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Neck Liposuction

INTRODUCTION

When someone looks in the mirror and is unhappy with their face, there may be several factors causing dissatisfaction. If the patient is unhappy with excess fat in their neck, but has good skin tone and good muscle tone in their neck, then they are a good candidate for neck liposuction. The reasons why men and women in their 20’s or 40’s choose to have neck liposuction vary, from wanting to look good to being able to shave better.

It can sometimes be difficult to verbalize why someone is unhappy with their face. Assuming that genetics and the aging process play a role in a person’s unhappiness with their appearance, it is important to identify the problem and offer a surgical solution:

• If a patient is unhappy with excess fat in their neck, but has good skin tone and good muscle tone of their neck, then he/she is a good candidate for neck liposuction.
• If a patient is unhappy with excess fat in their neck and has loose skin and/or muscle in their neck, then he/she is a good candidate for a neck lift.
• If a patient is unhappy with laxity in their neck as well as their jowls and jawline, then he/she is a good candidate for a mini facelift.
• If a patient is unhappy with their neck, jowls, and cheeks, then he/she is a good candidate for a face-lift.
• If a patient is unhappy with droopy eyebrows and wrinkles in the forehead, then he/she is a good candidate for a forehead lift.

THE NECK LIPOSUCTION PROCEDURE

The procedure is relatively simple and straightforward. A patient, who is deemed a good candidate for this procedure, is given antibiotics, and anesthetized in the operating room. The neck is injected with tumescent solution to give some pain relief and decrease the bleeding during surgery. Then, two small incisions are made behind the ears, and liposuction is performed to remove the desired amount of fat. When sufficient fat is removed, the incisions are closed, and the patient is awakened.

Advantages
Everyday there is a new way of performing liposuction introduced on the market. Just because a procedure is featured on a T.V. show, it does not mean it is safe or effective. Only a qualified plastic surgeon should perform liposuction, since it could be a more difficult procedure than meets the eye. This technique is simple, safe, effective and yields excellent results consistently. No gimmicks or unproven technology is used.

Disadvantages
This technique is performed under anesthesia and requires about a week off of work. The swelling and bruising usually decreases significantly a week after the procedure and the patient becomes socially presentable.

HOW WE MINIMIZE COMPLICATIONS OF NECK LIPOSUCTION

At the Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute, we take pride in making sure we provide for our patients the best surgical experience possible, anticipating problems or set-backs, and addressing them before they happen. This is a process that includes the pre-operative preparation, the actual surgery, and the after care.

General Complications
General complications can occur with any surgery. Cosmetic surgery is usually a safe surgery performed on healthy patients and, as all surgeries go, is with low risk. What we do to even lower the risk of complications is to operate at a first class hospital with board certified anesthesiologists and nurses. To avoid post-operative complications, we advocate early mobilization- patients are seen in our office one or two days after surgery- and active participation in their own post-operative care. When we create a partnership, the results invariably improve.

Bleeding
Bleeding with any form of liposuction is rare. Before liposuctioning the neck, we inject tumescent solution that will constrict the blood vessels and minimize the bleeding. The bleeding from this operation with this technique has been minimal.

Infection
The most important step in avoiding infections is to perform the surgery at a first-rate surgical facility with board certified anesthesiologists and nurses. Patients are given the appropriate intravenous antibiotics coverage throughout the surgery. During the surgery, the skin surface of the patient is cleaned properly. After the procedure, our patients are prescribed a one-week course of antibiotics to minimize infection. As a result of these extra precautions, our rate of infection after a neck liposuction is negligible.

Open Wounds
Since there is no skin removal or tissue manipulation with neck liposuction, other than suctioning fat out of the neck, open wounds are non-existent.

Nerve Injury
We exercise caution around the nerves in the neck region and avoid aggressive liposuction, minimizing nerve injury. Temporary loss of sensation from a “stunned” nerve or a bruised nerve may occur in the time period after surgery, but in the vast majority of cases sensation returns within a few weeks.

RECOVERY

Our office will provide a comprehensive post-operative plan to ensure the best possible outcome. The plan will include what to expect postoperatively, such as estimated recovery time, pain management, garments or dressings, and anticipated activity level. For your safety, we require that an adult stay with you at least the first 24 hours after surgery and drives you to your next day follow-up visit. With most facial procedures, you will be instructed to limit activity for the first week or two, which could include restrictions on driving, prolonged travel and flying. In addition, we ask you refrain from exercise until cleared by the physician, usually around four weeks post-op. You are asked to refrain from smoking for a minimum of two weeks. To optimize healing, we recommend that you eat a high protein diet. You should anticipate a variable degree of bruising and swelling, as with any surgical procedure; light make-up may be used to cover bruises starting a week after surgery. We also offer scar creams at an additional cost to optimize results.

To promote healing and minimize complications, you will be seen in a series of post-op appointments, including the day after surgery. These appointments will continue throughout the first year after the procedure to make sure you are healing as planned. For your added convenience, you also have direct access to Dr. Bitar’s cell phone number if you need to reach him after hours. The final post-op visit, one year after surgery, is one of our favorites since the results are fully apparent and we love seeing our patients happy. You are always welcome to come back and see us, even years after your surgery.

MAXIMIZING POSITIVE OUTCOMES

At the Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute, we take pride in providing our patients with the best surgical experience possible, emphasizing patient safety while trying to optimize surgical results. This is a process that includes comprehensive pre-operative preparation and patient education, the development of a personalized operative plan, and a thoughtful post operative care regimen emphasizing patient comfort and promoting recovery.

There are a number of strategies which the Institute has adapted to further ensure patient safety. We are selective and only offer surgery to patients whose general health and lifestyle choices permit healing and facilitate recovery. To minimize risk, we require a preoperative assessment that includes a thoughtful history and physical exam, as well as targeted laboratory tests.

We operate at accredited hospitals and surgicenters that have demonstrated a commitment to the highest standards of care, employing board certified anesthesiologists and nurses. We adhere to well established surgical principles designed to ensure patient safety and have developed policies and protocols to minimize the risk of infection. Dr. Bitar is committed to continuing education, honing their skills and introducing new techniques always with the aim of improving safety and surgical results.

We emphasize patient safety in our peri-operative care plan, advocating early mobilization, optimizing nutrition, and providing detailed care instructions. After surgery, patients are seen in our office frequently and early, starting the day after their procedure, and a staff member is available around the clock for any questions or concerns. Our entire team is committed to our patients’ well being and every measure is designed to minimize potential complications, promote comfortable and rapid recovery, and optimize surgical results.

WHY CHOOSE BITAR COSMETIC SURGERY INSTITUTE?

Our commitment to excellence and exceptional patient care is in every step of your doctor-patient experience. Dr. George Bitar is a distinguished board certified plastic surgeon who stays on the cutting edge of advancements in cosmetic surgery and technology to offer the best possible results. With a blend of artistry and meticulous surgical technique, he is able to achieve beautiful and natural results for our patients. We provide a high level of patient safety and our experienced and caring staff will be with you every step of the way. Our institute offers a wide variety of surgical and non-surgical options, from skin care, injectables and lasers to in-office or hospital options, to provide a versatile approach to fit individual patient needs. Your aesthetic goals are our priority and each procedure is customized to ensure you receive the best possible outcome.

For more information, call our office at 703-206-0506.

Content on this website is for information only and should not be used to diagnose or treat your plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery problems. Please contact your plastic surgeon with all questions and concerns.