Neck liposuction removes excess fat under the chin and along the jawline, creating a sharper, more defined profile that many people feel improves their overall appearance. The procedure is especially popular among adults in their 30s to 50s who have good skin elasticity but stubborn submental fat that resists diet and exercise. Results are permanent as long as weight remains stable, because adult fat cells removed during surgery do not grow back.
Costs have climbed steadily over the past few years due to rising surgical fees, facility charges, anesthesia rates, and demand for refined techniques. In 2025–2026, the national average in the United States falls between $3,500 and $8,500 for a standalone neck lipo procedure performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. That wide range reflects differences in location, surgeon experience, anesthesia type, and whether the case is simple or combined with other work.
Understanding what is—and isn’t—included in quoted prices helps you compare apples to apples and avoid unexpected bills. This article breaks down current pricing, the main cost drivers, financing options, and realistic expectations so you can approach consultations with confidence.
What Neck Liposuction Actually Involves
The surgeon makes one or two tiny incisions (usually under the chin or behind the earlobes) and inserts a thin cannula to suction out excess fat. Modern techniques often use tumescent fluid (a dilute local anesthetic solution) to minimize bleeding, reduce pain, and make fat removal easier. The procedure typically takes 45 minutes to 90 minutes under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
Afterward, patients wear a supportive chin strap for several days to a few weeks to control swelling and help skin retract smoothly. Most return to desk work within 3–7 days and resume light exercise after 2–3 weeks. Final contour becomes visible once swelling fully resolves, usually 3–6 months.
Because the skin must contract over the new contour, ideal candidates have good elasticity (generally under age 50–55) and realistic expectations about skin tightening. When elasticity is poor, some surgeons combine lipo with a small skin-tightening procedure.
How Much Is Neck Lipo
The national average cost for neck liposuction in 2025–2026 ranges from $3,500 to $8,500 when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon in an accredited facility. Most patients pay $4,800–$6,800 for a straightforward case using tumescent technique under local anesthesia with oral sedation.
Lower-end prices ($3,500–$4,500) are common in smaller cities, with surgeons who have lower overhead or use local anesthesia only. Higher-end prices ($7,000–$8,500+) reflect metropolitan areas, highly experienced surgeons, general anesthesia, or operating-room fees at hospital-affiliated surgery centers.
These figures represent surgeon fee plus facility and anesthesia charges for an isolated neck lipo. They exclude pre-operative consultations, post-operative garments, prescription medications, and any follow-up visits.
Main Factors That Drive the Price
Geographic location creates the largest variation. Procedures in New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, or San Francisco routinely cost 40–80% more than the same surgery in secondary cities or rural areas due to higher overhead, rent, and demand.
Surgeon experience and credentials matter significantly. Board-certified plastic surgeons with thousands of facial procedures often charge more than general cosmetic surgeons or those newer to practice. Reputation, before-and-after galleries, and patient reviews justify the premium for many.
Anesthesia type affects cost. Local anesthesia with oral sedation is least expensive. IV sedation or general anesthesia adds $800–$2,000 because it requires an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist and more monitoring equipment.
Facility fees differ widely. Accredited office-based surgical suites are usually cheapest. Ambulatory surgery centers or hospital operating rooms charge more because of staffing, equipment, and safety standards.
Anesthesia and Facility Choices Compared
Here is a comparison table showing how anesthesia type and facility setting typically influence the total cost of neck liposuction (surgeon fee held constant for illustration):
| Anesthesia Type | Facility Setting | Added Cost Range (2025–2026) | Comfort Level During Procedure | Recovery Speed | Most Common For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local + oral sedation | Office-based accredited suite | $0–$800 | Awake but relaxed | Fastest (same-day discharge) | Straightforward cases, budget-conscious patients |
| Local + IV sedation | Office-based or ASC | $800–$1,800 | Very relaxed, may sleep lightly | Fast (same-day) | Most common choice |
| General anesthesia | ASC or hospital OR | $1,500–$3,000 | Fully asleep | Slightly slower (monitoring) | Patients with anxiety or complex cases |
| Tumescent only (no sedation) | Office-based | $0–$500 | Awake, some discomfort | Fastest | Very experienced surgeons, low-anxiety patients |
Higher anesthesia and facility fees often buy greater comfort and perceived safety.
