Publicado por Dr. Miguel Fernández Calderón: 18/01/2025
Many people begin to accumulate fat beneath the chin, which affects the shape and harmony of the face. This can generate insecurity and sometimes cannot be eliminated with non-invasive procedures. That’s why we explain what submental liposuction consists of and everything you need to know about double chin removal so you can achieve a much more sculpted facial appearance.
Causes of Double Chin
The origin of double chin is related to various causes. One of them is genetic predisposition, since heredity influences skin elasticity and how fat is distributed in the neck. Aging is another important factor because the skin loses collagen and elastin over time, and similarly the neck muscles weaken.
Weight gain causes fat accumulation throughout the body, including the chin area. This means that the double chin can become more noticeable. It will also be more evident in people who have less defined jawlines.
Another cause is related to poor posture, for example, constantly looking downward.
Risk Factors and Prevention
In addition to these causes, we can mention some factors that increase the risk of developing double chin:
- Maintaining a diet rich in saturated fats, sugars, and processed foods.
- Lack of physical activity, which leads to weight gain and poorly toned muscles.
- Exposure to sun without protection can accelerate the aging process and sagging.
- Smoking deteriorates skin quality, reduces its elasticity, and contributes to premature aging.
- Lack of skin hydration, which can make double chin more noticeable.
- Drastic and repeated weight fluctuations.
To prevent the appearance of double chin, it is recommended to maintain a stable weight, hydrate the skin, use sunscreen on the neck and face, and keep your head upright, avoiding leaning it forward frequently.
How is Double Chin Eliminated?
There are different types of treatments that help eliminate the fat that accumulates in the chin area. Among them are surgical and non-surgical procedures.
Non-surgical Methods
Those people who want to eliminate double chin without resorting to surgery can opt for treatments such as:
- Radiofrequency to stimulate collagen and elastin production.
- High-intensity focused ultrasound or HIFU, which helps achieve a lifting effect.
- Cryolipolysis, which involves freezing fat cells so they are later eliminated by the body.
Mesotherapy and deoxycholic acid injections are also part of non-surgical treatments to eliminate double chin.
Surgical Procedures
When fat accumulation is considerable and the double chin is very pronounced, surgical treatments are more effective. These include submental liposuction, neck lift, cervicoplasty, and facelift.
What is Submental Liposuction?
Submental liposuction, also known as chin liposuction or cervical liposuction, is a relatively simple aesthetic surgery that removes accumulated fat beneath the chin and part of the neck. In this way, facial lines will appear more defined and the patient recovers aesthetic harmony in the area.
Procedure Objectives
The main objective of this aesthetic procedure is to eliminate localized fat deposits in the neck and lower face. This area is commonly known as double chin.
It is very helpful in improving skin sagging and rejuvenating the entire neck area. It also helps define the facial contour, improving the harmony of the entire area.
Differences Between Submental Liposuction and Other Facial Treatments
There are some procedures that are related to or confused with submental liposuction. That’s why we explain the differences between them:
- Bichectomy: If you’re wondering what is bichectomy and what it’s used for, it reduces the size or removes the Bichat fat pads through incisions inside the mouth. While submental liposuction removes fat accumulation from the neck and lower chin area.
- Cervical Lift: Its main objective is to eliminate sagging and wrinkles in the neck area. The objective of submental liposuction is to eliminate accumulated fat in the area. Both procedures complement each other very well.
- HIFU: Unlike submental liposuction, this treatment is non-surgical. It uses high-frequency ultrasound waves to promote collagen production and improve the firmness and appearance of facial and neck skin. It does not eliminate accumulated fat.
Ideal Candidates for Submental Liposuction
Ideal candidates for undergoing submental liposuction are all those people who have the following characteristics:
- Considerable fat accumulation in the neck area and beneath the chin.
- Healthy skin with good elasticity.
- Those who maintain a healthy weight or are within 30% of their ideal weight.
- Those who do not have any condition or disease that hinders recovery.
- It is recommended for patients between 18 and 50 years of age.
- With realistic expectations about the results.
