Deep Neck Contouring

Deep neck contouring defines and sculpts the entire neck, chin, and jawline area. The double board-certified facial plastic surgeons at the Quatela Center use a combination of surgical techniques to permanently sculpt and remove fat that cannot be reached through liposuction alone. They understand that fullness and lack of definition along the neck and jawline can be due to inherited traits and anatomy, not only aging or excess weight. Dr. Vito Quatela, Dr. Heather Lee, and Dr. Alex Montague have helped many younger women and men feel more confident with these personalized procedures.

Deep Neck Contouring

The chin, jawline, and neck contribute to an attractive facial profile. If fullness or a lack of definition in these areas runs in your family, surgery may be the only solution. Using an in-depth understanding of the facial nerves and structures, our surgeons provide advanced deep neck contouring that did not exist in the past. To create a profile that conveys vibrance and strength, our surgeons perform personalized deep neck contouring procedures that account for each patient’s unique features. During a personal consultation, Dr. Quatela, Dr. Lee, or Dr. Montague will ensure you understand what to expect physically and emotionally during recovery so you can look forward to your more defined and youthful profile.

Anesthesia:Local with twilight sedation
Recovery:1 to 3 weeks
Return to work:1 week
Resume strenuous activities:3 weeks
Final results:6 to 12 months
Procedure Snapshot
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Deep Neck Contouring Before & After Photos
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Case #1001549
Procedures Performed
Provider
Age
25
Description
This patient was unhappy with her double chin and lack of projection from her side profile. In these photos she is 1 month out from deep neck contouring with Dr. Quatela!
Deep Neck Contouring Case 1001549 Before & After Left Side | Serving Rochester, Syracuse & Buffalo, NY | Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery
BeforeAfter
Case #1001548
Provider
Provider: Dr. Heather Lee
Age
27
Description
After a liposuction procedure that she was unhappy with, this patient decided to travel to see Dr. Heather Lee at The Quatela Center for Deep Neck Contouring!

Deep neck contouring does what liposuction alone cannot! It addresses the unde... Read More
Deep Neck Contouring Case 1001548 Before & After Left Side | Serving Rochester, Syracuse & Buffalo, NY | Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery
BeforeAfter
Case #1001510
Procedures Performed
Provider
Age
25
Description
Deep neck contouring
Deep Neck Contouring Case 1001510 Before & After Left Side | Serving Rochester, Syracuse & Buffalo, NY | Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery
BeforeAfter
Case #1355
Procedures Performed
Provider
Age
25
Description
Deep neck contouring and chin implant
Deep Neck Contouring Case 1355 Before & After Right Side | Serving Rochester, Syracuse & Buffalo, NY | Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery
BeforeAfter
Case #1001513
Procedures Performed
Provider
Provider: Dr. Heather Lee
Age
38
Description
38 year old female bothered by fullness in her neck. Dr. Lee performed a deep neck contouring procedure.
Deep Neck Contouring Case 1001513 Before & After Left Side | Serving Rochester, Syracuse & Buffalo, NY | Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery
BeforeAfter
Case #1001525
Procedures Performed
Provider
Age
37
Description
Rhinoplasty and deep neck contouring 
Rhinoplasty Case 1001525 Before & After Left Side | Serving Rochester, Syracuse & Buffalo, NY | Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery
BeforeAfter
Case #1001752
Provider
Age
37
Description
Genetic submental fullness and a lack of a defined jawline were concerns for this patient, along with the shape of her nose. She had a previous nasal surgery to reduce the dorsal hump, but she wanted a revision to address the shape. Dr. Quatela... Read More
Deep Neck Contouring Case 1001752 Before & After Right Side | Serving Rochester, Syracuse & Buffalo, NY | Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery
BeforeAfter
Case #1001558
Procedures Performed
Provider
Provider: Dr. Heather Lee
Age
40
Description
This patient is just 5 weeks out from deep neck contouring with Dr. Heather Lee and we could not be more in love with her result! Like most of our deep neck patients, submental fullness ran in her family, and as she aged she noticed it more and... Read More
Deep Neck Contouring Case 1001558 Before & After Left Side | Serving Rochester, Syracuse & Buffalo, NY | Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery
BeforeAfter

Benefits of Deep Neck Contouring

Deep neck contouring isn’t a single procedure; it is a sophisticated surgical technique that improves definition along the jawline and neck. By performing a personalized combination of cosmetic facial surgery procedures, our surgeons provide any combination of the following benefits:

  • Removing excess submental fat (a “double chin”) 
  • Lifting sagging tissues 
  • Defining the chin, jawline, and neck
  • Reshaping the contour between the neck and chin (cervicomental angle) 
Woman touching neck smiling with dangling diamond earrings
Woman touching neck

Is Deep Neck Contouring Right for You?

