Double Chin Liposuction

Double chin liposuction is a surgical procedure in which fat that has accumulated under the chin is removed with thin cannulas. The aim is to make the jawline and the angle between the neck and the chin more defined. The doctor decides at the examination whether it is suitable. Results vary from person to person.

Why Does a Double Chin Develop?

A double chin is excess fat or loose skin that has accumulated under the chin. Excess weight, genetic predisposition and the decrease in skin elasticity with age play a role in its development. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the development of a double chin; however, fat under the chin cannot be reduced with exercise or creams.

Who Is It Suitable For?

Double chin liposuction is considered for people who have fat accumulation under the chin and good skin elasticity. General health must be suitable for the procedure, and expectations should be realistic.

Liposuction removes fat but does not correct sagging skin. If there is marked sagging of the skin under the chin or laxity of the neck muscles, liposuction alone may not be enough; in this case neck lift surgery may be considered. For details you can read our article Neck Lift Surgery: Procedure, Recovery and Risks and our neck lift page.

How Is Double Chin Liposuction Performed?

• The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia; when necessary, the doctor may recommend a different type of anaesthesia.
• Small incisions a few millimetres long are made under the chin and, if necessary, behind the ears.
• Thin cannulas are inserted through these incisions and the fat under the chin is removed by suction.
• The incisions are closed and a bandage is applied to the area.

The duration of the procedure depends on the amount of fat to be removed and on whether additional procedures are performed. After procedures performed under local anaesthesia, people usually go home the same day. For detailed information you can read our liposuction page.

Recovery

• In the first days, swelling, bruising and mild pain under the chin are expected; these usually subside within a few days to a few weeks.
• Pain is controlled with painkillers recommended by the doctor.
• An elastic bandage around the area under the chin is worn for the period recommended by the doctor.
• The head is kept elevated, and strenuous exercise and sun exposure of the area are avoided.
• The doctor determines when to return to daily life and work.

The incision scars are small and usually fade over time. If increasing swelling, pain, redness or fever is noticed, the doctor should be consulted.

Is the Result Permanent?

The fat cells that have been removed do not come back. However, if weight is gained, the remaining fat cells can grow and fullness may reappear under the chin. The skin also continues to loosen with age. Keeping a stable weight is important for maintaining the result.

Risks

Double chin liposuction is a surgical procedure and has risks. Swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, skin irregularities or asymmetry, changes in sensation and noticeable scarring may occur. The risks should be discussed in detail with the doctor before the procedure.

For methods aimed at cheek fullness you can read our article Cheek Slimming Methods.

Author: Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın