Do you have a double chin? You’re not alone. Up to 68% of adults in the U.S. alone have double chins. It’s a problem that can affect anyone – no matter your size or shape. If you want to get rid of your double chin, one of the simplest solutions is double chin surgery.
Before booking an appointment for this procedure, it’s important to understand what it is, how it works, the advantages and the potential drawbacks. HautSpa offers an alternative for this procedure that is popularly known as chin fillers or jawline contouring.
What is Double Chin Surgery?
Also known as chin liposuction, chin surgery is a procedure in which fat is removed from the chin, jawline and neck. The procedure is similar to other lipo procedures. A surgeon uses a thin tube to suction the excess fat from the chin and nearby areas.
If you want to achieve a more defined jawline, chin lipo can also be combined with a chin implant. Skin tightening procedures can also be used to create a more defined neck contour if the skin is sagging in that area.
Who is Chin Surgery For?
Chin surgery is ideal for anyone who is uncomfortable with or self-conscience about their chin and neck.
Anyone can have a double chin – even those who are naturally slim or fit. If you recently lost weight, you may be struggling to lose fat in this stubborn area.
Liposuction can help remove the fat in this area to boost your confidence and give you a more defined jawline.
How Does the Procedure Work?
Chin liposuction is minimally invasive, but it is still considered a surgical procedure. The process typically takes less than an hour, and local anesthesia is used.
- Small incisions are made under the chin.
- The surgeon will insert a slim tube through the incisions.
- The tube is attached to a vacuum that removes fat from under the skin.
- Once the fat is removed, the incisions are closed with stitches.
- You will be given a chin strap to wear during recovery. The strap will keep your skin taught and help it heal into its new contoured shape.
What About Recovery?
One great advantage of chin surgery is that recovery isn’t painful, and there’s minimal downtime.
New liposuction techniques are also available, which make it easier to remove the fat, reduces downtime even more and cuts back on the swelling.
The Pros and Cons of Chin Surgery
Like any other cosmetic procedure, there are advantages and disadvantages to getting chin liposuction.
Advantages
- A quick (15 minutes) and effective way to get rid of a double chin.
- The results are long-lasting (as long as you maintain your current weight).
- The procedure is virtually pain-free.
Drawbacks
- You’ll need time off for recovery (4-5 days).
- You’ll need to wear a chin strap for two weeks.
Who is a Good Candidate for Chin Lipo?
Not everyone is a good candidate for chin liposuction.
- The ideal candidate for this procedure (without a chin implant or skin tightening procedure) would have enough skin elasticity that their skin can heal into the new contoured shape.
Your surgeon will check to see if your skin has enough elasticity during your initial consultation. Patients aged 40 and older may also need a neck lift in addition to chin lipo to remove extra skin.
Chin surgery is not recommended for obese patients because these individuals have a layer of deep fat that liposuction cannot remove. This procedure can only remove superficial fat, which is closer to the surface.
If you aren’t a candidate for chin lipo, there are alternatives, including:
- Chin implants, which create a well-defined chin that minimizes the look of a double chin.
- A neck lift, which tightens and removes excess skin.
- Non-surgical procedures, including laser energy and Kybella injections.