Additional Fees That Add Up
Pre-operative lab work, medical clearance, and imaging (if required) usually cost $150–$500. Prescription pain medication, antibiotics, and anti-nausea drugs add another $50–$150.
Post-operative compression garments (chin strap) range from $50–$150; most surgeons include one or two in the fee, but extras cost more. Follow-up visits are typically covered for the first few months, though some practices charge for extended care.
If you combine neck lipo with other procedures (chin implant, facelift, or skin tightening), the surgeon may bundle fees and reduce the incremental cost of the lipo portion.
Insurance and Financing Options
Traditional health insurance almost never covers neck liposuction because it is considered cosmetic. Exceptions exist only when the procedure treats a medical condition (e.g., post-traumatic fat deposition), which is rare.
Many plastic surgery practices offer in-house payment plans or partner with third-party lenders like CareCredit, Alphaeon, or PatientFi. These programs provide 0% interest for 6–24 months or low-interest longer terms. Qualifying usually requires a credit check and modest down payment.
Some patients use personal savings, home equity lines, or medical credit cards. Comparing interest rates and terms before signing helps keep the total cost manageable.
Realistic Recovery and When You See Final Results
Swelling peaks around days 3–5 and then steadily improves. Most patients return to non-physical work within 3–7 days and feel comfortable in social settings after 10–14 days. Bruising (if present) fades within 2 weeks.
The chin strap is worn full-time for the first week and then nights-only for several more weeks. Final contour becomes visible once swelling resolves completely—typically 3–6 months, though subtle changes can continue up to one year.
Maintaining stable weight preserves the result indefinitely because removed fat cells do not return. Significant weight gain can cause remaining fat cells to enlarge and blur the definition.
Summary
Neck liposuction costs $3,500–$8,500 on average in 2025–2026, with most straightforward cases falling between $4,800 and $6,800 when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Location, anesthesia type, facility setting, and surgeon experience drive the biggest price differences. Combining the procedure with other facial work can sometimes reduce the per-procedure cost through bundled fees.
Insurance rarely covers cosmetic neck lipo, so patients rely on savings, medical financing, or payment plans. Choosing an experienced, board-certified surgeon in an accredited facility balances safety, results, and value. A thorough consultation with multiple providers gives you accurate personalized quotes and realistic expectations.
FAQ
What is the average cost of neck liposuction in the United States right now?
Most patients pay $4,800–$6,800 for neck lipo performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon in 2025–2026. Simple cases under local anesthesia fall toward the lower end, while general anesthesia or metropolitan locations push toward the higher end.
Why do prices for neck lipo vary so much between surgeons?
Surgeon experience, geographic location, anesthesia type, and facility fees create the biggest differences. Board-certified plastic surgeons in high-cost cities charge more than general cosmetic surgeons in smaller markets. Always compare at least two or three qualified providers.
Does health insurance ever cover neck liposuction?
Traditional health insurance almost never covers neck lipo because it is classified as cosmetic. Rare exceptions exist only when the procedure treats a documented medical condition (e.g., post-traumatic fat deposition), which is uncommon. Verify with your insurer.
Is local anesthesia cheaper than general anesthesia for neck lipo?
Yes, local anesthesia with oral or IV sedation typically reduces the total cost by $800–$2,000 compared with general anesthesia. Many patients tolerate local well for neck lipo, especially when the case is straightforward.
How long does it take to recover from neck liposuction?
Most people return to desk work in 3–7 days and feel socially presentable after 10–14 days. Full swelling resolution and final contour take 3–6 months, though subtle improvements continue up to one year.
Can I finance neck liposuction if I can’t pay upfront?
Yes, many practices offer CareCredit, Alphaeon, or in-house payment plans with 0% interest for 6–24 months or low-interest longer terms. Qualifying usually requires a credit check and a modest down payment.
Does the cost include follow-up visits and post-op care?
Most surgeons include the first few follow-up visits and a compression garment in the quoted fee. Extended visits, additional garments, or unexpected complications may incur extra charges. Clarify what is covered during your consultation.
Dr. Hamza is a medical content reviewer with over 12+ years of experience in healthcare research and patient education. He specializes in evidence-based health information, medications, and chronic conditions. His reviews are grounded in trusted medical sources and current clinical guidelines to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Content reviewed by Dr. Hamza is intended for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.