Fat deposits can soften and mask the contours of many parts of the body, particularly under the chin and around the neck. Since it can be difficult to reduce fullness in this area through traditional means, two effective procedures—chin liposuction and Kybella injections—can recontour and streamline this area of the body.
Some individuals inherit a fuller submental region via genetics, while weight gain or age-related skin changes may cause it in others. Both approaches can help you achieve natural-looking, long-lasting results but differ in cost, recovery time, and the procedure itself.
For those interested in either of these cosmetic procedures, it’s best to speak with a board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Dominic Castellano at Elite Facial Plastic Surgery in Tampa, FL. A licensed facial plastic surgeon will use their years of experience and knowledge — particularly in lower facelift surgery — to help you achieve your desired results with minimal downtime.
Contact us at Elite Facial Plastic Surgery today and let us help you decide whether chin liposuction vs. Kybella is right for you.
Chin Liposuction
Chin liposuction is a standard, minimally invasive surgical procedure that eliminates excess fat deposits located in the submental area—under the chin and jaw and around the top of the neck. This procedure results in slimmer, better-defined facial contours that usually last a lifetime.
Though future weight gain may cause some plumping in the area, removing the fat cells from under the skin destroys their ability to reproduce, leaving you with permanent or near-permanent results.
Benefits of Chin Liposuction
Chin liposuction offers a transformative solution for individuals looking to enhance their facial aesthetics by addressing several concerns related to the lower face and neck area. This procedure is not just about removing fat; it’s about sculpting the area to achieve a more refined and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Here are the detailed benefits:
- Reduced Jowls and Double Chin: One of the primary benefits of chin liposuction is its ability to significantly reduce the appearance of jowls and a double chin. Excess fat in these areas can make the face look heavier and older. By precisely targeting and removing this fat, chin liposuction helps sculpt a more defined jawline and a slimmer chin profile, contributing to a more youthful and contoured facial structure.
- Firm and Tighten Loose Skin on the Neck (“Turkey Neck”): Aging, weight fluctuations, and genetics can lead to sagging skin around the neck, often referred to as a “turkey neck.” Chin liposuction can assist in tightening this loose skin, as the removal of fat encourages the skin to retract and conform to the new, slimmer contours of the neck. This results in a smoother, firmer neck appearance, enhancing the overall profile and eliminating the saggy skin that can age a person’s appearance significantly.
- Reduce Facial Fullness and Contour Rounded Cheeks: For individuals with a fuller face or rounded cheeks due to excess submental fat, chin liposuction can create a more sculpted and balanced facial appearance. By eliminating unwanted fat deposits, the procedure can highlight the natural bone structure, reveal the underlying contours, and reduce the overall fullness that may obscure facial definition.
- Improve Poorly Defined Profile, Especially Between the Neck and Chin: A well-defined neckline and chin are crucial elements of an attractive profile. Chin liposuction is particularly effective in enhancing these areas, creating a more distinct separation between the neck and chin. This improves the profile view and contributes to the perception of a healthier and sometimes even more fit appearance.
Chin Liposuction Before and Afters
How Much is Chin Liposuction in Tampa?
The cost of chin liposuction in Tampa, FL, ranges between $2,500 and $3,500. The final price depends on the complexity of your procedure and the fat removal techniques your plastic surgeon chooses to use.
To get a more accurate estimate of the chin liposuction treatment cost, schedule a consultation with Dr. Dominic at Elite Facial Plastic Surgery today.
Procedure
Though chin liposuction is more invasive than Kybella treatments, it’s considered a minimally invasive surgical procedure. It requires only a few small incisions and a cannula—or suction tube—to remove fat deposits under the chin and jaw.
During a chin liposuction procedure, your plastic surgeon will do the following:
- Mark where to place the incisions with a felt-tipped pen
- Sterilize your skin with antiseptic
- Administer anesthetic for sedation (If you choose not to be sedated, the surgeon will generously apply a numbing agent to the area)
- Make incisions where previously marked
- Insert the cannula into each incision and move it back and forth, suctioning away the fat tissue beneath the skin
- Apply bandaging and a supportive chin garment to help your face heal in the desired contours
What to Expect During Chin Liposuction Recovery
After your chin liposuction, you’ll experience some swelling and mild pain and will need to wear a chin support garment to help your skin tighten and shrink properly. You’ll need to avoid excess sun or water exposure for the first several days of recovery. Your surgeon may also recommend an antibiotic ointment to dress your healing incisions and prevent noticeable skin scarring.
Initial chin liposuction recovery can take anywhere from a few days to a week. You can resume normal activities after this point, though you should continue wearing the supportive garment at night for at least a few weeks for the best results.
When Can You See Chin Liposuction Results?
Your chin liposuction results will begin to appear within a few days after swelling has reduced and your skin begins to adjust to your new facial contours. It gradually shrinks and tightens as you heal, creating a smooth, youthful appearance.
If your skin has low elasticity due to aging, you may consider getting a facelift or a neck lift to achieve an ideal profile.
