsides
- Best suited for younger patients whose skin naturally tightens after fat removal
Do I Have Loose, Sagging Skin Under My Chin?
Loose, sagging skin—often referred to as a turkey neck—occurs due to aging, loss of collagen, and muscle laxity. Unlike a double chin, where fat is the primary concern, sagging skin requires a skin-tightening procedure for improvement.
Can Liposuction Fix Sagging Skin?
Fat removal alone won’t correct skin laxity. If you have loose skin under your chin, a neck lift may be necessary to achieve a smoother, more youthful contour.
mini facelift, and neck liposuction.
What Are My Neck Lift Options?
The right neck lift procedure depends on the severity of skin laxity:
- Mild to Moderate Skin Laxity → Awake Mini Neck Lift
- Ideal for patients with mild to moderate skin sagging
- Uses a small, discreet scar behind the ear
- Provides noticeable skin tightening without major surgery
- Performed under local anesthesia for a comfortable experience with minimal downtime
- Many patients combine neck liposuction with an awake mini neck lift for improved jawline definition
“For those in their 30s or 40s with mild to moderate skin laxity, an awake mini neck lift can be a fantastic option,” says Dr. Maia. “We can perform a partial neck lift under local anesthesia and achieve great results.”
- Moderate to Severe Laxity → Deep Plane Neck Lift
- Best for patients with significant sagging and muscle laxity
- Lifts and tightens deeper structures of the neck for long-lasting results
- Creates a smoother, more youthful neck contour
- Ideal for those seeking dramatic yet natural-looking improvements
- Inconspicuous scars hidden in the natural crease of the ears with no tell-tale signs of plastic surgery
How Do I Choose the Right Neck Contouring Procedure?
The best option depends on factors like age, skin elasticity, and whether excess fat, loose skin, or both are the primary concerns. Some patients may benefit from a combination of procedures for optimal results.
“I always tell my patients that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to neck rejuvenation,” Dr. Maia shares. “Some patients just need liposuction, some need skin tightening, and others need a combination of both for the best results. My goal is to create a natural, refreshed look—never overdone.”
Dr. Maia, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Northern Virginia, specializes in customized neck contouring treatments. With a focus on natural, balanced results, she helps patients achieve a more youthful and confident appearance.
Dr. Maia’s patient consultant offers complimentary mini consultations to determine which treatment would best help you achieve your goals. After the consultation, she collaborates with Dr. Maia to create a custom treatment plan tailored to your needs before moving forward. Book a complimentary consultation by visiting https://www.maiaplasticsurgery.com/contact-us/.
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8100 Boone Boulevard Suite 730 Tysons Corner
Tysons, VA 22182