Neck Contouring: A Tailored Approach to a Defined Jawline

Let’s be honest, most people don’t walk in asking for ‘deep neck contouring.’ They say things like, ‘Can you fix my double chin?’ or ‘I just want a tighter jawline.’ And that’s where the real conversation begins.

At our practice, we take a step back before jumping into any procedure. That’s because terms like “neck lift” or “double chin surgery” are often used interchangeably or inaccurately, which can lead to confusion about what’s truly needed to achieve a slimmer, more sculpted neckline.

Instead of focusing on buzzwords, we approach these concerns under the broader umbrella of neck contouring. This personalized strategy looks beyond surface-level fat and skin to address the deeper anatomy that shapes the jawline. Every patient’s anatomy is different, and the key to a beautiful, natural result lies in understanding which underlying structures are contributing to fullness, laxity, or lack of definition.

Breakdown of Common Surgical Neck Contouring Techniques

Submental (Neck) Liposuction

A little fat under the chin? Totally normal. This is the most basic and most commonly requested neck contouring procedure. It targets fat directly under the skin (the subcutaneous layer) through a small incision just under the chin, only a few centimeters long.

While it can be effective for the right candidate, liposuction alone is rarely enough. A small amount of fat under the skin is actually necessary to maintain a soft, smooth neck. In many cases, the issue isn’t just superficial fat, but it’s what’s happening deeper.

Deep Neck Contouring

For patients with a heavier or less defined neck, deep neck contouring offers a more comprehensive solution. This procedure still removes superficial fat if needed, but more importantly, it targets the deeper structures that contribute to bulk and blunted angles.

• The platysma muscle, which often becomes loose or banded with age
• Subplatysmal fat, a deeper layer that adds volume beneath the muscle
• Digastric muscles, which may be enlarged and soften the jawline’s contour
• Submandibular glands, which can cause fullness just beneath the jaw

By addressing all these components, I can sculpt a more defined angle between the chin and neck that wouldn’t be possible with liposuction alone.

Neck Lift

In some cases, the skin has lost its elasticity and that’s when a neck lift becomes the most appropriate option.

Often performed alongside a facelift, a neck lift can also be done on its own for patients whose concerns are isolated to the neck. This can be performed with or without deep neck contouring. The procedure involves hidden incisions behind the ears and along the hairline, allowing Dr. Dedhia to remove excess skin and reposition the remaining skin in a natural, supportive direction. The result is a tighter, more youthful neck without pulling or distorting the facial features.

Why Dr. Dedhia Takes This Approach

At our practice, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Dr. Dedhia takes a thoughtful, anatomy-based approach to every procedure, ensuring that each patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their unique structure and aesthetic goals. By grouping these procedures under the umbrella of neck contouring, we’re able to educate patients more clearly, avoid unnecessary surgery, and deliver results that are both powerful and natural-looking.

Whether you’re dealing with stubborn fullness, loose skin, or a jawline that’s lost its definition over time, we’re here to help you understand your options and choose the path that fits you best.

Dr. Dedhia is an active member of the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ABOHNS), the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS).

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’re considering treatment for a double chin or loose neck skin, the best place to start is with a thorough consultation. During your visit, we’ll walk through your goals, assess your anatomy, and determine which combination of techniques will give you the most refined and long-lasting result. Request your consultation today, and Dr. Dedhia will be excited to meet with you to meet your aesthetic goals.