Surgical Ways To Remove A Double Chin

 

Do you remember a day when you had a streamlined profile while looking in the mirror? Of course, it’s possible that you’ve never had that particular brand of luck.

In fact, many of us deal with excess fat on the neck or chin that results in a double chin. Also known as submental fullness, it can be the result of weight loss, aging, or just good old genetics.

Fortunately, there are surgical ways to remove a double chin and feel more confident about your appearance.

Surgical Ways To Remove A Double Chin

Getting rid of excess fat or skin around the neck can be achieved in a number of ways. Depending on your goals, a board-certified plastic surgeon may use one or more of the following procedures:

  1. Chin Liposuction

For folks with more elastic skin (often those in the 20-50 year age range), the surgeon may opt for just chin liposuction.

With chin liposuction, the surgeon inserts a cannula, or small tube, into different areas of the chin. Gentle suction removes small amounts of fat from each location which leaves the skin looking smoother.

Although this procedure removes excess fat, it doesn’t improve skin quality.

  1. Submentoplasty and/or Lower Rhytidectomy

Submentoplasty is just the medical field’s fancy term for a chin tuck while a lower rhytidectomy is more commonly known as a neck lift.

A chin tuck focuses solely on tightening the skin and removing extra fat from the chin and upper neck. A neck lift is more extensive than a chin tuck in that it tightens the muscles.

Chin Tuck and Neck Lift Surgery Procedures

As explained above, chin liposuction is fairly straightforward. A chin tuck or neck lift are more extensive, however, and involve making incisions.

First, your doctor marks the chin and neck to indicate the areas where he or she will work. Then either IV medications are administered or you may have to undergo general anesthesia.

The area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution. For those not under general anesthesia, a local anesthetic may be injected under the skin.

Incisions are generally made at the hairline and around and behind the ear to avoid conspicuous scars. Excess fat and skin are removed from the neck.

In the case of a chin tuck, there will be fewer incisions and excess skin isn’t removed. Instead, the platysma (neck muscle) is tightened to give the skin a more sculpted and toned appearance.

In both cases, incisions are closed with glue or sutures.

Recovery

As with all surgical procedures, swelling and discomfort following the procedure are common. The skin on the neck and chin may show bruising and swelling and might feel very tight. Your surgeon may recommend an antibiotic ointment.

You’ll need to avoid the sun, as well as getting excess amounts of water on the face or chin for a few days.

Overall recovery time will depend on the surgical procedure you have. Chin liposuction typically heals within a few days to a week. A neck lift will be more like 7-10 days.

Eager to Say Goodbye to Your Double Chin?

With a number of surgical ways to remove a double chin available, you could be bidding that double chin farewell in the near future.

So contact us today to get started.

Our experienced team will sit down with you during your free consultation and discuss which option(s) will be best for you.