How is Chin Liposuction Done?
Chin Liposuction, or chin liposculpture, is an in-office procedure that is typically done through a single 3mm incision under the chin crease. Numbing fluid is injected throughout the area to be sculpted, and then cannulas are introduced through the incisions to access the fat pads. Once they have all been accessed, gentle suction is used to remove some of the fat. The goal is to not remove all of the fat, as this can lead the skin to scar to the underlying muscle, and having a thin layer of fat between the skin and muscle is desirable. Once the procedure is complete, the small incisions are closed with a single stitch and a wrap dressing is placed.
How is Healing after Chin Liposuction?
A jaw band is worn at all times for one week after the procedure to make sure that the skin heals in an “upward” direction rather than “falling” to the middle. There is a chance of bruising, which may be covered with makeup or clothing. Icing the neck and sleeping with the head of your bed elevated can help minimize the swelling bruising if you have any.
The stitch is removed 6-7 days after the procedure. We ask patients to not do any heavy lifting (over 5 pounds) for the first week after the procedure and to avoid jarring activity for 2 weeks.
Though patients typically are quite happy with their results at the 2-week mark, the results will continue to evolve, and the best results are usually obtained 9-12 months after the procedure.
Are the Results Permanent?
The type of fat that is typically found in the central upper neck, the submental fat pad, tends to be a genetic fat deposit. There are many thin people that are bothered by the submental fat. Removal of the fat in such patients is often times permanent. As with any liposuction procedure, gaining weight after the procedure may lead to a growth of the fat cells in the area, and reverse the results of liposuction.
Does Chin Liposuction Hurt?
The procedure is done with generous amounts of local anesthesia and sometimes also oral medications to help keep the patient comfortable. The procedure itself is typically not painful. The healing period may be sore to some, but rarely painful enough to require prescription painkillers.
Am I A Good Candidate for Chin Liposuction?
The neck’s anatomy is complex. It has skin, fat, muscle, and organs. The ideal candidates for this procedure have tight skin and excess fat in the middle of the neck, just under the chin. The muscle and organs of the neck are not altered during this procedure but may present anatomic limitations to the liposuction. Only an in-person consultation to discuss your anatomy will really tell how much you can benefit from chin liposuction.
