DR VIVIEN MORIS
Double-chin Liposuction
Double chin - Indication
The double chin is an accumulation of fat under the chin, which erases the jawline and obscures the cervico-mandibular angle.
Hospital stay
The patient can go home the same day.
Surgical technique
3 options possible:
- Fat dissolvent injection
- Liposuction
- Neck-lift
Post-operative care
A compressive dressing then a compressive garment for 1 month.
Time
Around 1 hours under local or general anesthesia
Sports / Daily life
The patient should avoid lifting weights, including children, for one month. Normal sedentary activities can be resumed on the day of the surgery.
What is a double chin?
A double chin, medically known as submental fat, is a common condition where a layer of fat forms below the chin. This accumulation of fat can be due to various factors including weight gain, aging, or genetics. As one gains weight, fat deposits increase around the body, including the area under the chin. Aging can also contribute to a double chin; as skin loses its elasticity over time, it can lead to sagging skin in the chin area. Genetics play a role as well, as some individuals are predisposed to storing excess fat beneath the chin. A double chin is often associated with a loss of definition in the jawline and an unclear cervicomandibular angle, which is the angle formed by the neck and the lower jaw. While not a health concern in itself, a double chin can affect an individual's appearance and self-esteem.
What are the options for correcting a double chin?
To address a double chin, there are several treatment options that vary in invasiveness and intensity, typically chosen based on the severity of the condition and the patient's preferences:
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Fat Dissolvent Injections (like Kybella): This is a minimally invasive option where a series of injections are used to dissolve fat. Kybella, for example, is a commonly used injectable that breaks down fat cells under the chin. It's best for mild to moderate cases of double chin and requires no surgery.
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Liposuction with Vaser and J-Plasma: For a more pronounced double chin, liposuction can be effective. Vaser liposuction uses ultrasound technology to break up and remove fat, while J-Plasma uses cold plasma energy to tighten the skin after fat removal. This option is more invasive than injections but offers more significant results.
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Neck Lift: In severe cases, especially where there is considerable sagging skin along with fat accumulation, a neck lift might be the most suitable option. This surgical procedure involves removing excess skin and fat and tightening the remaining skin and muscles to enhance the neck and jawline contours. This is the most invasive option but offers the most dramatic and long-lasting results.
The choice among these options depends on individual patient factors, including the extent of the double chin, skin elasticity, and overall health.
Can we do the double c surgery under local anesthesia?
Yes, like the facelift procedure can indeed be performed under local anesthesia, eliminating the potential risks associated with general anesthesia. To achieve this, a combination of local anesthetic products is used to provide an extended numbing effect. During the procedure, the patient remains awake, similar to a dental procedure, but they do not experience any pain, ensuring a comfortable and safe surgical experience.
At what age can we perform a double chin procedure?
Fat dissolvent treatments and liposuction can be started after 18 years old, while a neck lift, which addresses skin and muscle laxity, is more commonly performed after 45 years of age.
When can I resume sport activities?
It's important for patients to understand that the recovery period can vary, and returning to physical activity should be a gradual process. Typically, light activities, such as walking, can be resumed within a few days post-surgery, aiding circulation and recovery. However, it's crucial to avoid strenuous activities, especially those that involve the chest muscles like weight lifting for at least four to six weeks. This allows the implants to properly settle and the incision sites to heal. High-impact activities, such as running or jumping, should be reintroduced slowly and only after one month after the surgery.
What are the risks of a double chin procedure?
The three options for correcting a double chin with fat dissolvent injections, liposuction, and neck lift—each carry their own risks and complications. Fat dissolvent injections, like Kybella, can cause swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, and the possibility of an uneven appearance. Liposuction techniques, such as Vaser and J-Plasma, may lead to risks like infection, bleeding, scarring, and irregular contours. A neck lift, being the most invasive, can involve risks of anesthesia, longer recovery time, potential for nerve injury, scarring, and asymmetry.