Previous liposuction under chin was performed in 2012. Happy with results, but after two kids, 13 years, and about 30 lb weight gain the fat underneath my chin came back. I have what I call a “slopey” neck, where it looks like my chin is connected to my chest. It’s awful, makes me look heavier and older than I am.
Dr. Friedman was honest and very thorough, because of my age my skin laxity wasn’t the best. In fact, I was barely above if not at the line of acceptability he has for skin laxity. He also told
Me that due to my previous surgery, as well as Kybella, there would be scar tissue, which acts like little roadblocks as he is suctioning, otherwise it’s like a “hot knife through butter” on patients with no previous lipo history.
Another thing to consider was that Dr. Friedman only does regular, old school lipo, no heating element/tightening. His reason being, to keep up with the latest technology is expensive and ever changing. He knows what he is doing with this machine and he’s sticking with it, basically.
I went ahead with the surgery due to the overwhelming positive reviews, the fact that he does “awake” lipo, and tons of before-after photos with many patients necks that looked similar to mine with amazing after results. Mine of course was “extended” submental lipo, which made it a bit more money, and I also think I was charged a little more due to it being almost a revision since my previous lipo results had diminished. According to the website, “Extended” submental lipo is usually $3500, whereas I paid $3,750. There is a $75 consultation fee, which will go towards the surgery cost if you decide to book, and you can also send photos for free and Dr. can usually tell if you are a candidate or not from that (wasn’t the case for me unfortunately). There is also a $500 booking deposit that also goes towards the procedure. He books months out, but you can be put on a list so that if someone cancels, they will call you and potentially you can have your surgery sooner. That happened to me, I was scheduled for May, got a call and got in April 6th.
Updated on 8 Apr 2023:
Dr. Friedman will meet with you again and answer any questions. Sign a bunch of paperwork about risks and such, as well as a very detailed after care plan. You can still back out of the procedure if you want, he makes that very clear. He is also very adamant about how it’s a two person job, he does his job of the liposuction, you stick to the aftercare plan and together it makes a beautiful result!
Then you will pay any remaining balance. He will take “before” photos of you, then meticulously draw the area he will be working within, more “before photos”. Change into paper gown. Staff was great at keeping you comfortable. I had to wear a paper shirt which they taped down across my clavicle, your neck gets wiped down with that iodine stuff, and blue paper/cloth will be put over your eyes nose and mouth (don’t worry, it’s very breathable)as well as outlining your chin/neck area.
Dr. Friedman then injects a numbing agent, then it’s intermission till that kicks in. He makes an incision (didn’t even feel it) and starts putting in the tumescent fluid, then goes to work suctioning fat and fluid out. After that, he kind of pushes/massages any remaining fluid out of your neck/chin area, stitches you up, steri-strip on incision and you’re done! Nothing hurt, just uncomfortable. Reminded me of the dentist. My butt cheeks were clenched anticipating pain but it never really does haha! Worst part was the sound of the scraping? Ick. Dr. And the nurses have interesting conversations to keep you entertained all the while.
Then they put that awful pad and head wrap on you and send you on your way with a copy of your paperwork, after care instructions and a barf bag (I guess some people get nauseous afterward..I had no problems) My appointment was at 3, I was out of office at about 5:45. They called in a prescription for Tramadol which we picked up on the way home.
Kimmy the nurse calls you the next day to check on you.
Updated on 8 Apr 2023:
I had read previous reviews so I knew the head wrap and sleeping elevated wasn’t going to be any fun. Luckily we have an adjustable bed frame so that helped. I also took other advice from reviews and am taking Arnica, to hopefully help with brushing and swelling, as well as using one of those airplane travel pillows to sleep with wrapped around my neck it really helps! Trying to drink a lot of water, I think that will help too.
Updated on 10 Apr 2023:
Getting used to the head wrap. Nothing really hurts, just the incision site stings a bit because of the head wraps pressure on it, I think. So far results are better than expected.
