Double chin surgery explained by Dr. Delaney

Double chin surgery, formally known as submental liposuction, is a procedure that aims to reduce the amount of fat under the chin. Ideal candidates for this procedure include those with stubborn fat under the chin that does not respond to dieting and exercising, and who have good skin elasticity.

Sometimes stubborn fat deposits under the chin are hereditary and can resist weight loss efforts, imparting the ever-dreaded double chin. In these cases, submental liposuction can be performed to improve the neck and jawline definition.

Submental liposuction is better suited for sculpting the jawline than for weight loss. This is because there are two layers of fat in the neck separated by a sheet of muscle called the platysma, and with submental liposuction, we can only address the fat above the platysma. Since we cannot treat the fat below the platysma with liposuction , those with chin fullness from fat both above and below the platysma will not have as good of a result with liposuction. In some instances, a central neck lift can be performed where some of the fat under the platysma can be removed from under the chin, and the platysma muscle is sutured together to create a tighter sling.

Good skin elasticity is also crucial for someone considering double chin surgery. We rely on the skin to contract after the fat has been removed. Someone with good skin elasticity can expect a nice tightening under the chin and jawline after surgery. In contrast, someone with loose, inelastic skin may find themselves more loose skin after liposuction. For those with inelastic skin, a neck lift may be better.

The procedure is well tolerated and can be performed in the office with oral sedatives and numbing shots or under iv sedation. 

Submental liposuction is performed through three tiny incisions: one under the chin and one hidden behind each earlobe. We use cannulas to suck out the fat from under the chin and jaw through these tiny access points. After the procedure, a compressive wrap like a helmet is placed for the first night. Our patients return the next day to have their wrap exchanged for a smaller facial sling, which they will wear all day long for one week and then at night only for another two weeks. There will be small sutures at the incisions that come out about 5-7 days after the procedure.

Double chin surgery is commonly performed in conjunction with other procedures. For example, we frequently perform submental liposuction with Rhinoplasty, Chin Augmentation, Buccal fat removal, Morpheus 8 skin resurfacing and FaceTite Radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis of the face and neck.

Click here  to see a video of Dr. Delaney explain Submental Liposuction.

Click here  to see a video of Dr. Delaney performing combined Buccal fat removal and Submental Liposuction.