Introduction
Double chin is a common condition that every individual experiences once in a lifetime. In medical terms, a double chin is called submental fat, which occurs when an extra layer of fat deposits under the chin. Having a double chin indicates weight gain and gives an unpleasant appearance to the entire face. Therefore, some individuals opt for facial exercises to remove this double chin. However, surgical options can be considered if it does not get better with exercise. Double chin surgery is the surgical approach for correcting the double chin by different surgical methods.
What Is Double Chin Surgery?
Double chin surgery is not a single surgery but refers to a series of surgeries addressing the issue of having a double chin. A plastic surgeon performs these surgeries and includes the following surgical procedures:
-
Liposuction: In this type of cosmetic surgery, a tube-like suction device is used to remove the extra and unwanted fatty deposits under the chin. This is not a major surgery and is generally done under local anesthesia. After achieving profound anesthesia (numbness), the surgeon makes a small incision or cut, and a thin unsharpened metal tube is inserted underneath the skin.
The vibration component of the liposuction machine is used to enter under the skin to loosen up the fats. After that, the suction of the liposuction machine is turned on, and all the excess fat is sucked out. The patient is advised to wear a compression garment in the treated area for a few days post-surgery.
-
Facelift: This surgery is a major surgery performed under general anesthesia in which patients are made to sleep by giving anesthesia; however, local anesthesia with Intravenous (IV) sedation can also be used to perform this surgery. In this surgery, the plastic surgeon creates incisions or cuts to access the underlying tissues of the chin. The extra fat and skin are then removed. The remaining skin is then tightened and repositioned, and incisions are closed with stitches.
-
Neck-lift: This surgery is also known as a lower rhytidectomy. This is also done under general anesthesia. The surgeon creates the incisions, and the extra skin and fat causing a double chin are cut and removed. The leftover skin is tightened and repositioned to give a prominent, sharp jawline with no double chin.
-
Submentoplasty or Chin Tuck: The primary goal of this surgery is to correct the extra fat and sagging skin on the neck and the chin area only. Unlike neck lifts, this surgery is less invasive. It uses liposuction and minor incisions or cuts under the chin to remove excess fat and reduce the double chin. In submentoplasty, the extra skin is not removed and is focused on tightening neck muscles to provide a chiseled look.
-
Injections: This is not a surgical procedure but a conservative approach for mild cases of a double chin. The injections are known as Kybella, and they destroy the fat under the chin, thereby removing the double chin. They are Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved.
This injection uses synthetic deoxycholic acid. The body synthesizes this deoxycholic acid to break down the fat for digestion. Therefore, it is injected directly under the chin to break down and destroy the fat cells. For this treatment, the patient has to undergo multiple sittings.
What Are the Advantages of a Double Chin Surgery?
The advantages of double chin surgery are listed below:
-
Well-defined, contoured, and sharped-looking chin and jaw.
-
The face looks slim.
-
Gives a youthful appearance to the face.
-
Increase the self-confidence of an individual.
What Are the Disadvantages of a Double Chin Surgery?
Some risks are involved with the procedures performed for removing a double chin. These risks and disadvantages are listed below.
-
Bleeding.
-
Infection.
-
Scarring.
-
Swelling.
-
Pain and discomfort.
-
Numbness.
-
Facial asymmetry.
-
Poor wound healing.
-
Risk of nerve injury.
-
Unsatisfying results from the surgery require an additional procedure for correction.
-
Risk of developing a hematoma.
-
Bruising.
-
Irregularities in the skin.
-
Skin discoloration.
-
Loss of hair at the site of the incision.
-
Results are not permanent. A double chin can reappear on gaining weight.
What Is the Best Procedure for Removing Double Chin?
Depending on the severity of the excess fat, patient condition, skin quality, expectations from the results, and age, the type of surgery is chosen to remove a double chin. For example,
-
Liposuction is the choice of surgery for Individuals between the age of 20 and 50 who have more elastic skin.
-
In cases where a double chin is accompanied by sagging skin in the neck region, a neck lift surgery will give dramatic results.
-
A submentoplasty or liposuction surgery is not suitable for people who lack skin elasticity or possess sagging skin. In these cases, neck lift surgery is the best choice.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Double Chin Surgery?
The recovery depends on the type of procedure used. A less invasive procedure like liposuction requires less recovery time than a more invasive procedure like a face and neck lift.
One or two weeks are required for the initial recovery. However, complete healing can take a few months.
What to Expect After a Double Chin Surgery?
Immediately after the surgery, pain, swelling, and a feeling of tightness over the skin will be present. To decrease swelling and pain, the surgeon prescribes painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines. In addition, a drainage tube is inserted in the incision area for the drainage of the fluid and prevention of swelling.
Patients are instructed to apply ice packs on the treated area and keep the head elevated with two to three pillows for the reduction of swelling and better healing after the surgery. Additionally, sun exposure and heavy exercise should be avoided for a few days. Any complications like rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, persistent bleeding, swelling, or severe pain should be reported immediately.
Conclusion
A double chin can result from weight gain, aging, or sagging skin below the chin. The removal of the double chin involves exercises and nonsurgical and surgical procedures. Cosmetic surgeries that remove the double chin are collectively called double chin surgery. They include liposuction, submentoplasty, facelift, and neck lift. Nonsurgical options include injections of deoxycholic acid, which is known as Kybella. The surgeries can treat massive double chins and provide remarkable results.
