Neck Liposuction Sydney — Double Chin Surgery with Dr Barnouti
Treating “Double Chin” Fat: Submental Liposuction Explained
The anatomical concern commonly referred to as a “double chin” is primarily an accumulation of localised fat (adipose tissue) directly beneath the chin, clinically known as the submental region. Double chin liposuction is a targeted surgical intervention designed specifically to address this isolated area.
The Methodology: This procedure focuses strictly on extracting the localised pocket of fat situated immediately beneath the chin to refine the submental contour.
Patient Suitability: It is clinically indicated for patients who present with an isolated submental fat deposit but otherwise maintain strong skin elasticity in the broader neck area.
Neck Liposuction: Comprehensive Cervical Contouring
While a double chin refers to the specific submental pocket, broader structural concerns often involve excess fat extending across the wider cervical region (the neck). Neck liposuction is a more comprehensive approach that addresses fat deposits that obscure the entire angle of the jaw and neck.
To determine if neck liposuction is a clinically appropriate intervention, a thorough assessment of your skin elasticity is required. The degree of skin laxity present in your neck plays a vital role in formulating the surgical treatment plan:
Adequate Skin Elasticity: If your neck skin is firm and retains good elasticity, neck liposuction can effectively extract the excess fat, allowing the skin to retract naturally over the newly contoured profile.
Significant Skin Laxity: If your neck skin is very loose, removing the underlying fat via liposuction will not correct the structural concern and may exacerbate the appearance of sagging. In cases of poor skin elasticity, a surgical neck lift is clinically required to excise redundant skin and restore anatomical harmony.
During your consultation, a Specialist Plastic Surgeon will evaluate your individual anatomy to determine whether isolated double chin liposuction, comprehensive neck liposuction, or a structural neck lift is medically indicated.
Planning your treatment
The consultation
It is important, in fact critical, to have a certain amount of neck fat to provide a cushion between your skin and neck muscles. Extra neck fat may be hereditary, and if so is normally evident in early adulthood. It may also be developed; in which case, it is gradual with weight gain. There are also those who have extra neck fat in response to aging, even in the absence of weight gain. In these cases, fat can accumulate in the neck due to a redistribution of subcutaneous fat that happens with aging.
Candidates for Neck Lift
Neck liposuction is most suited to people who have extra neck fat and either 1) neck skin which is not loose or 2) neck skin which is loose but not sagging.
If you have neck skin that is loose and sagging, then in addition to neck liposuction you will need neck tightening by Laser, peel or neck lift.
Jawline and Jowls
Many who have extra neck fat also suffer the problem of having no distinction between the face and neck, in other words; it is difficult to tell where the face ends and the neck starts. In these cases, liposuction of the neck along the jawline really assists to define this area and can be performed at the same time as neck liposuction (Neck Lift).
Jowls are the pockets of fat alongside and above the jawline, about halfway between the ears and the chin. While jowls are typically reflective of loose facial skin, liposuction of the jowls can sometimes be completed at the same time as neck liposuction.
This is something best discussed between you and your plastic surgeon.
Neck Liposuction Surgery
Neck liposuction can be performed under local and sedation as an outpatient procedure. It takes 30-60min. Your plastic surgeon will commence by injecting your neck with tumescent fluid, which is a mixture of saline, local anaesthetic (similar to Novocain and epinephrine) which helps constrict blood vessels, reduce bleeding, and prevent bruising. Tumescent fluid is not injected until you are temporarily asleep, so that you feel nothing. Followed by making a keyhole incision under the chin to insert the cannula and start drawing out the fat with suction. At the completion of the procedure, the keyhole will be closed with fine sutures; this will leave you with virtually an undetectable scar under your chin.
After Neck Liposuction Surgery
Following the procedure, pain is relatively minimal and most finds that they can return to work in 1-5 days, depending more upon bruising than on discomfort. You will need to wear a tape or a garment on your neck for few days. Again, your greatest limitation with regard to returning to work will likely be due to bruising. Some have no bruising; others may bruise for 1-2 weeks. Most fall somewhere in between with about 3-7 days of bruising. There is no simple way to predict where you will fall.
Getting you back to work and normal activities
You will need 1-2 days rest, followed by light duties for 1 week.
You will be back to normal duties from the second week after surgery.
FAQs
Neck liposuction is a surgical procedure designed to remove localised fat deposits from beneath the chin and along the jawline (often referred to as a “double chin”). The goal is to create a more defined jawline and a slimmer neck profile. It is most effective for patients with good skin elasticity who have stubborn fat that does not respond to diet or exercise.
Most patients require approximately 1 week of downtime before returning to light work and daily activities. You will be required to wear a supportive chin strap or compression garment for at least the first 1–2 weeks to minimise swelling and help the skin adhere to the new contours. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for 3–4 weeks.
As with any surgical procedure, neck liposuction carries risks. These may include bruising, swelling, temporary numbness, infection, haematoma, or asymmetry. There is also a small risk of irregularities in the skin surface or nerve injury. A detailed list of risks specific to your health profile will be discussed during your consultation to ensure you can make an informed decision.
