When Will I See The Final Results After My Neck Smartlipo?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am 42 years old and I had Smartlipo last month. My main reason for having it was to get rid of my neck and chin waddle. I see a difference in my lower face and chin, but I still see the waddle just like before surgery. I have worn my neck garment faithfully but I see next to no improvement in the neck waddle.  When should I be seeing results? The doctor told me it would take up to three months to see the final result as it takes time for the skin to tighten.

A: At your young age, it would seem logical that whatever neck and chin fat you have should respond well to liposuction. But the final results of liposuction performed anywhere depends on how well the skin tightens. Again at your age the skin should still have good elasticity. It is true that you should wait a full three months to see the final neck contour results. While the Smartlipo liposuction method does have some skin tightening capabilities, I emphasize to patients that this should be perceived in millimeters and not centimeters. Thus depending upon how much skin your waddle has, you may or may not see significant reduction over the next several months. If not you may need to consider a secondary tightening procedure such as some form of a necklift.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana