A Sculpted Neckline, Reimagined
If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and felt distracted by the fullness beneath your chin—despite eating well, exercising, or maintaining a healthy weight—you’re not alone. A soft or undefined jawline can make the entire lower face look heavier or prematurely aged, even in otherwise fit individuals. Submental fullness (commonly referred to as a “double chin”) doesn’t always correlate with weight. Genetics, aging, and skin laxity all play a role.
At Core Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, AL, Dr. Grady B. Core helps patients restore clean, refined contours using advanced double chin removal techniques. In this guide, you’ll learn what causes submental fat, how neck liposuction works, and why this minimally invasive procedure offers long-lasting results. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of your options and how you can reclaim balance and confidence in your appearance.
A double chin, medically known as submental fullness, occurs when fat accumulates beneath the chin, creating a rounded or sagging appearance. While often associated with weight gain, a double chin can also result from genetics, aging, or weakened muscle tone in the neck area. These factors may lead to the loss of definition between the chin and neck, which can make individuals feel self-conscious about their profile.
Addressing this concern requires a targeted approach, and neck liposuction is a highly effective solution for reducing fat while enhancing facial contours.
Submental fullness can develop in lean or active individuals just as easily as in those carrying excess weight. Common contributors include:
Whatever the cause, the aesthetic result is the same: diminished jawline definition and a heavier-looking neck.
Neck liposuction is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that directly removes fat deposits from the submental region. Dr. Core carefully sculpts the area to restore balance and symmetry, resulting in a slimmer, more defined jawline and neck.
The process begins with local anesthesia or intravenous sedation to ensure patient comfort throughout the procedure. Once the area is numbed, Dr. Core makes small, discreet incisions, typically placed beneath the chin or behind the ears. A fine cannula is inserted through these incisions to break up and suction out excess fat cells. This precise technique reduces submental fullness and smooths and tightens the neck’s appearance. It is important to take care of the surgical incisions during recovery to ensure proper healing and avoid complications.
Most procedures take one to two hours to complete, depending on the volume of fat being removed. Because the incisions are small and placed in inconspicuous areas, scarring is minimal and fades over time. Patients with significant skin laxity may benefit more from neck lift surgery, which addresses both excess fat and sagging skin.
Both neck liposuction and Kybella are good choices for getting rid of fat under the chin, but neck liposuction is often seen as the better option for people who want quick and clear results. With neck liposuction, excess fat is removed during one procedure, which means you can see significant changes right away and recover fairly quickly. On the other hand, Kybella involves several treatment sessions over several weeks, and the results take time to show up gradually.
For patients with moderate to significant submental fullness, neck liposuction is typically more efficient and cost-effective. It also avoids the swelling and tenderness often associated with Kybella injections, making it the preferred choice for achieving a well-defined jawline and neck with greater reliability. During your consultation, Dr. Core can help determine which treatment aligns with your goals.
Patients who undergo neck liposuction often experience significant improvements in their appearance and confidence. Benefits include:
These results can help patients feel more confident about their profile and overall facial harmony.
Ideal candidates for neck liposuction are individuals who have submental fullness due to excess fat but retain good skin elasticity. The procedure is best suited for those who:
If you have noticeable sagging or loose skin in your neck area, a neck lift might be a good option for you. This procedure helps remove extra skin and tighten the muscles in that area. When you meet with Dr. Core, he will take a close look at your individual needs and suggest the best approach to help you achieve your desired look.
It's also important to know how long the results of a neck lift can last and what factors might affect them. While many people enjoy a refreshed appearance after the surgery, your neck will still continue to age over time. To help maintain your results, good post-surgery care is key, which includes things like protecting your skin from the sun and keeping a stable weight.
Every treatment begins with a personalized consultation at Core Plastic Surgery. Dr. Core will perform a detailed assessment of your neck and jawline, considering factors like skin elasticity and the volume of fat in the submental region. This consultation also provides an opportunity to discuss your desired outcomes and learn more about the procedure.
To prepare for neck liposuction, it’s important to avoid blood-thinning medications or supplements, such as aspirin or fish oil, for at least two weeks prior to surgery. Smoking should also be avoided to support proper healing. Dr. Core and his team will provide comprehensive pre-operative instructions tailored to your needs.
Neck liposuction is performed in a comfortable surgical environment with either local anesthesia or intravenous sedation. After numbing the area, Dr. Core makes small, strategically placed incisions to ensure the scars remain nearly invisible. Through these incisions, a thin cannula is inserted to break up and remove fat deposits.
Dr. Core’s meticulous technique allows for precise contouring, ensuring the results look natural and balanced. The procedure typically lasts one to two hours, after which patients can return home the same day.
Patients often notice an immediate improvement in the shape and contour of their jawline and neck following surgery. However, initial swelling may temporarily mask the final outcome. Most swelling subsides within the first one to two weeks, revealing a more defined profile. Full results typically become visible as healing progresses over several months, with smoother, sleeker contours that complement the patient’s natural features.
Recovery from neck liposuction is generally quick, with most patients resuming light activities within a few days. Mild swelling and bruising are common but can be managed with prescribed medication and proper care. Wearing a compression garment, as directed by Dr. Core, helps reduce swelling and supports the healing process. Follow-up appointments will ensure that recovery is on track and provide an opportunity to address any questions or concerns.
To preserve the long-term benefits of neck liposuction, patients should maintain a stable weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise. Proper hydration and skin care are also essential to keep the neck area looking smooth and youthful. Additionally, patients are encouraged to avoid strenuous activities for at least two weeks and to follow all post-operative care instructions provided by Dr. Core. This ensures optimal healing and helps minimize scarring.
With over three decades of surgical excellence, Dr. Core is a board-certified plastic surgeon known for both his technical precision and aesthetic sensibility. He pioneered the endoscopic brow lift and remains a national authority on minimally invasive facial rejuvenation. At Core Plastic Surgery, you’ll find a boutique-level experience where each procedure is thoughtfully planned to align with your anatomy and goals. Dr. Core’s work reflects a deep respect for subtlety, proportion, and individualized results.
The cost of neck liposuction for double chin removal typically ranges from $3,000 to $6,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure and individual factors such as the amount of fat to be removed. While the upfront cost is higher than non-surgical treatments like Kybella, neck liposuction often proves more cost-effective since it delivers immediate, lasting results in a single procedure, avoiding the need for multiple sessions. A personalized cost estimate will be provided during your consultation with Dr. Core.
If you’re ready to redefine your profile and feel more confident in your appearance, contact Core Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, AL. Call us at (205) 397-2100 or complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation. Let us help you achieve the refined, sculpted neckline you’ve been seeking.
The procedure is performed under anesthesia, so patients experience minimal discomfort. Mild soreness during recovery is common and can be managed with prescribed medication.
Most patients can resume light activities within a few days. Full recovery, including resolution of swelling, typically occurs within one to two weeks.
Yes, the fat cells removed during neck liposuction are permanently eliminated. Maintaining a stable weight is key to preserving the results.
While neck liposuction reduces fat, it does not directly tighten loose skin. Patients with significant skin laxity may require a neck lift or additional treatments to address excess skin.
Yes, neck liposuction is often combined with procedures like facelifts or chin augmentation to achieve more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Dr. Core will discuss all available options based on your goals.
We are happy to answer any questions you may have and get you on your way to beautiful, natural-looking results. Contact us.
3595 Grandview Parkway, #150, Birmingham, AL 35243
