Neck Lift Guide: Why Your Double Chin Liposuction Failed and How to Fix It

Many international patients travel to Noonopi Clinic in Seoul after a disappointing experience with standard double chin liposuction.

They often ask, 

“I had the fat sucked out, so why is my jawline still blunt and heavy?”

The answer lies beneath the surface. To achieve a truly sharp and youthful profile, you must address the deep structures of the neck. Led by Dr. Nk Park, we specialize in Deep Neck Lifts—a surgical approach that goes far beyond what a simple cannula can reach.

 Why Liposuction Isn't Enough: The "Layer" Logic

Traditional liposuction only removes the subcutaneous fat (the layer directly under the skin). However, a "heavy" neck or a stubborn double chin is often caused by structures in the deeper layers:

• Deep Fat Pads: Located under the neck muscle, technically known as subplatysmal fat.
• Platysma Muscle: Sagging, weak, or separated muscles that create a "turkey neck" appearance.
• Submandibular Glands: Enlarged salivary glands that create visible bulges under the jawline.
• Digastric Muscles: Thick muscles that blunt the sharp angle between the neck and chin.

To correct these, a specialized Deep Neck Lift is required. Depending on your skin elasticity and skeletal structure, we recommend either a Mini or a Full approach.

 Case Study 1: The Mini Neck Lift (Focus on Muscle & Fat)

Best for: Patients with good skin elasticity or those requiring a fast recovery with minimal scarring.

• The Patient: A male professional in his 50s. He desired a masculine, sharp jawline but had a very limited travel window.
• The Procedure: A Mini Neck Lift via a discreet 3cm incision under the chin.
• The Technique: We removed the stubborn subplatysmal (deep) fat that standard liposuction cannot access. Additionally, we performed Corset Platysmaplasty to tighten the neck muscles.
• The Result: Without any skin excision, his jawline became defined as the internal tissues were tightened, allowing the skin to "re-drape" naturally over the new contours.

 Case Study 2: The Full Neck Lift (Addressing Sagging Skin)

Best for: Patients with severe skin laxity, "weak chin" profiles, or prominent vertical neck bands.

• The Patient: A man in his 40s with a retruded (small) chin. A small chin bone provides less support for the neck tissues, causing the skin to sag prematurely.
• The Procedure: A Full Neck Lift, which combines deep structural work with skin excision.
• The Technique: In addition to the under-chin incision, we make discreet incisions behind the ears (retro-auricular). This allows us to pull back and trim the excess, wrinkly skin that a mini lift cannot address.

• The Result: A dramatic, permanent transformation that corrected the "double chin" and eliminated redundant skin.

🛠️ The Noonopi "Deep Neck" Protocol: 4 Core Techniques

Dr. Nk Park utilizes four customized steps to sculpt the neck from the inside out:

1. Deep Fat Removal

Removing the "hidden" subplatysmal fat.

2. Submandibular Gland Reduction

Once deep fat is removed, glands that were previously masked can become visible as "side bulges." We preemptively shave down these enlarged salivary glands to ensure a flat, smooth result.

3. Digastric Muscle Shaving

Thinning out the muscles to sharpen the submental (under-chin) angle.

4. Corset Platysmaplasty: 

Tightly suturing the platysma muscles together like a corset to create a permanent, firm foundation.

FAQ: Is Submandibular Gland Removal Safe?

Many patients worry about dry mouth. However, humans have multiple salivary glands (parotid, sublingual, etc.). Removing only the protruding portion of the submandibular gland for cosmetic contouring is safe because the remaining glands compensate for its function. This is often the "missing link" to achieving a perfectly clean jawline.

 Conclusion: Choosing the Right Lift for You

• Choose a Mini Neck Lift if you want to fix a heavy double chin with minimal scarring and still have good skin elasticity. 

• Choose a Full Neck Lift if you have "turkey neck" bands, excess sagging skin, or a weak chin that requires skin trimming for a sharp profile.

At Noonopi Clinic, we focus on the anatomy, not just the surface. 

Ready for a sharper jawline?

Send us a photo of your side profile via WhatsApp.

Dr. Nk Park will personally analyze your muscle, fat, and gland structure to recommend the perfect procedure for you.