Double Chin Liposuction: Everything You Need to Know

A double chin refers to a layer of fat accumulating in the submental region (the front of the neck). Several factors, including genetics, weight gain, and aging, can cause it. While a double chin is not a medical problem, it can be a source of insecurity for many people.

If you have a double chin, you're not alone. It's an issue that can affect anyone, regardless of their size or shape.  

Diet and exercise are the most effective ways to lose weight and reduce the appearance of a double chin. However, if diet and exercise are insufficient, surgery or non-surgical procedures may be an option.

If you want to get rid of a double chin quickly and permanently, chin liposuction is one of the most turned-to solutions. This is a popular option for people who are unhappy about the appearance of their double chin and want a more defined jawline. 

Before you schedule an appointment for this procedure, it is essential to understand what this fat removal procedure entails, how it works, and the advantages and possible disadvantages.

Types of Double Chin Surgery

Double chin surgery is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat or skin from under the chin. The treatment is often performed under general anesthesia and typically takes about one hour. There are two main types of double chin surgery: liposuction and submentoplasty.

Liposuction uses a small suction device to remove fat from under the chin. The treatment is performed through small incisions in the skin. Traditional chin liposuction is invasive, given that it is done under general anesthesia. Still, newer techniques allow patients to stay fully awake as their double chin fat is removed. 

Submentoplasty is a procedure that removes excess fat and skin from under the chin. This treatment is more invasive than liposuction, but it can provide more dramatic results for patients concerned with loose, drooping skin in addition to fat. Unlike the more invasive full neck lift, this option is more limited in scope and focuses on just the chin and jawline. 

Many patients turn to Kybella injections as an alternative to surgery for their double chin. This technique avoids the need for incisions on the skin, but the downsides are that it requires several sessions, is not permanent, cannot be customized, and takes several weeks for results to show.  

What Is Double Chin Liposuction?

Liposuction of the chin aims to contour the chin, jawline, and neck by strategically removing fat deposits. The process is similar to other liposuction procedures, with small incisions made under your chin and a small used cannula to suction out the excess fat. As with any fat removal procedure, liposuction should not be considered a weight-loss solution.

Although double chin liposuction is typically performed under general anesthesia, newer techniques allow you to remain awake during the procedure without feeling any pain. The treatment typically takes up to an hour, depending on how much fat is removed.

As mentioned earlier, skin tightening procedures can also create a more pronounced neck contour if the skin in this area is sagging.

Who Is Double Chin Liposuction For?

Chin fat removal is ideal for anyone uncomfortable or insecure about excess volume around the chin and neck.

Anyone can have a double chin – even naturally slim or fit people. You may struggle to lose fat in this region if you have recently lost weight. Liposuction can help remove fat, boost your confidence, and give you a more prominent jawline.

Benefits of Double Chin Liposuction

The many benefits of double chin surgery include the following:

• Improved appearance: Double chin surgery can significantly improve the appearance of the face. After surgery, the chin will appear more defined, and the neck will appear longer.

• Increased self-confidence: Double chin liposuction can boost self-confidence and improve your quality of life.

• Permanent results: The results of double chin surgery are permanent, as the fat cells removed will not regenerate. 

Downsides of Double Chin Surgery

There are several downsides to double chin surgery. These downsides include the following:

• Cost: Plastic surgery for a double chin can be a costly procedure. The cost of chin liposuction varies depending on the surgeon and the location of the treatment.

• Risk of complications: All surgeries carry a risk of complications. The chances of more severe side effects from double chin surgery are relatively low, but they do exist.

• Recovery time: Double chin surgery requires a recovery period. The length of the recovery window will vary depending on the type of surgery performed.

How Does The Procedure Work?

Chin lipo can now be done in a minimally invasive setting but is still considered a surgical procedure. 

1. Small incisions are made under the chin in and behind each ear.

2. The surgeon inserts a cannula through the incisions and numbs the area with a solution. 

3. The cannula is then connected to a suction device, which removes unwanted fat from under the chin.

4. After the fat is removed, the incisions may be closed with stitches.

5. You will be fitted with a chin strap or garment during recovery. The garment keeps your skin tight and helps it heal to its new shape.

As renowned cosmetic surgeon Dr. Aaron Rollins describes, newer double chin removal techniques require small entry points made in the natural crease of the chin bone and behind each ear. 

Advanced chin liposuction processes like AirSculpt do not require stitches due to the small size of these incisions. Because the entry points are made in natural folds or creases with tiny instruments, scarring is much less of a concern. In addition to being easier to conceal, chin liposuction scars tend to fade more quickly than other areas of the body. 

How Long Does Double Chin Liposuction Downtime Last?

After the procedure, you may likely experience some swelling and bruising under your chin. You should be provided a compression garment to help reduce swelling and support the treatment area. Most people can return to work and other daily activities within a few days, but you should try to avoid strenuous exercise for at least one to two weeks. Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions for caring for the area and when you can resume normal activities.

New liposuction alternatives also make removing fat easier, further reducing downtime and decreasing side effects. Bruising and swelling usually subside substantially by two or three weeks with techniques like Chin AirSculpt.

How Does Traditional Lipo Compare to Chin AirSculpt®?

Chin AirSculpt® is considered safer and more versatile than traditional liposuction because it doesn't use scalpels, needles, stitches, or general anesthesia to give you a slimmer neckline.

While several advantages of double chin surgery have been confirmed, AirSculpt® guarantees high-quality results with a much shorter recovery. You can eliminate a double chin and return to work within a couple of days with already apparent results.

For more information on how we can help you achieve your chin goals, call AirSculpt's Philadelphia office or one of the 27+ AirSculpt locations worldwide to schedule your complimentary consultation