Lipoplasty of the neck.

Lipoplasty provides a new method of removing subcutaneous fat and contouring the neck. This author reports his experience in 50 cases. A total of 35 patients were done in conjunction with a rhytidoplasty, and 15 patients had lipoplasty as an isolated procedure. The series could be divided into halves. After 25 cases, several undesirable results were noted, including discomfort (15 of 25), nodularity (6 of 25), and contour irregularities (3 of 25). Modifications were made in the technique and postoperative treatment, including a smaller-diameter cannula, more extensive dissection with feathering, multiple incisions and cross-tunnels, and the postoperative use of massage and ultrasound and an elastic head garment. Subsequent patients had reduced morbidity and improved operative results. A detailed account of the operative procedure is discussed. Photographic documentation of results is given. This author's initial experience with lipoplasty of the neck indicates early problems, solutions, and results. The technique is viewed as a useful addition to the armamentarium of the plastic surgeon.