Which Double Chin Surgery Would Benefit You?
Your chin has a much larger impact on your appearance than you may realize. For women, a smooth, contoured neck and chin is a mark of classic beauty and youthfulness. In men, a chiseled jawline conveys strength and confidence. On the other end of the spectrum, excess fat around the chin (a.k.a. submental fat) can create the dreaded “double chin” and make you appear overweight even if you’re within healthy weight guidelines. In fact, it’s definitely possible to be in great shape and still suffer from a double chin.
Certainly, good lifestyle habits like a balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce extra fat around the neck and chin, but oftentimes that’s not enough, and double chin surgery is the only solution. At Northeastern Plastic Surgery, we are experts in facial rejuvenation and wanted to let you know your options if you decide to undergo double chin surgery.
CHIN LIPOSUCTION
Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that can slim and contour specific areas of the body by removing excess localized fat deposits. In experienced hands, liposuction is an effective way to remove fat and keep it from returning to the treated area.
During chin liposuction, a thin tube called a cannula is inserted into a small inconspicuous incision along the jawline or behind the ears while you are under anesthesia. The surgeon uses the tube to loosen fat deposits, and then suck the fat out of the area. At the completion of the procedure, the incisions are closed with sutures. A plastic surgeon’s skill is critical when undergoing this procedure. An experienced surgeon will remove just the right amount of fat for an attractive and natural look. Make sure you ask to see before-and-after pictures of your potential surgeon’s prior patients who have undergone double chin liposuction.
Results won’t be immediately noticeable due to swelling and bruising, and you will need to wear a chin strap for about two weeks. However, after that time you should be healed up and able to appreciate your new, more defined neck and chin.
This type of double chin surgery can certainly help many people, but there are limitations. Liposuction is not appropriate for very obese individuals because it can be dangerous to remove large amounts of fat at once. Furthermore, liposuction doesn’t prevent future weight gain and should not be thought of as a weight loss treatment.
NECK LIFT SURGERY
You’ve probably heard of face lift surgery, but many people are unfamiliar with the term “neck lift.” Medically known as a lower rhytidectomy, a neck lift is basically a face lift that’s limited to the lower areas of the face. Neck lift surgery results in a more pleasing profile by reducing wrinkles, removing excess fat, and tightening skin and muscles around the chin and neck.
Neck lift surgery can be quite effective at helping to eliminate a double chin, especially when combined with liposuction. However, there are also drawbacks. For example, your results will not be readily apparent during your plastic surgery recovery. You will need a few weeks for the bruising and swelling to heal before you start to see a difference. You may also have a surgical drain in place during some of your recovery time.
You should also keep in mind that neck lift surgery, like chin liposuction, will not prevent future aging or effects of weight gain.
THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOU
If you’re exercising and eating right, but still can’t seem to eliminate your double chin, then you may want to consider double chin surgery. Talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Fodero who can help you decide which surgical option is best for you.
Northeastern Plastic Surgery understands your desire for a beautiful, youthful looking body and facial appearance. We use the latest plastic surgery techniques to perform a variety of surgical procedures. Dr. Fodero and the staff are very friendly, helpful, and available to answer any questions you may have. Please contact us today to learn more about the services we offer.
