The neck lift treats sagging of the neck: loose skin, visible muscle bands and loss of the angle between the chin and the neck. Chin liposuction treats localized excess fat under the chin, often called a double chin. These two procedures can be performed alone or together. They are intended for people who are bothered by the appearance of their neck while the rest of the face does not need a face lift.
How the procedure unfolds
In practice
- In consultation, I analyse your request and I examine your neck: skin quality and elasticity, fat volume, neck muscles, position of the chin.
- I also collect information concerning your state of health.
- We take photographs for your medical record.
- I give you all the information about the surgery and I give you an estimate.
A second consultation is mandatory before any procedure. You must stop smoking at least one month before the operation.
Surgery
The operation is performed at the Clinique Pasteur, in Toulouse. Chin liposuction alone is most often performed under local anesthesia, sometimes with sedation, on an outpatient basis. The neck lift is performed under general anesthesia or under local anesthesia with sedation, on an outpatient basis or with a short hospital stay.
For liposuction, the fat is removed with fine cannulas through small scars of a few millimetres, hidden under the chin and sometimes behind the earlobes. For the neck lift, a scar hidden in the fold under the chin allows the neck muscles to be tightened. Scars behind the ears allow the skin to be redraped and the excess to be removed.
Liposuction alone usually lasts less than one hour. The neck lift usually lasts between one and three hours. A compressive dressing or a chin strap is placed at the end of the operation.
Postoperative effects
The postoperative period is usually not very painful. A feeling of tension in the neck and discomfort when swallowing are possible in the first days.
- Bruises and edema (swelling) most often fade in two to three weeks.
- A hard area under the chin is usual. It softens gradually over several weeks.
- Temporary numbness of the skin is possible.
- Time away from social life is usually one to two weeks for liposuction alone, and two to three weeks for a neck lift.
The result can be assessed after about three months. The final result is obtained after six months to one year.
I see you again in follow-up consultation and I follow you personally during this whole period.
Liposuction alone or neck lift?
The choice depends mainly on the quality of the skin. If the skin is elastic and the concern comes from fat, liposuction alone may be enough. The skin then retracts on the new contour. If the skin is loose or if the neck muscles are visible, a neck lift is usually necessary. In some cases, it is associated with a cervico-facial face lift.
What to do to optimize the result?
- Wear the chin strap as indicated.
- Rest during the first days, with your head raised.
- Do not smoke before and after the operation.
- Protect the scars and the bruised areas from the sun for several months.
- Hydrate your skin.
Gentle massages of the treated area can be proposed after a few weeks. We discuss this in follow-up consultation.
Social security coverage
The neck lift and chin liposuction are aesthetic surgeries. They are usually not covered by social security and remain at your expense.
Pricing
Chin liposuction: from 1400 euros, on estimate given at the end of the consultation.
The SOFCPRE information sheet for your procedure is given to you during the consultation.