Submental fat liposuction or chin liposuction is a popular procedure that can be done under local anaesthesia to remove the fat from the chin area to give a more contoured defined look.
Even for patients who are naturally slim or work hard at the gym, fat under the chin can be stubborn to diet and exercise - which is why even fit people can have a double chin. Chin Lipo can be combined with a chin implant to give a more defined jawline.
Whilst Chin Lipo is the quickest way to get rid of a double chin, it is not for everyone. The ideal candidate should have enough elasticity so that the skin can heal without excess loose skin. Pre-operative assessment, patient selection and meticulous technique is key to getting a good result.
The actual procedure is relatively pain-free, can be rather quick (as short as 20-30 minutes) and it can be done as a day procedure under local anaesthesia. Small stab incisions are made under the chin and occasionally behind the ear lobes. Through these incisions, a slim tube (cannula) is used to break up and remove the fat, hence enabling the surgeon to remove the extra fat, removing the double chin and reshaping the neck.
There should not be much pain after the procedure and it is easily controlled with oral painkillers. The pain is usually mild and should go away in 3-5 days. The swelling will usually be worse on day 2-3 before it starts to subside. Most of the swelling will resolve by the end of 1 week. Patients have varying degrees of swelling but most patients are back to work after 3-5 days. You will be fitted with a chin compression garment once the procedure is done. This is to be worn continuously for the first week and then nightly for 1-2 weeks. Whilst you should be back to work within 3-5 days, it would be prudent not to schedule any major events for the 1-2 weeks after the procedure.
