Surgeons can use liposuction, a neck lift, or submentoplasty to shift a double chin. Collectively known as double chin surgery, these procedures can create the sharp, contoured jaw profile.
Do you despise the cute little bulge beneath your chin — AKA your double chin? Although these pesky folds are entirely normal, some peeps find them an unwelcome addition to their appearance.
A double chin is an accumulation of fat in the area under the chin. It may occur because of genetics or weight gain. Age is also a factor because as you age, your skin loses its elasticity and muscles weaken, which can lead to the appearance of a double chin.
Despite being completely normal, some peeps prefer a sharper appearance and opt for treatments to reduce a double chin. A neck lift, liposuction, or a combination of treatments may help if you want a more contoured jawline.
If you’re considering getting rid of your double chin once and for all, continue reading to learn about your options.
Double chin surgery isn’t a specific type of surgery. Instead, it’s several different approaches that target neck fat and excess skin to leave you with a sharper jawline.
The options include:
- Chin liposuction. This involves surgically removing fat cells from the chin and neck area with a thin tube.
- Neck lift. Also called a lower rhytidectomy, this procedure removes fat and excess skin from the neck area.
- Submentoplasty. This is a combination of liposuction and tightening the muscles and the chin through small incisions.
The best procedure for you depends on your cosmetic goals. Doctors may not recommend liposuction or submentoplasty if your skin is loose because you may still have some sagging skin after the procedure. In this case, a neck lift might be better.
Ultimately, your doctor can help you decide which treatment is best for you.
The exact details of your double chin surgery depend on your chosen procedure.
Generally, there’s some level of sedation, and you won’t feel any pain during the operation.
With liposuction, your doctor will make small incisions in the chin area or neck and use a thin tube to gently extract fat.
A submentoplasty typically involves making small incisions around the chin and under the jawline. The doctor can remove fat from your chin and neck area and tighten the platysma muscle.
A neck lift is the most invasive option. In addition to excess fat, it also removes loose skin and tightens the underlying neck muscles.
The exact procedure may vary, but these are the general steps for chin liposuction:
- The surgeon assesses your facial structure and marks where the incisions will be made.
- The anesthetist administers medications to relax you and a local anesthetic, so you feel no pain or discomfort.
- Following a thorough cleaning to ensure the area is sterile, the surgeon makes small incisions around the neck and chin.
- Using a thin tube called a cannula that’s attached to a vacuum. The surgeon then suctions out the fat cells from beneath your chin. They’ll make sure the result is a smooth and even appearance.
- Finally, your chin is bandaged and supported with a unique chin strap that allows the skin to heal correctly.
The steps for a neck lift and submentoplasty are similar. But with submentoplasty, there are fewer incisions, and no skin is removed.
During a neck lift procedure, you can expect the following steps:
- The surgeon marks your chin and neck area, so they know where to make incisions.
- The anesthetist administers medications to help you relax. Generally, local anesthetics are used for neck lifts, but some people may prefer a general anesthetic.
- Once the area is properly cleaned and sterilized, the surgeon makes incisions around the neck. Often, these incisions are in the hairline, so they won’t be visible when healed.
- The surgeon removes fat from your chin and neck area and tightens the platysma muscle. They may also remove some excess skin if necessary.
- Finally, your surgeon closes the wounds with glue or stitches and dresses the area.
The costs involved in double chin surgery depend on various factors, including:
- the procedure
- the location
- the surgeon
- the facility
Liposuction is quicker and less invasive, so it tends to cost less than a neck lift.
According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, the cost of neck contouring procedures varies dramatically from $1,200 to $12,700.
Double chin surgery carries risks, just like any other surgical procedure.
Potential risks of liposuction include:
- bruising
- bleeding
- swelling
- pain or discomfort
- changes to skin sensitivity
- nerve injury
- scarring
Rarely, peeps can develop a DVT following liposuction or neck lift surgery. Deep vein thrombosis is a medical emergency. It happens when a blood clot forms in a vein deep inside your body which can travel to your lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.
Neck lift surgery also carries risks, like infection and asymmetry of facial features. There is also the potential risk of anesthesia complications.
You should discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure. This allows you to make an informed decision about whether the surgery is right for you.
Following liposuction or neck lift, you’ll likely have dressings and bandages covering the surgical wounds. You may also have a thin tube called a drain to help remove excess fluid from under the skin.
Most people have double chin surgery as an outpatient procedure, meaning they can return home the same day.
You should expect some swelling and discomfort or pain after your procedure, and your jaw and neck may feel tight. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help with the pain or advise over-the-counter options.
It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions for post-surgery care. These may include wearing a compression garment and avoiding activities that involve straining or extreme movement of your neck and jaw. You should also avoid swimming and immersing the wounds in water.
Healing time varies depending on the type of procedure, but most people require 2 to 3 weeks to heal from a neck lift and a few days for liposuction.
Don’t expect to see your results immediately, as it can take up to 6 months for the swelling to subside completely and the tissues to recover.
If you’re considering double chin surgery, here are some questions you should ask your doctor:
- What type of procedure do you recommend for me?
- How long will the surgery take?
- What is the recovery time, and what activities should I avoid after the procedure?
- Are there any risks associated with the procedure?
- How long will the results last?
- What medications will I need to take before and after the surgery?
- Are there any alternatives to double chin surgery that may address my concerns?
- What type of follow-up care is necessary, and how often should I schedule appointments?
Finding the right provider to perform your double chin surgery is crucial. You should look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience performing neck contouring procedures. It’s also important to ask about before and after photos of their previous patients to get an idea of their results.
Check out the American Society of Plastic Surgeons search tool to find a qualified plastic surgeon in your area. You can then arrange a consultation to discuss your treatment options and ask questions.
Double chin surgery may be an option if you’re unhappy with excess fatty tissue or wrinkles in your neck area and want a more contoured jawline. Liposuction, a neck lift, or submentoplasty can help reduce the appearance of a double chin.
However, you should be aware of the potential risks associated with any surgical procedure. But, chin up, you can minimize these risks by finding a qualified provider with experience performing neck contouring surgeries.