Kybella
Kybella treatments are deoxycholic acid injections FDA-approved for use in reducing or eliminating excess fat in the submental area of the face. Deoxycholic acid naturally occurs in the body for breaking down and metabolizing fat.
When injected into fat deposits under the chin, it breaks down and destroys fat cells so the body can eliminate them. This process of submental fat reduction also prevents new fat cells from accumulating in the area, meaning results are long-lasting if not permanent.
Benefits of Kybella
Kybella treatment is a cosmetic procedure designed to target and destroy fat cells beneath the chin, known as submental fullness. This FDA-approved injectable offers a non-surgical alternative to more invasive procedures like liposuction, providing a series of unique advantages tailored to those seeking a less intensive method for enhancing their chin profile. Here’s a detailed look at its benefits:
- Permanent Results: One of Kybella’s most significant benefits is its ability to provide lasting results. Once deoxycholic acid, the active ingredient in Kybella, eliminates fat cells in the submental area, those cells can no longer store or accumulate fat. Therefore, once you achieve your desired aesthetic, you won’t need to undergo further treatments. The permanence of the outcome makes Kybella a cost-effective, long-term solution for eliminating chin fat.
- Fast, Minimally Invasive Appointments: Kybella procedures are quick and efficient, typically taking only 15 to 20 minutes per session. The treatment involves a series of small injections under the chin, and because it’s non-surgical, it can be performed in a doctor’s office without the need for anesthesia or a lengthy preparation time. This convenience makes it easy to fit into a busy schedule, allowing patients to return to their daily activities almost immediately.
- Minimally Invasive and Nearly Pain-Free: Unlike surgical options that require incisions and sedation, Kybella is administered through injections, drastically reducing the invasiveness of the treatment. Most patients experience minimal discomfort, often described as a slight burning or stinging sensation during the injection, which can be alleviated with a topical numbing agent.
- Little to No Recovery Time: Kybella’s non-surgical nature means there’s typically no required downtime. Patients can immediately resume their normal activities post-treatment, making it an ideal choice for those with busy lifestyles or those who cannot take time off for surgical recovery.
- Few, If Any, Side Effects: The majority of Kybella patients experience few, if any, side effects. The most common side effects are temporary and can include minor swelling, bruising, or numbness in the treated area. These typically diminish within a few days to weeks after treatment. The low risk of adverse effects, combined with the treatment’s efficacy, contributes to Kybella’s popularity as a non-surgical alternative to chin liposuction.
Cost
The cost of Kybella depends on how many appointments you need and how many injections you receive per appointment. Each injection costs approximately $13, and each treatment requires between 20 and 50 injections. That means each session ranges between $260 and $650. The average person needs between two and four sessions for the best results, placing the average cost for an entire course of treatment between $1,040 and $2,600.
These numbers may shift depending on surgeon’s fees, dressings, and topical treatments to prevent pain and infection.
Procedure
This treatment is less invasive than chin liposuction since they’re injections instead of a surgical procedure. Each treatment takes between 15 and 20 minutes. During the treatment, your surgeon does the following:
- Mark the injection sites with a felt-tipped pen
- Apply a topical numbing agent or cold pack to prevent discomfort
- Inject between 20 and 50 tiny needles into the submental region
Following your treatment, you will receive instructions for dealing with injection site pain or managing side effects. After that, you can return to work or resume other routine activities.
Most patients need two treatment sessions spaced six weeks apart to achieve the desired outcome. However, some individuals may require up to four treatments for the best results.
How Long is Recovery After Injection?
While there is no recommended downtime for Kybella treatments, you may experience some swelling and discomfort as the injection sites heal and the acid takes effect. It’s normal for swelling to last up to three weeks, though if it becomes painful or unbearable, you should contact your surgeon immediately.
When Can You See Results?
In the weeks following each treatment, the deoxycholic acid gradually kills off the fat cells in the treated area. The body flushes away and metabolizes these cells like any other waste. Your final results will be visible several weeks after your last treatment.
Which Procedure is Right For You?
The procedure you choose between Kybella vs. chin liposuction depends on your needs and expectations. Kybella is a minimally invasive injectable treatment with less downtime and aftercare. However, you may need several appointments and treatments to achieve your desired results. Your face will subtly change shape over time, but perhaps not as dramatically as chin liposuction, especially if your neck skin lacks elasticity. The cost of multiple appointments may also equal or even exceed the price of a liposuction procedure.
Chin liposuction is more invasive than Kybella, requires more downtime and aftercare, and has a higher upfront cost. However, it’s a one-time procedure with long-lasting or permanent results. The results of chin lipo are also visible almost immediately after recovery, though you’ll need to wear a chin support garment for several weeks to retain the contour and reduce significant swelling.
Schedule a Consultation with Elite Facial Plastic Surgery Today
Both chin liposuction and Kybella injections offer distinct advantages for those seeking to enhance their facial contours and achieve a more defined chin profile. Elite Facial Plastic Surgery stands at the forefront of these innovative aesthetic treatments, offering personalized care and utilizing the latest advancements in cosmetic procedures to ensure optimal results.
Contact us at Elite Facial Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation for chin liposuction or Kybella in the Tampa, FL, area.
