Awake face surgery
Awake Chin and Neck Liposuction in Ottawa
Submental liposuction may improve contour beneath the chin in suitable patients with localized fat. Because the area is small, it is often performed awake under tumescent local anesthesia.
Chin and Neck Liposuction at a glance
| Typical operating time | About 30 to 60 minutes |
|---|---|
| Awake suitability | Often a good candidate for awake surgery |
| Typical return to desk work | Desk work often within 2 to 4 days |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia with or without sedation. General anesthesia arranged if needed |
| Setting | Outpatient, with an anesthesiologist present throughout |
Times are typical ranges for planning, not promises. Your plan is individualized.
What is chin and neck liposuction?
Tumescent fluid is infiltrated and a small cannula removes fat through a tiny incision under the chin. It treats fat but does not reliably tighten loose skin.
Who may be a good candidate
- People with fullness under the chin
- Those with good skin tone and well-defined neck structure
Why awake chin and neck liposuction may work
Liposuction under tumescent local anesthesia has the most extensive safety data of any awake aesthetic procedure, including series of thousands of patients. The treated area is small and easily numbed, so awake surgery is a common choice.
When awake may not be the right choice
If skin is loose or the neck has muscle bands, a neck lift may be better.
Your awake chin and neck liposuction journey
1. Before surgery (pre-op)
We assess fat, skin and muscle, and discuss whether liposuction alone is enough.
- A consultation to review your goals, health history, medications and previous surgeries, and a physical examination
- An anesthesia assessment to decide whether an awake plan is appropriate and safe for you
- Photographs, with your consent, and a written plan, quote and consent form
- Medication guidance, including when to stop blood thinners, certain supplements, and smoking or vaping
- Fasting instructions from the anesthesia team. Follow them exactly
- A ride home and an adult to stay with you after surgery
2. Day of surgery (intra-op)
The area is numbed, fat is removed through a small incision, and a chin strap is applied.
- You arrive, change, and meet the surgeon and anesthesiologist, and your markings and plan are confirmed
- An IV and monitors are placed. The anesthesiologist stays with you from start to finish
- Local anesthetic is given. Expect brief stinging, then numbness, and light sedation if planned
- You can listen to music, talk with the team, and tell us at any time if you feel discomfort
- Afterward you rest in recovery, receive written instructions and go home with your driver
3. Recovery (post-op)
You are observed in recovery, given written instructions and pain-control guidance, and scheduled for follow-up. Call us or seek urgent care for fever, spreading redness, severe or worsening pain, heavy bleeding, chest pain, shortness of breath, or leg pain or swelling.
| When | What is typical |
|---|---|
| Days 1 to 3 | Swelling and bruising. Chin strap worn. |
| Week 1 | Swelling continues to settle. |
| Weeks 2 to 4 | Most feel comfortable socially. |
| Months 2 to 3 | Final contour appears. |
Timelines are general and vary. Your surgeon gives you instructions specific to you.
Anesthesia options
Anesthesia options range from local anesthesia, with or without sedation, to general anesthesia. An anesthesiologist is present throughout your procedure and recommends an approach after reviewing your health, the extent of surgery and your preferences. If an awake approach is not suitable, general anesthesia is arranged. Plans can change during surgery if comfort or safety requires it, including deepening sedation or converting to general anesthesia.
Learn more: anesthesia options, levels of anesthesia, fear of intubation, and pain perception and music.
Alternatives
Neck lift or facelift if there is loose skin, non-surgical options, or no treatment.
Risks
Contour irregularity, bruising, swelling, asymmetry, numbness, rare nerve injury, and anesthesia-related risks.
Anesthetic risks include reactions to medications, breathing or airway events, the need to deepen sedation or convert to general anesthesia, and, rarely, transfer for further care. All surgery carries risk, and results are not guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions about awake chin and neck liposuction
Will it tighten my neck?
Liposuction removes fat but does not reliably tighten loose skin.
Can it be done awake?
Often yes.
Will I have scars?
A tiny incision under the chin.
How long is the chin strap?
Often a few days to a week.
Related procedures
Pricing for this procedure is quoted at your consultation. See pricing and financing.
Explore your options at a consultation
References
- Boeni R, Waechter-Gniadek PV. Safety of tumescent liposuction under local anesthesia in 9,002 consecutive patients. Dermatol Surg. 2021;47(5):e184-e187. PMID 33899793
- Lozinski A, Huq NS. Tumescent liposuction. Clin Plast Surg. 2013;40(4):593-613. PMID 24093655
Starting from $9,000 for Chin and neck liposuction with J-Plasma (CAD, before 13% HST). Your personalized written quote follows consultation. See pricing and financing.