Have you ever looked at your picture and felt disgusted over that fatty lump showing underneath your chin? Thing is, you’re not even fat to start with.
Having a double chin can indeed be frustrating especially if you have put yourself on a strict diet and are slim everywhere else except on the chin.
As we age, the laxity of the muscle sling that suspends the tissues underneath the chin contributes to the double chin appearance.
Whether it is caused by the deposition of fats or by the loss of skin elasticity, and it has become bothersome for you, you can always turn to your trusty plastic surgeon for a chin liposuction.
What is Chin Liposuction?
Chin liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure done by making small incisions in the chin and beneath the ears after the administration of local anaesthesia in the neck area.
Some surgeons choose to inject the anaesthetic inside the mouth but this technique needs special skills. A tiny cannula is inserted to suck the excess fat.
The high frequency oscillations from the cannula dissolve the fat cells which are eventually sucked into a vacuum device. It is a quick and safe procedure lasting for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
The newer technique for a chin liposuction involves the use of laser instead of the liposuction cannula. The energy coming from the laser vaporizes the fat cells, which has a tightening effect on the surrounding skin.
However, the laser method is not effective for large collections of fat. It is generally safe, but is contraindicated in patients with diabetes, or those with renal, hepatic, and hematologic problems.
Like the traditional method, the laser chin liposuction is likewise an outpatient procedure which can be done in 30 to 60 minutes.
Is Chin Liposuction for You?
Besides your general physical well-being, undergoing the surgery entails a stable psychological status. Choose your surgeon well and ask the details you want to know to have more realistic goals.
Tell your doctor regarding the medications you are maintaining because some drugs could interfere with the normal bleeding or clotting process. Avoid smoking and keep your blood sugar on check, in case you have diabetes.
Both young and older individuals can undergo this type of plastic surgery, although younger people make better candidates because their skin can firm up better post surgery.
As much as this chin liposuction can improve the contour of your chin, a chin augmentation is sometimes done using silicone, teflon, or dacron implants in conjunction with the liposuction to balance facial features.
Ask your physician as to the surgery that is appropriate for your needs.
During The Procedure
The chin liposuction can be performed either under local or general anaesthesia. If you want to relax during a local anaesthesia, sedation can be administered intravenously.
Even if the operation takes less than an hour, expect to stay at the doctor’s clinic for 4 to 6 hours, and longer if you are going to be under general anaesthesia. You will need some post-operative monitoring before you can be sent home.
Recovery Period
Your chin may look swollen for a couple of days but it will subside after a week or so. Some discomfort may be expected, in the form of sharp pains, burning or tingling sensations. Analgesics will be prescribed to lessen the pain and swelling.
You cannot eat solid foods immediately after the surgery. Chewing will pose some challenge for the first few days. If you went through incisions inside the mouth, avoid raw foods that will put you at risk for bacterial infections.
You will be instructed to rinse your mouth with oral antiseptics several times a day. You need to come back to the doctor’s office for follow up. Removal of stitches is usually done after 5 to 7 days.
You can take daily baths but not engage into strenuous activities for the first 3 weeks after the operation.
Avoiding sun exposure for 6 to 12 months after the surgery will be highly beneficial for a less noticeable scar.
Cost of Chin Liposuction
Due to the aesthetic nature of the procedure, it is not covered by your health insurance. The cost may vary depending on the geographical location of the clinic where it will be performed, the amount of fats to be removed and the technique to be employed. The rates could range from $1500 to $3000.