Chin Liposuction

Extra fat is always a worry. Excess fat on the body can often be camouflaged with suitable clothes. However, there is no way to hide the extra fat on the chin or jaw line. Luckily, procedures like chin liposuction come to the rescue for those perturbed about the double chin or extra fat on the chin or jaw line.

Traditional Surgery

Chin liposuction is a minor surgical procedure where small incisions of 2 to 4 cm long are made in the chin and under the ears. Some skillful surgeons also do an intra-oral incision (in the mouth). The procedure is done with the help of local anesthesia, which is usually injected in the neck.

Then through tumescence technique the skin and the underlying tissue is lifted to accommodate the thin liposuction cannula (suction device) that sucks the excess fat. High frequency oscillations from the cannula dissolve the fat cells, which is then sucked through a vacuum device. Additional small incisions are made if the extra fat needs to be removed from the cheeks. The chin liposuction procedure normally takes about 45 minutes to an hour to perform.

The procedure is considered safe and effective. Doctors opine that the recovery period of chin liposuction is also quite fast. Chin liposuction, also referred as facial liposuction or submental or submentum liposuction, is the best way to get rid of double chin, jowls, or chubbiness under the chin.

Laser Surgery

Chin liposuction is also done through laser surgery, which is relatively a newer technique. The procedure is similar where a probe is used along with the laser in the place of liposuction cannula. However, laser surgery is practiced widely in United States and is not often suggested by many surgeons since it is not effective in the removal of larger fat collections.

Laser liposuction surgery does not involve any suction process. Instead of high frequency vibration, light energy is used to vaporize the fat cells. Laser lights help to tighten the surrounding skin thus preventing baggy, excess skin, which might be noticed in fewer cases of traditional liposuction.

Though safe, laser surgery is not prescribed for patients with diabetes, liver or kidney problems or blood clotting problems. Generally performed on an outpatient basis, laser surgery lasts for 30 to 60 minutes.

Post Surgery

Once the incisions are closed, the surgeon places an antibiotic-soaked piece of gauze between your lower lip and gums complimented by a pressure dressing around the top of your head to underneath your chin.

Ensure to sleep on two pillows or keep your head elevated for the first two weeks or as prescribed by your surgeon. Consult your surgeon if you feel prolonged numbness in your cheek or chin, or have excess scar tissue and lumps in the operated area.

Do not get worried, as your chin and lower face may look even more swollen than earlier for few days. However, the swelling will dissolve in few weeks and your chin will become more defined. During the initial weeks, it is quite normal to experience few odd sensations like tingling, sharp pains, burning or pulling and cold conditions under your chin.

You may not be able to consume solid foods immediately after chin liposuction. The surgeon will ask you to the visit at least two times after surgery for evaluation of the operated area, incision cleaning and removal of sutures.

You can have a bath a day after the surgery. However, stay away from exercise or other activities that raises your blood pressure for the first three weeks after chin liposuction surgery. Your surgeon will teach you to massage the area.

Diet alterations are prescribed if you have undergone intra-oral incisions. Your surgeon may ask you to avoid raw fish (sushi), rare meat and other foods that are prone to have any bacteria. Wash fruits and vegetables before you intake them.

The surgeon might ask you to rinse your mouth with an antiseptic solution several times a day. Be careful with your incisions. Do not pick them with your tongue as it might lead to dangerous complications.

Getting prepared for Chin Liposuction


Choosing the surgeon for chin liposuction is very crucial. Ask your surgeon for reference of past work. This might include photographs of both pre and post operative procedures of earlier patients or patients testimonials.

If you wish to undergo chin liposuction, ensure that you are mentally and emotionally strong, because, quite a few people have experienced a period of depression post surgery. Take time to explain to the surgeon about your requirement and expectations so that common understanding is arrived. This will help your surgeon reveal what can realistically be achieved.

Once decided, your surgeon will call you for two sittings. During the first sitting, the surgeon explains as what to expect from chin liposuction. The surgeon takes some pictures of you and then explains the post surgical effects with the help of computer assisted morphing technology. The procedure also enables the surgeon to understand your unique facial anatomy. During the second sitting, the surgeon evaluates you physically for any active disease and pre-existing medical condition.

If you are taking medicines like oral contraceptives, aspirin-containing medications, your surgeon might ask you to stop the same for a while. You will also be advised to stop smoking before chin liposuction. Diabetes patients must have their sugar levels under control before undergoing chin liposuction.

Radiological tests for chin liposuction are generally prescribed for patients with unusual facial anatomy. However, your surgeon will decide whether you need any laboratory tests before your surgery.

Chin Liposuction cost

Remember, chin liposuction is not covered by health insurance in United States and many other countries. The cost of procedure depends on various factors like the area from where fat needs to be removed, and how much fat to be removed, the technique used, the region in the United States, and the surgeon. However, the average fee for chin liposuction varies from $1,500 to $3,800.

Some people even combine their chin liposuction surgery with a vacation overseas. Check for the surgeon's credentials, procedures performed, patient's testimonials and the complication rates handled, if you plan to go overseas for chin liposuction.