The ideal candidates for deep neck contouring are women and men of many ages, typically in their 20s to late 30s, who meet the following criteria: 

  • Want to improve their neck, chin, and jawline contours
  • Have good skin elasticity
  • Are in good overall health
  • Have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcome

Many people in their mid-40s and older who want to improve their neck may not be good candidates for deep neck contouring alone. More advanced signs of aging are usually better addressed with a facelift, which will address sagging skin and muscle in the lower face and provide a more natural-looking result. 

Choosing the Right Facial Plastic Surgeon

The facial plastic surgery specialists at the Quatela Center in Rochester are known for their superior neck contouring results, which attract patients from Syracuse and Buffalo, NY, as well as travelers from across the U.S. and the world.

Dr. Vito Quatela

Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Respected internationally for his expertise in facial plastic surgery, Dr. Quatela has been refining neck contouring techniques for decades. He approaches deep neck contouring as a very technical procedure that does more than remove superficial fullness. Dr. Quatela addresses commonly avoided or overlooked concerns, such as fat under the platysma muscle and over the hyoid bone, overdeveloped digastric muscles, and enlarged submandibular glands, to provide noticeable, long-lasting improvements. He wants patients to understand that fitness and weight loss may not be enough to reduce excess fat and define the jawline. During the consultation, he takes the time to understand each patient’s unique expectations and motivations for surgery to ensure satisfying results.

Get To Know Dr. Quatela

Dr. Heather Lee

Double Board-Certified Female Facial Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Lee has extensive training in cosmetic surgery of the face and neck, which includes a rigorous fellowship under Dr. Quatela. Because many of her patients are frustrated by a neck that “runs in the family,” each deep neck contouring procedure Dr. Lee performs is different and personalized to their unique anatomy and cosmetic goals. To attain lasting results, she uses advanced techniques that include contouring the soft tissue structures of the neck and addressing fat that cannot be removed with liposuction. She is honored when patients put their trust in her to help them through this entire journey – physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Get To Know Dr. Lee

Dr. Alex Montague

Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Montague is a facial plastic surgery specialist with years of training dedicated exclusively to operating on the deeper structures of the face and neck, including a five-year residency and fellowship training under Dr. Quatela. He provides exceptional neck contouring results by including surgical dissection beneath the platysma that addresses subplatysmal fat, the digastric muscles, and the submandibular glands. Dr. Montague aims to provide the best result possible for each patient’s unique anatomy. During the consultation, he attains a detailed understanding of each patient’s concerns so he can be transparent and clear about what is achievable with surgery. He considers shared expectations as one of the pillars of aesthetic surgery.

Get To Know Dr. Montague

Your Consultation

The consultation is the time to get to know your surgeon and see if deep neck contouring is right for you. After a clinical staff member reviews your medical history, your surgeon will:

  • Discuss your aesthetic goals.
  • Examine your neck and chin to understand your concerns, assess the amount of fullness to reduce, and evaluate the laxity of your skin.
  • Explain what surgery can and cannot accomplish.
  • Answer your questions.

We will take photos of your face and neck from multiple angles and use computer imaging to show you possible results. These digital images will also help your surgeon understand your desired results.

Woman looking into the camera

Your Deep Neck Contouring Procedure

Our surgeons perform deep neck contouring as outpatient surgery at the Lindsay House Surgery Center, our private, accredited, on-site facility. You will rest comfortably for the 1- to 3-hour surgery under local anesthesia with IV sedation.

During the procedure, your surgeon will place small incisions under the chin (within the submental crease) and behind the earlobes. After completing the specifics of your procedure, your surgeon closes the incisions with fine sutures and applies a gauze pressure dressing around your neck and jawline.

