A guide to double-chin liposuction
Double chin is a term referring to an extra layer of fat accumulated under the chin, in some cases, it may lead to loss of the jawline
A double chin can significantly affect a person’s appearance, self-confidence, and it may make you look older.
What causes a double chin to appear?
It’s important to know that a double chin can occur to anyone even those with healthy body weight, this may be due to:
- Weight gain, increased body fat especially in the neck and jawline.
- Genetic causes, anyone with a family history of skin with low elasticity or a double chin may be likely to develop a double chin.
- Loss of skin elasticity due to aging can contribute to the appearance of a double chin.
- Hormonal fluctuation influences fat distribution and contributes to the appearance of the double chin.
What is double chin liposuction?
It’s a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to reduce excess fat and tighten the skin under the chin and it’s a minimally invasive procedure.
This procedure can help to create a more defined jawline, giving you a younger appearance.
Who is a good candidate for double chin liposuction?
This procedure is right for you if you are:
- Have fat under the chin that is not responding to diet, exercise, or other lifestyle changes.
- Non-smoker.
- In good physical health.
- Have good skin elasticity(usually the suitable age is between 20-55 years) to obtain good results.
- Have realistic expectations about the results of the liposuction and it may not treat loose skin.
Benefits of double chin liposuction
- More defined chin and neck contour.
- Smoother skin.
- Younger appearance.
- Enhanced self-confidence.
Choosing a Qualified Surgeon:
It’s very important to choose a qualified plastic surgeon who is experienced in facial cosmetic surgeries to obtain a successful outcome of the surgery.
Understanding the procedure
The technique used in double chin liposuction depends on the severity of the case and the patient’s needs.
Some common methods are:
- Liposuction by removing the excess fat through small incisions under the chin.
- Chin tuck focuses only on the chin and upper neck
- A neck lift removes the excess skin and tightens the neck muscles, it covers the chin and the entire neck.
- Combination approach(both techniques can be used for optimal results).
What happened before the surgery?
Before the surgery, your plastic surgeon will discuss :
- Your expectations after the surgery.
- Your medical history, health conditions, allergies, and if you perform any previous surgeries.
- Any medications prescribed to you for example vitamins, aspirin, and over-the-counter drugs.
- If you’re smoking(the doctor will ask you to stop smoking before the surgery as smoking can delay healing and may cause complications).
How is double chin surgery performed?
The procedure is made under local anesthesia and may take from one hour to a few hours according to the technique used.
- The surgeon will make marks on the skin with a special marker pen to note the areas where he will insert the cannulas.
- Then make small incisions in hidden areas along the chin and neckline.
- Then insert a special cannula(small one) in these incisions with gentle suction of the excess fat.
- The surgeon then will tighten the upper neck muscles to create a smooth, natural appearance of the chin.
- The incisions are closed either by surgical stitches or skin glue.
- The surgeon applies bandages and possibly a chin strap or compression garment to provide support to the skin during the healing process.
Recovery after double chin liposuction
It’s very important to follow the doctor’s instructions during the recovery period to avoid complications.
Usually, it takes a few days to a week to recover from the surgery, you can expect some swelling and discomfort in the first few days.
The doctor may apply thin tubes near the incisions to drain excess fluids and prevent swelling.
Wearing compression garments according to your doctor’s instructions will help to reduce fluid accumulation, increase blood flow in the area, and stimulate healthy growth of the tissues.
The recovery instructions may include:
- Avoid exposure to sun and excess water on the face and chin for a few days.
- The doctor may recommend antibiotic ointments to be used on the incisions.
- Move your neck as little as possible, don’t turn your head suddenly.
- The doctor will teach you how to change bandages and care for the drains if applied.
Risks of double chin liposuction
Usually, double chin liposuction is safe surgery, but sometimes complications can occur as:
- Uneven results(asymmetry in the face).
- Bleeding.
- Anesthesia complications such as nausea, and vomiting.
- Nerve injury which may cause weakness or numbness of the skin.
- Infection.
- Skin irregularities or discoloration.
- Improper healing of the incisions.
- Swelling and bruising are common and typically disappear within a few weeks, but if it lasts longer than usual you must consult your surgeon.
When to call a doctor?
You must call your surgeon immediately if any of these symptoms appear:
- Bleeding or swelling at the incision site.
- Chest pain.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Fever.
- Severe pain that is not relieved by medicines.
How to minimize scars after double chin liposuction?
- The surgeon may recommend massage treatment to the incision areas, this can be effective and help skin retraction and flattening of the scars.
- You should use sunscreen over the scars whenever you are out even on cloudy days, as ultraviolet rays can make the color of the scars darker.
How does double chin liposuction last?
After the removal of excess fat by liposuction, the results are permanent; the fat cells will never grow again.
But if your body weight is significantly increased the remaining fat cells will expand and a double chin appears again, so maintaining a stable body weight is important to help the liposuction to last for many years.
The bottom line double chin liposuction is a minimally invasive surgery, but you need to choose a qualified and well-experienced plastic surgeon to obtain maximum results.
Also, it’s very important to keep a stable body weight to help the chin liposuction to last for many years.
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