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San Jose in Palo Alto & San Jose
You can take care of yourself, maintain healthy habits, and still notice extra fullness beneath your chin when you look at photos or catch your profile in the mirror. It’s one of the most common areas patients mention when they come to see us, that soft curve that hides the jawline they know is there. Submental liposuction, also called neck liposuction, targets the small, stubborn area beneath the chin. By removing a precise amount of fat, it enhances definition between the face and neck, leaving the features looking smoother and more refined. While it’s a subtle change, it truly makes a noticeable difference every time you check your reflection.
At Illuminate Plastic Surgery, we take great care and attention in performing this procedure, reflecting our strong commitment to patient satisfaction in every aspect of our work. We offer neck liposuction at our Palo Alto and San Jose locations, accredited surgical centers designed for safety, privacy, and patient comfort.
We approach every procedure as a unique collaboration. You tell us your goals and concerns, while we bring expertise and a practiced understanding of facial proportion and aesthetics. Together, we discover the perfect balance that feels right and looks most natural for you. Most submental liposuction procedures are performed under local anesthesia, so you remain relaxed and comfortable while fully awake. Our surgeon makes a few tiny incisions hidden just beneath the chin and uses a fine cannula to remove small, targeted amounts of fat. The result is a cleaner line between your chin and neck, often making the face appear slimmer and more defined overall. Our patients say it’s the kind of change that feels small but ends up being transformative. Not because you look different, but because your features are aligned again.
Submental liposuction is a targeted cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat under the chin. This area is often resistant to diet, regular exercise, or overall weight loss, meaning even people who stay in shape may struggle with fullness there.
At Illuminate, we frequently use power-assisted liposuction — an advanced technique that allows for more precise motion and smoother fat removal through the underlying tissue. Every movement is deliberate. Every adjustment is carefully measured. Our goal isn't to remove as much fat as possible. It’s to enhance your natural definition and ensure long-lasting satisfaction. When you have good elasticity, your skin naturally tightens after fat removal. Those with looser skin might benefit from combining their neck liposuction with other skin-tightening therapies available at our Palo Alto or San Jose locations.
At Illuminate, we look forward to giving you transformative results that can change how you see your face from every angle. It’s these gentle improvements that quietly boost your confidence and outlook. Benefits include:
Over time, the swelling gradually softens, giving you a more balanced neckline that feels proportionate — drawing attention back to your beautiful face rather than the area below.
This procedure is a good option for stubborn fat under the chin that doesn’t respond to lifestyle changes. It’s often chosen by patients who feel their lower face looks less defined than the rest of their body, even when they’re at a stable weight.
Ideal candidates have firm, elastic skin with enough resilience for the overlying skin to tighten naturally once the fat is removed. You should be in good health, maintain a balanced diet, and approach surgery with realistic expectations. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your skin quality, bone structure, and any excess areas to ensure the results are smooth and natural-looking. If your skin has significant laxity, combining neck liposuction with other contouring procedures may help achieve optimal results. People who have undergone this treatment often describe it as a confidence boost. It’s not so much about changing your look dramatically as about highlighting, enhancing, and accentuating the features you already enjoy.
When you visit our Palo Alto or San Jose offices for your consultation, you can expect a comprehensive discussion that reviews your goals and determines what results are achievable for your specific body and skin type.
Throughout your journey, we want you to feel comfortable, informed, and clear about your options. You’ll see examples of submental liposuction results, learn about recovery, and gain a thorough understanding of how this procedure can fit into your overall aesthetic plan. Preparation is simple. You may be asked to pause certain medications or supplements to minimize bruising and swelling. Staying hydrated and healthy supports your safety and promotes faster healing. Our team will provide you with written instructions to make everything simple, from the morning of your procedure to aftercare at home.
The submental liposuction procedure typically takes less than an hour. Most patients receive local anesthesia, although general anesthesia may be used for comfort or if liposuction is combined with other treatments.
At the beginning of your procedure, a small amount of sterile tumescent fluid is injected into the submental space. This numbing solution also constricts small blood vessels to reduce bleeding, loosens fat cells, and makes it easier to achieve smooth, even results. Once the fat has been prepared, it’s removed through a narrow tube with gentle suction. Our surgeon then moves slowly and carefully to sculpt the area while preserving the integrity of the underlying tissues. When finished, the small incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures and typically heal without any noticeable marks. The entire process feels focused and calm. You’ll be able to go home the same day, already feeling lighter along the jawline.
During recovery, you’ll likely notice mild swelling and a sense of tightness under the chin, all normal signs that your body is healing. Many people say it feels more like soreness after a workout than surgical pain. You’ll be advised to wear a supportive wrap or garment during the first week to help the skin adapt to your new shape. Small bruises might appear but should fade quickly. Most people get back to work and normal routines within a few days, avoiding strenuous activity for about a week.
Over the following weeks, the swelling resolves and the final results become more apparent. The line between your face and neck looks smoother, cleaner, and more beautifully defined. You’ll see subtle refinements in how your profile looks in photos and how it feels just turning your head. You'll feel sleeker, more sculpted, and most importantly, more confident in your own skin. Your results are long-lasting because the fat cells removed during submental liposuction don’t regenerate. Maintaining a stable weight, staying active, and following a balanced diet will help preserve the refined contour. Our team stays with you every step of the way — from the initial follow-up to months later — to ensure you feel supported and that your results continue to look their best.
The cost of neck liposuction depends on the scope of your treatment and whether you are combining it with other procedures. During your consultation, a member of our care team will provide you with a personalized estimate that covers all associated fees, including anesthesia, facility use, and post-operative care. Our pricing is transparent and we’ll review financing options and help you plan in a way that fits your budget and timeline. Choosing Illuminate Plastic Surgery means investing in some of the best surgeons in the Bay Area. We’re known for our dedication to patient care and achieving exceptional natural-looking results.
Illuminate is a welcoming plastic surgery practice in the Bay Area where expertise and compassion go hand in hand. Our surgeons are highly trained and continually educated in the most advanced aesthetic techniques, including liposuction and combination treatments for enhanced definition. Our facilities in Palo Alto and San Jose are fully AAAASF-accredited, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to safety, quality, and patient comfort. Illuminate has earned a reputation for creating results that feel effortless and natural, refinements that restore balance without ever appearing “done.”
Refine the contours beneath your chin and feel more confident when you look in the mirror. A conversation with us is a good place to start. Our surgical team will help you understand your options and know what you can personally expect from submental liposuction. Visit us in Palo Alto or San Jose for a private consultation. We’ll listen, guide, and show you what subtle refinement can look like when it’s done with precision and care.
Palo Alto: (650) 433-8621
San Jose: (408) 369-9300
Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable, and most patients describe only mild soreness for a few days after surgery.
This procedure offers minimal risks. During your initial consultation, we’ll perform a comprehensive exam to determine whether you're a good candidate. Mild swelling, bruising, or temporary numbness can occur but typically fade quickly.
Most people return to daily activities within a few days and see final results after a few weeks, once swelling has resolved.
Absolutely! At Illuminate, our surgeons follow a carefully planned approach for each procedure, removing just enough fat to create smooth, natural definition along the chin and neck.
Many patients opt to combine their neck liposuction with other aesthetic procedures, such as fat transfer, skin tightening, or fillers. During your first consultation, your surgeon will review possible enhancements to help you achieve your desired results and create a more confident you.
At Illuminate we’re with you during every step of your journey toward greater self-confidence. Schedule a consultation with us today and let Illuminate’s expert team listen to your concerns and guide you through treatments and procedures to help you reach your individual goals. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating your renewed appearance and realized potential.
