Chin Liposuction & Other Potential Ways to Lose Your Double Chin

Do you find yourself taking selfies from a high angle to hide your double chin? The dreaded double chin, also called submental fullness, is a common condition. You don’t have to be overweight to have a double chin, some people just have more fat tissue under the chin than others. Whether the layer of fat below your chin is due to genetics, some extra plumpness, or loose skin caused by ageing, there are several ways of losing your double chin.

Overall Weight Loss

If your double chin is due to extra kilos, it’s highly possible your double chin will decrease if you lose some weight. As daunting as this idea may seem, simple lifestyle changes can have a big effect on your weight. Simply avoiding soft drinks (even the diet variety) and processed food, and being more active can make a visible difference.

Stress is also known to cause weight gain, but exercise decreases stress so getting physical is a win-win.

As far as healthy eating goes, here are some guidelines:

• Eat four servings of vegetables daily.
• Eat three servings of fruits daily.
• Replace refined grains with whole grains.
• Avoid processed foods.
• Eat lean protein, such as poultry, fish, tofu and legumes.
• Eat healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocados, and nuts.
• Avoid fried foods.
• Avoid sugar.
• Practice portion control (eat small amounts and eat often)

Chin/Neck Exercises

While there is only anecdotal evidence that chin exercises work to combat a double chin, the theory is that strengthening and toning the muscles and skin in your neck/chin area may help to reduce fat in that area. If you’d like to give it a shot, here are some exercises that might help reduce your double chin.

Cosmetic Procedures

The truth is that fat can be stubborn and sometimes won’t move despite a healthy diet and exercise. If you’re looking for some extra help here are some options to get rid of those fat cells once and for all.

Vaser Liposuction

For many individuals seeking chin reduction, liposuction may be an effective option. This procedure is intended to remove fat deposits from the chin area and aims to create a more contoured appearance. At Cosmos Aesthetics, we have a dedicated focus in Vaser Liposuction, which is considered less invasive than traditional liposuction techniques. Vaser is the latest advancement in surgical liposuction and uses ultrasound energy to break apart fat cells and tighten the skin.

To ensure your comfort during the procedure, you will be placed under twilight sedation. Your Cosmos Aesthetics doctor will inject a saline solution mixed with a local anaesthetic into the target area to numb the chin and prevent bleeding. Once numb, your doctor will make a small incision underneath the chin to insert the Vaser probe. The Vaser probe is moved back and forth to heat and liquefy the fat cells. As the fatty tissue is broken apart, your doctor will use a cannula to vacuum the unwanted fat cells out of the chin.

Recovery after liposuction is quick, and you will be able to enjoy the results of your procedure in just a few weeks. See the results for yourself below!

So when is Vaser liposuction a good option for getting rid of a double chin? Dr Joseph Ajaka of Cosmos Aesthetics says “Vaser is a better option for people who want dramatic results in one session and can take 3 days downtime.”

Learn more about Vaser Liposuction for Neck Lifts, and find out what else Vaser Liposuction can do.

What else should I know about double chin liposuction?

Unsure whether chin liposuction is the right choice for you. Below, we’ve answered the most commonly asked questions about the procedure.

Am I a suitable candidate for double chin liposuction?

Undergoing cosmetic surgery to correct a double chin is a major decision, and not everyone is suitable for the procedure. Suitable candidates for chin liposuction usually fit the following criteria:

• You are in good physical and mental health
• You are bothered by the appearance of stubborn fat deposits under the chin
• You have realistic expectations regarding what double chin liposuction can achieve
• You are willing to change your diet and exercise habits after surgery to ensure your results last in the long term
• You have good skin elasticity
• You are a non-smoker, or you are prepared to quit in the weeks before and after surgery

Of course, the best way to determine whether this procedure is right for you is to meet with one of our Cosmos Aesthetics doctors for a consultation.

How do I prepare for liposuction surgery?

As an invasive procedure, there are several steps you may need to take to prepare for surgery. While your doctor will give you specific pre-operative instructions during your consultation, this may include quitting smoking and avoiding certain medications and supplements in the weeks before surgery. This is to avoid surgical complications, such as excessive bleeding or delayed healing.

We often recommend that our patients take steps before surgery to prepare for the recovery period. This could include purchasing some comfortable clothing to rest in, filling any required prescriptions and preparing some healthy meals. You will also need to arrange for someone to pick you up from the hospital and help with tasks at home for a few days.