After surgery, we will monitor you in our comfortable recovery area until you’re awake and alert. When your surgeon determines you’re ready to leave, a nurse will discharge you to the care of an adult friend or loved one who will drive you home. If you are from out of town or prefer a medically supervised setting, you may choose to stay overnight in our Carriage House.

Side profile of woman's face

Recovery After Deep Neck Contouring

While discomfort is typically minimal, it can be relieved with pain medication, cold compresses, and rest. Expect some swelling, mild discomfort, and bruising around the chin and lower face. It is normal to experience tingling and unusual sensations as the surgical area is healing.

Here is a general recovery timeline that gives you an idea of what to expect (experiences vary):

Day of surgery:

An adult friend or family member will need to transport you home and stay with you for at least 1 to 2 days. You will have a head dressing as there may be drainage for 12 to 24 hours.

Day after surgery:

Head dressing removed at a post-op appointment.

Day 2:

Swelling and bruising peak.

Day 5:

Pressure bandage and chin sutures removed at a post-op appointment. Continue wearing the bandage while sleeping for 7 more days.

Day 7:

Ear sutures removed, if needed. Return to work, school, and nonstrenuous activities. Most patients feel comfortable being seen in public. Residual bruising can be camouflaged with makeup; our experts at Q the Medical Spa can teach you how.

Day 12:

Ready to stop wearing the pressure bandage at night.

2 to 3 weeks:

Swelling and bruising subside. Mild swelling can last for several months.

3 weeks:

Resume your normal activities and exercise routine.

6 to 12 months:

Final results are established.

For proper healing and optimal results, follow our pre- and post-operative instructions closely.

Tips for a Better Recovery

To help your recovery go smoothly, take the following precautions after surgery:

  • Apply ice packs to the cheeks and neck as directed for the first 48 hours.
  • For 7 to 10 days, keep your head elevated with 2 to 3 pillows while you rest or sleep.
  • Turning your head from side to side with normal head movement is allowed.
  • Choose soft foods initially; foods that require extensive chewing, such as steak, may be too difficult to eat.
  • Stay away from nicotine, alcohol, and beverages high in caffeine.

How Much Does a Deep Neck Contouring Procedure Cost in Rochester, NY?

The cost of deep neck contouring varies with the procedures performed and your specific needs and goals. During your consultation, you will receive an all-inclusive price quote that accounts for pre- and post-operative appointments, surgeon’s fees, surgery center fees, and anesthesia costs. For more information, see our page on Plastic Surgery Costs.

Exterior of Quatela building

Complementary Procedures

While deep neck contouring involves a combination of procedures, our surgeons can rejuvenate and define other areas of the face by combining it with any of the following procedures:

Chin Augmentation

Improves definition along the jawline and balances the profile.

Buccal Fat Removal

Slims the lower face and enhances the cheekbones by removing or reducing the buccal fat pads.

Your consultation is a good time to discuss possible complementary procedures with your surgeon. If you are ready to meet with one of our double board-certified facial plastic surgeons, request a consultation[/link] online or call us at  (585) 244-1000 to schedule your appointment.

Deep Neck Contouring FAQ

What is the best age to have deep neck contouring?

There is no “best” age for these procedures because our surgeons personalize them to the patient’s unique needs and concerns. Many of our patients are in their 20s and 30s, but older patients attain beautiful results with deep neck contouring, although some require a facelift for their desired results. Dr. Quatela says there is a distinct genetic neck fullness that only gets worse with age, so contouring it earlier will help patients age more gracefully.

Is deep neck contouring painful?

Most patients do not experience significant pain after their procedure. It is more common to have tightness and numbness of the cheeks, ears, and under the chin area for about 3 to 6 months.

What about liposuction on its own?

Neck fullness may be due to deeper layers of fat that can’t be removed with submental liposuction, so it may not be effective on its own.

Will I have scarring after deep neck contouring surgery?

Small incisions are placed under the chin and right behind the earlobes. The scarring from these incisions is minimal and typically fades over time, becoming barely noticeable.

How can I be sure my deep neck contouring results will look natural?

To achieve optimal results, choose a facial plastic surgeon with experience in facial contouring and rejuvenation procedures. Dr. Quatela, Dr. Lee, and Dr. Montague are known for achieving natural-looking results with facial plastic surgery procedures.

Woman standing in front of private jetModel
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