I’ll admit, while waiting for my procedure day I had second thoughts a few timesdue to things Dr. Friedman mentioned to me. Mainly my skin laxity being “just ok”, not great, but also now awful. Maybe I should go with newer technology with some some of “skin tightening” add on. But I’d go and look at his before and after a of people of all ages and weights and shapes and they all turned out great to me. I’d always come back feeling better, like I was in good hands and he really would do his best with the talent he has. I’m not entirely sure I believe how much of a difference it would have made either, honestly. I’ve had Smart Lipo which claims to tighten skin to some degree (did it? Couldn’t say.) , as well as Venus Legacy treatments on my neck and arms and that didn’t do crap. I could have gone the neck lift route and done a platysmaplasty, which would be more invasive, and cost more especially since you’d have to be under anesthesia. All things I would rather not do. I felt that chin lipo, one last time would be as far as I want to take this. Get hopefully 10 years or more to enjoy my results until old age gets me. Who knows what skin tightening technology they’ll have in 10 years, you know? Until then, I plan to use a massager, and neck skin tightening creams to delay any sagging due to age for as long as possible.
Updated on 12 Apr 2023:
Did my 1st check up with the doctor. He said results were better than expected which is exactly how I felt as well. He and nurse Kimmy, as well as Jin all showed me how hard I need to press to massage the scar tissue. I am to start massaging here on out until neck feels soft and stays soft for 24 hours. Could take months, everybody is different. Only 1 more week of wearing the head wrap 24/7 and sleeping upright! I am going to take the staffs advice of taking Tylenol extra strength 30 minutes before massaging, as well as another reviewers suggestion of using coconut oil so it’s easier to glide the massager on your neck, and Jin’s advice of laying with your head over the side of the bed, neck back, and watch a movie while you massage for 45 mins a day (straight, you shouldn’t break it up in intervals). Next check up will be in a month! I’m so excited about my new neck!
I know there are much more important life changing surgeries out there than my silly neck, and that Dr. Friedman does such surgeries. However, waking up every morning and seeing my neck like it was really destroyed my self confidence and that in turn affected my life in a lot of negative ways. So, I would definitely count this as life changing!
Updated on 15 Apr 2023:
I guess because the weather is warming up the head wrap is more uncomfortable at night, makes me sweaty. I’m glad I didn’t get this done in the summer! Only a few more days left though that I have to wear it 24/7. I’ve watched some videos on lymphatic drainage and and doing stretches and massaging my neck using those techniques as well as the vibrating massager the clinic suggests. Definitely feeling less stiff when I move my neck around.
Updated on 22 Apr 2023:
Results seem fairly the same for now. Will continue massage and wearing headwrap for about 18 hours a day. Using Mederma and silicone bandages on incision scar. Headwrap seems to be a bit stretched out and Velcro getting worn, wish they gave me an extra one. Curious if there will be improvement in the shape with massage and time or if this is about as good as it’s going to get. Still happy with the great improvement so far! It was made clear to me that because of my jaw bone shape and age and laxity I would not have a super sharp jawline after this surgery as others may have.
Updated on 19 May 2023:
Visited Dr. Friedman for my 5 week progress check up, he seemed positive, we both know I still need to keep up massaging and it could take even up to 6 months for my neck to stay soft and for the scar to flatten.
I don’t notice any lumps and bumps in artificial light and just normal standing looking straight/side to side, just when I tilt my head all the way back and in natural light. So I stand in front of the mirror by a window and use that light when I massage so I hit certain spots a little harder. I’ve had lipo in that area before, as well as Kybella so it’s possible it’s a contributing factor to the fibrosis.
Most of these other reviews don’t mention what it feels like as you’re healing, so for me personally, sometimes you get little twinges/shock of pain (very small and quick), a heavy, annoying, tight feeling under chin/neck… massaging really helps though.
Updated on 2 Oct 2023:
Pretty happy with results. Definitely better than before. Maybe if I lose weight it’ll look better? I don’t know. I do wonder, like a previous reviewer did, if I had gone with someone who had more advanced tools with a skin tightening feature if it’d look better…. But I am also happy I don’t hate what I see in the mirror everyday anymore. Basically, I agree with what Dr. Friedman alluded to… if you are young with great elasticity in your skin, heck yeah 100% go for it, most likely have amazing results, if you are older and don’t have the best elasticity it’s gonna be a little bit of a crapshoot and you most likely won’t have that super sharp jawline that everybody wants and you also will have a scar. It’s not a terrible scar but at 6 months it still is visible (or at least by me). That said, I have no regrets and am happy with my decision!!