What can I expect during my double chin liposuction recovery?

Double chin liposuction is minimally invasive, so you will be able to return home on the day of your procedure. While some pain and discomfort are common, especially in the neck area, you can alleviate this with medications prescribed by your doctor. To minimise swelling and protect your new chin contour, you will need to wear a compression garment full time for around one week and then nightly for another two weeks. We also advise sleeping with your head elevated for at least two weeks. Ultimately, recovery is rather quick, and most patients can return to work in as little as two days.

To optimise your recovery process, become familiar with the do’s of Liposuction recovery:

• Do wear your liposuction compression garments
• Do maintain a healthy diet after surgery
• Do listen to your body
• Do take care of your surgical sites
• Do attend post-surgical checkups

Will I see results right away?

Swelling is very common after liposuction, so you probably won’t notice your results right away. You may begin to see some subtle improvements after a week, however it can take up to six months for the skin to retract and swelling to subside completely. Despite that, your results will be well worth the wait.

Are the results of double chin liposuction permanent?

After the removal of fat cells from the body during liposuction, these specific cells do not regenerate. However, it’s important to note that the remaining fat cells can expand, so maintaining a healthy lifestyle post-procedure is recommended to support the longevity of the results. You should also keep in mind that liposuction will not stop the ageing process, and you may still develop jowls or other changes that could impact your results.

How does chin liposuction differ from liposuction to the body?

Double chin liposuction follows the same process as liposuction to the body. In fact, the only real difference is the amount of fat removed. During liposuction to the chin, your doctor will only remove a few ounces of fat, while liposuction to the body removes several litres.

Is double chin liposuction painful?

You won’t feel any pain or discomfort during your liposuction procedure, as you will be placed under twilight sedation and local anaesthetic. Any post-operative discomfort can be alleviated with medications prescribed by your doctor.

What are the risks and side effects associated with double chin liposuction?

As with any invasive procedure, liposuction does come with risk. However, studies demonstrate that Vaser technology is associated with fewer complications when compared to other liposuction techniques. Some of the potential complications to be aware of include:

• Pain and aching
• Bruising and bleeding
• Persistent swelling
• Asymmetry
• Skin irregularities
• Poor scarring
• Nausea
• Numbness

How much does double chin liposuction cost?

While many people consider cosmetic surgery to be unattainable due to the high costs involved, liposuction is comparatively a cost-effective procedure. The cost of double chin liposuction surgery can vary based on individual factors:

• The amount of fat removed
• The patient’s body type
• The type of anaesthetic used
• The amount of time spent in surgery

For an estimate of the costs associated with this procedure at Cosmos Aesthetics, please contact us for a personalized consultation. However, if you wish to treat other areas of the face, such as the neck or cheeks, or combine your chin liposuction with body liposuction, you can expect these costs to increase. To receive a more accurate quote for double chin liposuction, please get in touch to organise a consultation with one of our doctors.

I’m not yet ready for cosmetic surgery. Is there a non-surgical alternative to losing chin fat?

Yes. At Cosmos Aesthetics, we offer various non-surgical procedures that can help the appearance of a double chin. These include:

Fat-Dissolving Injections

Fat-dissolving injections is a non-invasive treatment that dissolves the fat cell membrane, releasing the fat, which is then processed by your body resulting in improved contour of the neck and jawline. Most people need at least two treatments (about 6 weeks apart) to get a result, and it will take around three months for the full result to take shape. No downtime is necessary but Dr Ajaka advises “fat dissolving injections cause just as much swelling as vaser liposuction”.

For more info see our post on this new treatment designed to melt fat and learn more about Fat-Dissolving Injections here.

Coolsculpting

Another super popular non-invasive fat loss technique (aka Cryolipolysis) uses an applicator that is placed onto your neck which sucks up your fat and freezes the fat cells, making about 20-25% of the fat cells disappear (they’re processed by your body as waste). Coolsculpting also requires multiple treatments and can give you great results, with no needles or pain.

Learn more about Coolsculpting

Dr Ajaka advises, “The non invasive treatments require multiple sessions and the results are noticeable but not dramatic.These treatments are best for people who really don’t want an invasive procedure.”

So which is the solution for you? The best advice is to have a conversation with your cosmetic practitioner. A consultation will allow your cosmetic practitioner to consider factors such as your face shape, skin condition, expectations, how much downtime you can take and your desired result to determine which is the most suitable treatment to banish your double chin.