Factors to Consider Before the Procedure
Before undergoing submental liposuction you should consider some aspects such as:
- General Health Status: Some diseases can make surgery and your recovery difficult, for example diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and others. You should consult with your doctor to determine if the procedure represents a risk to your health.
- Weight: If you are experiencing overweight issues, your neck will appear much thicker. Consider reaching a healthy weight to achieve more satisfactory results following surgery. Remember that obesity also negatively affects your overall health.
- Chin size and position: It’s possible that your chin may be recessed or too small, which creates the illusion of a larger double chin. In these cases, the aesthetic surgeon should analyze whether it is necessary to correct its projection and/or size with a mentoplasty and perform neck liposuction.
- Skin laxity: Keep in mind that liposuction focuses solely on eliminating accumulated fat in the neck area. If you have excess skin laxity, you should consider other treatments such as neck lift.
Medical Evaluation and Pre-Operative Recommendations
Before undergoing neck liposuction, you must undergo general medical examinations. These, in addition to ruling out any condition that could interfere with the procedure, will help you determine how your immune system is functioning.
On the other hand, it is important that you attend follow-up consultations to analyze your case.
Furthermore, follow your physician’s instructions and recommendations before surgery. Such as discontinuing certain medications, avoiding alcohol and tobacco consumption, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Double Chin Liposuction Procedure
Pre-Operative Preparation
The pre-operative phase of double chin liposuction, as mentioned, includes medical history review and medical testing. Some of these include: complete blood count, electrocardiogram, ultrasound, and others.
You should also avoid alcohol and tobacco consumption at least 24 hours before surgery, refrain from shaving the treatment area, and wash your skin thoroughly with soap.
Surgical Procedure Steps
If you have questions about how double chin liposuction works, the procedure is quite straightforward.
To extract the accumulated fatty tissue in the area, very fine cannulas are used. Small incisions are made beneath the chin or behind the ears to insert them. These are so small that they do not leave scars on the skin.
The process then begins to aspirate the fat and define the contour of the neck and jawline. Subsequently, the incisions are closed with sutures and a compression bandage is applied.
Anesthesia Used and Surgery Duration
Double chin liposuction is minimally invasive surgery and in most cases is performed on an outpatient basis. It can be performed under general or local anesthesia. This varies depending on each patient.
The procedure typically lasts approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Post-Operative Recovery and Care
Expected Recovery Time
Recovery time is very short. You will be able to return to your daily activities in approximately 2 weeks.
Keep in mind that in the first few days following surgery you must rest.
Recommendations to Optimize Results
If you want to obtain the best results, follow your physician’s instructions regarding post-operative care, such as medications you should take and care of the area.
We recommend using a compression bandage, keeping your skin hydrated, drinking plenty of water, and consuming collagen-rich foods.
You should also try to sleep on your back and avoid constant movements that cause you to tilt your head downward.
Results and Benefits of Double Chin Liposuction
Realistic Post-Surgery Expectations
Having realistic expectations of double chin liposuction results is important. Keep in mind that results vary depending on each patient and are not visible immediately.
Actual results are observed approximately 3 months after surgery.
Duration of Results Obtained
The duration of double chin liposuction results depends on factors such as weight gain and aging. If you maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoid gaining weight, and provide appropriate care to your neck skin, you will be able to enjoy the results of the procedure for much longer.
Risks and Potential Complications
Like any surgery, double chin liposuction carries certain risks such as hematomas, seromas, infection, tissue damage, skin irregularities, as well as asymmetry in results and allergic reaction to medications.
In very rare cases, temporary nerve injury can occur.
To minimize risks associated with this surgery, we recommend adhering to the rest period. Also use the compression bandage and attend your post-operative follow-up appointments.
It is important that you maintain good oral and facial hygiene, avoid exposing your sutures to the sun, and take the medications prescribed by your physician.
Costs and Financial Considerations
The cost of double chin liposuction ranges from €1,200 to €3,000. This varies depending on multiple factors such as case complexity, surgeon’s fees, clinic location, patient needs, additional procedures, and others.
If you want to eliminate accumulated fat in your neck and achieve a more defined facial appearance, double chin liposuction is an excellent alternative. You can contact us for a free assessment.
