Two is normally better than one… but not when it comes to our chins. Excess fat and skin under the chin, often called the “double chin,” can lower your confidence and make you feel less pleased with your self-image.
Luckily, plastic surgery can help. Liposuction is a common plastic surgery procedure that seeks to remove excess fat and tighten the skin in certain areas of the body. And your chin is an area that liposuction can treat.
If your double chin is causing you trouble, liposuction might be right for you. Let’s dive in and take a look at everything you need to know.
What is Liposuction
You’ve probably heard of liposuction before if you’ve ever read a gossip magazine or watched a reality television show. It’s one of the hottest trends in Hollywood to help models and celebrities look their best. In fact, liposuction is one of the top three most requested plastic surgery procedures.
The procedure involves making incisions and removing excess fat from areas of the body. In addition to the chin, you can also get liposuction on your:
Abdomen
Chest
Sometimes, liposuction will be used in conjunction with a fat grafting procedure. This involves taking the removed fat and injecting into another area of the body to enhance its contour. For example, liposuction may remove fat from the abdomen to then be inserted into the buttocks for a more voluptuous bottom.
Also Read: Difference Between Tumescent Liposuction & Traditional Lipo
The Chin Liposuction Procedure
If you’re thinking about getting chin liposuction, it’s normal to be a bit nervous about the procedure. Here is everything you can expect from start to finish.
Before the Surgery
Before you can get any plastic surgery procedure, you will first need to meet with a plastic surgeon for a consultation. This is where you’ll be asked some questions in regards to your surgical goals, medical history, current medications, or any allergies that the surgeon should know about.
After that, they may evaluate your general health status to ensure that you’re a good candidate. They may also take some photos of your body for reference, as well as so you can see before and after comparisons when you’re all finished.
This is also the time to ask any and all questions that you may have. Your plastic surgeon understands that you may feel nervous, and the main goal of a consultation is to get you feeling less anxious and more excited about your upcoming procedure.
During the Surgery
First, your plastic surgeon will determine the best course of sedation for your procedure. For a chin liposuction, you may only need local anesthesia around the neck and chin so that you remain comfortable. However, it may also be best to use IV sedation and put you unconscious for the duration.
After that, small incisions will be made under your chin just large enough for a hollow instrument called a cannula to be inserted inside. This will loosen up excess fat so that it can be extracted with a vacuum or a syringe.
It’s as simple as that! The wounds will be closed and you may be given a special chin strap to help support your neck as the wound heals.
After the Surgery
You can expect to feel some soreness and swelling immediately after the surgery. Bandages and wraps will be applied to the site of incision to help control swelling and compress the skin to your new body contours.
Also, small temporary drains may be placed in existing locations underneath the skin. This helps to allow drainage of any excess blood or fluid. These will usually be removed after a day or two.
The doctor will give you specific instructions, but you may need to apply antibiotic ointment to incision areas. Also, avoid the sun and try not to get excess amounts of water on your face for the first few days.
You will also need to avoid strenuous activity such as exercise or frequently moving your chin and jaw. Your doctor may put you on a special diet for the first few days to try to limit the movement of your chin.
You’ll be able to see the full results of your procedure once the swelling subsides.
Risks and Safety
As with any plastic surgery procedure, there are some risks of complications associated with getting chin liposuction. The biggest potential risk is that the procedure may not turn out exactly as you had hoped. However, choosing the right doctor and adequately preparing can increase your chances.
Some of the risks of double chin surgery include:
Bleeding
Asymmetry of facial features
Infection
Nerve injury
Scarring
Swelling
Discomfort
Complications from anesthesia
Additionally, it’s possible that the procedure will require a subsequent surgery in order to achieve your desired results.
Am I a Good Candidate for Double Chin Surgery?
We value every patient’s story and understand that everyone has the right to their best body. With that said, there are certain qualities that might make you a great candidate for a chin liposuction surgery.
You may be a good candidate if you:
Have positive and realistic goals for the outcome of your procedure.
Are uncomfortable with the appearance of your double chin.
Are at a stable weight.
Are generally healthy.
Nonsmoker.
Are committed to an active lifestyle after surgery.
Other Chin Reduction Procedures
Chin liposuction isn’t the only body contouring technique that can be used to reduce the appearance of fat underneath your chin. These are typically more common in individuals with less fat that they wish to shed.
Thermi
Thermi is a revolutionary treatment that is non-invasive, meaning it doesn’t require incisions and it doesn’t break the skin. It uses radiofrequency technology to reduce fat deposits and tighten the skin.
There are different types of Thermi, but ThermiTight can be used on the neck and chin to reduce the appearance of your double chin. It works by heating up the subdermal fat, damaging it beyond repair. The end result is a tighter, more contoured appearance in the treated area.
PH-1 Miami is proud to offer Thermi alongside many other surgical and non-surgical body contouring procedures. If you think this non-invasive approach to a sleeker chin is right for you, we’d love to see you in our Miami office soon!
Neck Lift
Another option instead of liposuction is to get a neck lift, which can remove excess skin and fat in the neck and jaw areas. This is more common for skin sagging and less common for the traditional double chin. However, a neck lift may be able to improve the appearance of your double chin.
Usually, an incision is made from one sideburn to another. Fat may be sculpted or redistributed from the neck. Underlying tissue is often repositioned, and then the skin is draped over the new contours. Excess skin is trimmed and sutures are used to close the incision.
Liposuction of the chin is often used during this procedure to repair the muscle and eliminate any excess fat.
Maintaining Your New Look
Body contouring doesn’t end when the procedure does. In order to maintain your appearance and keep the effects of your procedure lasting a long time, it’s important to lead an active lifestyle.
When it’s safe to do so post-operation, maintaining a stable weight through exercise and eating a nutritious diet can help you keep your double chin at bay for longer. While natural changes due to weight fluctuation or age are inevitable, living a healthy lifestyle can enhance your procedure’s lifespan.
In Conclusion
Double chins may be caused by weight gain, or they may just be a natural component of your body. Regardless, there are ways to reduce their appearance if you feel uncomfortable with them.
Chin liposuction is a popular method that requires small incisions on the chin to allow for an instrument to break up and remove excess fat. It’s a popular procedure that can also be used on other areas of the body.
However, a more minimally invasive procedure known as Thermi is another option to help tighten the skin and remove fat deposits in the neck and chin area. This may be a better option for more mild cases.
Good candidates for chin liposuction or Thermi are generally people with realistic outlooks who are within the range of their target weight. If you’re thinking of getting chin liposuction or another plastic surgery procedure, PH-1 Miami would love to work with you! Fill out your inquiry form today so we can get started on helping you achieve your absolute best body.
Sources:
Strategies for Reducing Fatal Complications in Liposuction | NCBI
Neck Lift Procedure Steps | American Society of Plastic Surgeons
