The double chin is not truly two chins in the classic sense. Rather it is one upper chin (true chin) that is bony in nature and a lower chin that is really an accumulation of fat. (false chin) The development of fat accumulation can occur quite easily beneath the jawline in some people. For those predisposed, the double chin can develop even when one is not particularly overweight. Short necks, low hyoid bones, and underdeveloped jaws are all anatomic factors that can lead to the appearance of a double chin.
Some try exercise and diet to lose the double chin but with little success. Double chin exercises, chin exercisers, and devices such as ‘chin gyms’ can improve platysmal (neck) muscle tone and make it more firm. But the collection of fat on the upper neck or under the chin will remain, no matter what exercises are done. You simple cannot exercise neck fat away.
Liposuction double chin surgery is very effective for eliminating and getting rid of excess fat and or loose or sagging skin of the upper neck area. With the newest small cannula and Smartlipo (laser lipolysis) liposuction techniques, neck fat can be very effectively removed. With fat removal, chin and neck skin tightens as part of the healing process, getting rid of the false chin and improving the neck angle in profile.
Liposuction of the neck is part of all double chin corrections and most low-hanging neck issues. (e.g., facelifts) Through a tiny skin incision under the chin under local anesthesia, a fiberoptic cable for Smartlipo or small liposuction cannulas are used, both of which are usually less than 2mm in diameter and are not much larger than the lead from a #2 pencil. I really like to use the laser energy from Smartlipo as the heat generated melts fat as well as has a positive effect on neck skin tightening.
How large the double chin is and how tight or loose the neck skin is determines whether liposuction alone will be sufficient. Skin that is not too excessive or is thick will likely tighten fairly well. A lot of neck skin or skin that is thin and wrinkly will not likely do well with liposuction only. Other accompanying procedures such as a face or necklift may be needed in these cases.
In double chins, it is also important to look at the true chin and see if it is far enough forward in the facial profile. Some double chin corrections can really benefit by chin augmentation as well. In a deficient bony chin (too short), the combination of a chin implant (bigger true chin) and the reduction of the false chin by liposuction can make a really dramatic change.
In my Indianapolis plastic surgery practice, most patients take 2 to 3 days from work after chin liposuction surgery. But they are easily able to undergo light to moderate activity during that time. There is minimal to moderate swelling and bruising which rapidly subsides. After liposuction for double chin, a special garment is worn for a few days. It is an elastic strap, kind of like an enlarged chin strap. The purpose of the garment is to provide a little gentle pressure for a few days. After that, no special care is needed.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana