Not since the invention of mirrors, has anything made us more face-conscious than the “selfie.” Beside the ability to document our presence in the world at any given moment, the beauty of the selfie is that with it, you can look up, tilt your head just right, and flaunt your perfect angles!
Of course, that has also made many of us more conscious of our less than perfect angles to begin with. Many patients express concern over there jaw and lower chin, and that may be one reason under chin liposuction has become so popular. Another reason is that it can be done with local anesthesia as a very quick procedure. One of the biggest reasons people opt for it, though, is how much bang for your buck it can give.
While liposuction is not a weight loss solution, it can be used to sculpt the area under the chin which in return can give the appearance of weight loss. Without doing anything else to your face, minimizing jowls and creating a more defined chin area also creates a more distinct frame. This can bring out all the beautiful features of your face and can even make you look years younger.
While this procedure can be the perfect route to reaching your aesthetic goals, it is important to remember that liposuction, whether performed under the chin or on any other part of the body, is a serious medical procedure and not everyone is a candidate.
Who is a Candidate?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, an ideal candidate for liposuction should:
- Be within 30 pounds of their ideal weight,
- Have firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone,
- Be healthy with no life-threatening illnesses or medical conditions that can impair healing, and
- Be a non-smoker or quit at least two weeks before surgery.
Even if you are a good candidate, to get the best result, you need to know exactly what you are getting into and have realistic expectations. And most of all, you need to find a qualified plastic surgeon, who you can be honest with, and who you feel will listen to you!
How is it done?
Under chin liposuction is often done in combination with other plastic surgery procedures, like a face lift, chin implant, or a full neck lift. However, it can also be performed as a stand-alone procedure using local anesthesia. The procedure takes about 40 minutes and starts with one or more tiny incisions under the chin.
A combination of saline solution and medications that further numb the area and help to minimize bleeding are then injected into the area. A small metal tube, attached to a vacuum extractor, is then moved around under the chin between the skin and muscle to break up and remove fat – leaving you with a defined neck and jawline!
Liposuction can also be performed with the assistance of radiofrequency waves, ultrasound, or lasers to help liquefy the fat and stimulate the formation of collagen. However, it is important to keep in mind, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons states:
“You should be aware that these techniques are still considered to be relatively new and there are few studies to prove the end results are better than traditional liposuction. It’s important to discuss the advantages and disadvantages with your plastic surgeon.”
Depending on the method you and your plastic surgeon decide is right for you, results may be seen immediately after the procedure! You will likely go home with an under-chin sling to lessen swelling and keep the skin in contact with your newly contoured chin. Most people return to work within a week. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions during recovery for best results.
If you are interested in learning more about under chin liposuction and want to know if you are a candidate, meet with one of our board certified plastic surgeons for your complimentary consultation at Synergy Plastic Surgery today!
Leave a Reply