Your face is how others will see you but more importantly, it’s what you see when you look in the mirror. Not being happy with what you see can be a blow to one’s self confidence.
Genetically speaking, some people inherit stubborn areas of fat and fullness in the neck and cheeks. Unfortunately, no amount of diet and exercise can help them lose some of those areas of fat.
Because of this cosmetic surgery procedures like chin liposuction are more popular than ever. Men and women are opting for surgical procedures to remove any and all imperfections.
Chin Liposuction: Is it Permanent?
Yes. Double chin liposuction is permanent, particularly for those individuals aged 25 and above and who can maintain a healthy body weight after surgery.
This is primarily due to the distinct nature of fat cells. They are the sole cells that lack the ability to regenerate after the age of 25. So, if you undergo fat cell removal after reaching the age of 25, they will not regenerate.
What is Double Chin Removal Surgery?
Double chin surgery is an outpatient procedure that involves using small incisions behind the ears to remove excess subcutaneous fat and to remove excess skin from the neck area. Plastic surgeons use a variety of surgeries to remove double chins, including:
Liposuction
This method eliminates fat from beneath the skin, shaping the contour of the chin and neck. Facial liposuction usually needs only local anesthesia to numb the targeted area.
Neck-Lift
Different neck lift procedures target the elimination of excess skin (cervicoplasty) or the tightening of neck muscles (platysmaplasty) to enhance the overall appearance of the neck and chin contours. Surgeons opt to combine this procedure with a traditional face-lift, potentially resulting in a sensation of tightness in the neck for several months.
Face-Lift
Surgeons can utilize this procedure to eliminate both excess fat and loose, sagging skin in the chin and neck area, effectively eliminating a double chin.
Pros and Cons of Chin Liposuction
Like any procedure, double chin surgery comes with positives and negatives. See the pros and cons here:
The Pros
- Excess fat removal – When dieting and exercise won’t get the results you want, because the excess fat is due to genetics.
- Appearance – The Chin is one of your most prominent features. Why not make it look exactly how you want? Chin lipo can help.
- Fix Loose/ sagging skin – Assisting the skin in retracting by removing excess fat can potentially minimize sagging skin as you age.
The Cons
- Scars – Scarring is inevitable with surgeries involving incisions. Luckily, the scars from chin liposuction are exceptionally small (approximately 3 to 4 mm in length), and they are discreetly located beneath the chin and behind the ears.
- Loose skin – If you already have loose/sagging skin, chin lipo won’t help.
- Downtime – Like with any surgery, you will have to schedule some downtime post-surgery for your recovery. Usually around 1-2 weeks at most.
The Double Chin Liposuction Procedure
Liposuction is carried out through a small incision beneath the chin and another behind the earlobe in the ear crease. The procedure usually takes around 30 minutes to complete. Due to the incisions being made in skin creases, scarring is usually minimal. Additionally, the use of a tumescent solution containing dilute adrenaline helps minimize bleeding and bruising from chin lipo.
Your Double Chin Lipo Recovery
Right after the procedure, patients can anticipate bruising and swelling around the incision site and the treated area. This might temporarily give the appearance of a larger chin.
There might be some discomfort, but anything more than mild discomfort will be addressed with medication to assist the patient in managing pain. Discomfort and pain should go away in few days, if swelling, bruising or discomfort persist, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Hydration and Proper Nutrition
Maintaining a balanced diet plays a vital role in supporting your body’s healing journey and ability to not gain weight. Emphasize the intake of nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Steer clear of processed foods, excessive sugar, and unhealthy fats, as they can hinder the chin lipo healing process. Stay Hydrated, 8 glasses or 64 ounces a day minimum
Sleep and Stress Management
Sufficient sleep is crucial for your body’s recovery post-surgery, especially during the first one to two weeks. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night and adhere to a consistent sleep routine after chin lipo surgery. Ensure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet to enhance a restful environment, and steer clear of electronic devices 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime.
Facial and General Exercise
During the initial three to four weeks post-surgery, it’s advisable to refrain from strenuous activities. However, incorporating gentle exercises like walking can aid in promoting blood circulation and minimizing the risk of blood clots. As you advance in your recovery from chin liposuction, gradually reintroduce more vigorous exercises.
Also, add facial exercises in your routine, as they have the potential to enhance muscle tone, boost blood circulation to the face, and possibly improve the outcomes of your chin liposuction. Prior to initiating general and facial exercises, consult with your surgeon to confirm their suitability and appropriateness for your chin liposuction recovery.
Chin Lipo Frequently Asked Questions
Who is an ideal candidate for chin liposuction?
Good candidates for double chin removal through liposuction are individuals with excellent overall health, well-maintained skin tone, and practical expectations.
Is Chin Liposuction Permanent Even as You Age?
Yes. With aging, your skin might experience reduced elasticity, leading to sagging and stretching due to the effects of time and gravity. Note that the removed unwanted fat cells will not reappear.
How Long After Surgery Do You See Chin Liposuction Results?
Right after undergoing chin liposuction, you can expect to encounter bruising and swelling, temporarily concealing the results of the procedure for a few days. Around a week later, your neck appears thinner, more sculpted in appearance.
Can Chin Fat Come Back After Lipo?
In short, NO, the fat cells removed during the surgical procedure will not regenerate.
Which Is Better, Kybella or Chin Lipo?
Depends, both procedures remove excess fat. Kybella (deoxycholic acid) is often the choice if you are not a good candidate for chin lipo. Kybella requires several treatments, but less recovery time.
Is Chin and Neck Liposuction One Procedure?
Both are variations of submental liposuction that remove excess fat. Neck liposuction focuses on slimming the neck line and more pronounced jaw line. Chin focuses on chin, jowls, and cheeks.
Do Double Chins Ever Go Away?
Genetically influenced factors pose a greater challenge to eliminate. Sagging skin may necessitate surgery. Even if you lost weight with diet and exercise it doesn’t always ensure a double chin disappearance, but engaging in chin exercises can enhance the likelihood.
How Much Fat Can Be Removed from Chin Liposuction?
Dr. Rice can safely remove about 5-6 liters of fat in her office. For more fat removal a surgery center or hospital is required, using larger cannulas under general anesthesia.
Does Chin Fat Go Away with Weight Loss?
Weight gain contributing to your double chin can be reduced if you lose weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise. Follow guidelines like increasing fruit and vegetable servings for effective results.
Does Double Neck/Chin Lipo Last?
Yes, chin liposuction does last, it is a permanent procedure. Note, if you were to gain weight it could affect your neck lift results.
Schedule Your Chin Liposuction Consultation Today!
Starting from the initial plastic surgery consultation through to the ultimate follow up examination, Dr. Dahlia Rice and her team deliver compassionate care customized to the unique needs and objectives of each individual patient.
Dr. Rice of DMR Aesthetics Chicago expertise and surgical proficiency in a range of face and body procedures, coupled with her commitment to patient safety and emphasis on exceptional care, position her as one of the most sought-after plastic surgeons in Illinois.