Yes, it is common to combine neck liposuction with other facial contouring procedures to achieve a more balanced result. Frequently combined surgeries include:
- Chin Augmentation (Chin Implant): To improve a “weak” chin and further define the profile.
- Facelift or Neck Lift: To remove excess skin and tighten underlying muscles.
Buccal Fat Removal: To slim the lower cheek area. Combining procedures can be more efficient, but it does increase the total time spent under anaesthesia.
At our clinic, the estimated cost for neck liposuction is approximately $4,990. This fee typically includes the specialist surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist’s fee, day surgery hospital costs, and six weeks of post-operative care. Please note that a formal, itemised quote can only be provided after a face-to-face consultation (fee $300), where your specific anatomical needs are assessed.
You can view a full breakdown of our surgical fees on our Plastic Surgery Costs page.
Ideal candidates are typically in good health, at a stable weight, and have firm skin with minimal sagging. Liposuction only removes fat; it does not address significant skin laxity or “turkey neck.” If you have excess skin, a neck lift may be recommended in conjunction with liposuction. During your clinical assessment, your surgeon will evaluate your skin quality and submental fat distribution.
The financial investment for submental reduction and double chin surgery in Sydney depends on whether the treatment involves non-surgical energy-based modalities or invasive surgical correction, such as submental suction-assisted lipectomy.
Under AHPRA regulations, surgical costs cannot be quoted as a single flat fee without an individual clinical examination. Total out-of-pocket costs for surgical procedures consist of three core medical fees:
- Specialist Plastic Surgeon Fee: Based on operating time, surgical complexity, and specific surgical techniques required.
- Specialist Anaesthetist Fee: Charged independently by an accredited medical specialist anaesthetist.
- Accredited Hospital/Facility Fees: Operating theatre and day-stay accommodation charges at an accredited Sydney private hospital facility.
Elective submental surgery performed solely for aesthetic refinement is self-funded and does not qualify for Medicare or private health fund rebates. An itemised financial estimate is provided following your initial clinical consultations.
Please refer to our costs page for a detailed breakdown of current costs.
The surgical cost for double chin liposuction (submental liposuction) varies according to individual patient anatomy, tissue density, skin elasticity, and whether the procedure is performed independently or alongside facial rejuvenation operations.
Key cost determinants include:
- Standalone vs Combined Procedures: Standalone double chin liposuction under twilight sedation or general anaesthesia requires less theatre time than combined operations (e.g., liposuction performed concurrently with a neck lift or chin augmentation).
- Anaesthetic & Theatre Duration: Isolated submental fat aspiration typically requires 45 to 90 minutes of operating time, whereas combined structural procedures lengthen facility and anaesthetist time.
- Surgical Technique: Utilization of specialised tumescent or power-assisted micro-cannula techniques tailored to submental fat volume and anatomical depth.
Please refer to our costs page for a detailed breakdown of current costs.
The cost of chin augmentation (mentoplasty) in Sydney depends on the surgical methodology selected to correct a recessed chin profile (retrognathism):
- Surgical Chin Implants: Involves placing a biocompatible implant directly over the lower jawbone via discreet incisions. Costs include implant device fees, surgical fees, anaesthetics, and theatre charges.
- Sliding Genioplasty: A structural osseous procedure modifying the anterior mandible, requiring extended operating time and specialized surgical hardware.
- Combined Augmentation & Liposuction: Frequently performed together when a receding chin exacerbates the appearance of submental fullness, allowing efficient use of shared operating theatre time.
A written breakdown of all fee components is provided following a face-to-face assessment with Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Laith Barnouti (FRACS).
You can view a full breakdown of our surgical fees on our Plastic Surgery Costs page.
Submental fullness can stem from localised subcutaneous fat, platysma muscle laxity, skin looseness, or lower jaw retrognathism. Clinical pathways are selected based on structural anatomy:
- Double Chin Liposuction: Ideal for patients with isolated subcutaneous fat deposits who retain strong skin elasticity. Micro-cannulas precisely aspirate localized fat through tiny, concealed incisions under the chin.
- Deep Plane Face Lift & Neck Lift: Indicated when submental fullness is accompanied by deeper tissue descent, severe skin laxity, or muscle banding. A deep plane face lift releases deep retaining ligaments beneath the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) layer, allowing the underlying facial structures and neck tissues to be repositioned naturally without relying on superficial skin tension.
- Neck Liposuction with Chin Augmentation: Recommended when submental fullness is accentuated by a recessed lower jaw. Inserting a chin implant while performing submental fat aspiration improves jawline definition and facial balance.
- Non-Surgical Alternatives: Options such as fat-dissolving injectable solutions or energy-based tightening devices may suit individuals with minor submental fullness who prefer non-surgical management.
Page Content Clinically Reviewed by Dr Barnouti
Dr. Barnouti (MED: 0001192783) is a Board-Certified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with 25 years of experience performing advanced cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), a member of ASAPS, and serves as a Senior Lecturer at the University of NSW.
Dr. Barnouti operates out of leading, fully accredited Sydney hospitals with a strict focus on patient safety.
Dr. Barnouti (MED: 0001192783)