Then this is the post for you. In this ultimate double chin surgery guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including:
- What Is Double Chin Surgery?
- Types of Double Chin Surgery
- Benefits of Double Chin Surgery
- Before And Afters Of Double Chin Surgery
- Double Chin Surgery Cost
- Double Chin Surgery Procedure
- Recovery
- Results
At Elite Facial Plastic Surgery in Tampa, our double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Dominic Castellano is ready to help you select the right path along your cosmetic surgery journey. His surgical expertise and aesthetic guidance will help you realize your aesthetic goals and get rid of your double chin.
Ready to speak with Dr. Dominic about double chin surgery?
What Is Double Chin Surgery?
Double chin surgery is a cosmetic procedure designed to get rid of a double chin by reducing submental fat under the chin and jawline. Some people develop a double chin due to weight gain or aging, while others have excess fat due to face shape or genetics.
Whatever the cause, a double chin causes frustration and low self-esteem for many. Double chin surgery contours and defines the area under the chin, around the jawline, and around the upper part of the neck — essentially the entire neck area.
This procedure creates a smooth, elegant jaw and neckline that contributes to a more youthful appearance.
2 Types of Double Chin Surgery
Depending on your facial features and cosmetic goals, there are a few different types of double chin surgery you can choose from. Below are the most popular procedures, including how they contour the face and who will benefit most from each one. Each procedure removes fat and is considered an outpatient procedure.
1. Chin Liposuction and Kybella Injections
Traditional chin liposuction involves suctioning excess fat from under the skin. The surgeon makes small incisions around the area and inserts suction tubes into them, essentially vacuuming the excess fat tissue from the site. The results last between 7 and 10 years before the body’s natural aging process causes the area to begin filling in again.
If you’re hesitant to get surgery, Kybella offers a nonsurgical liposuction alternative. Derived from deoxycholic acid — a fat-absorbing acid that naturally occurs in the body — these injections break down excess fat cells at the injection site. The body then flushes the broken-down cells from the body, and any remaining fat cells in the area can no longer absorb fat.
Both types of liposuction have permanent results, though individuals can still gain weight in surrounding untreated areas. Liposuction procedures work best for those with high skin elasticity as the treatment doesn’t tighten skin or muscles.
2. Neck-Lift
Neck-lift surgery removes excess skin and works to tighten muscles under the chin, jaw, and around the neck area to firm and contour your lower profile. Often a routine part of a complete facelift, this surgery corrects double chins on its own and can be combined with liposuction procedures to shape sagging skin and muscle.
Though recovery time is longer and the cost generally higher, neck-lift surgery works well for those with high or low skin elasticity and is considered permanent. The extra skin may stretch with weight gain or aging, but unless these changes are dramatic, you’ll retain the effects of the chin and neck surgery.
Benefits of Double Chin Surgery
Double chin surgery helps get rid of a double chin by diminishing submental fat and loose skin under the chin and around the upper neck, defining the jaw and often making individuals appear younger.
At our cosmetic surgery facilities, we understand that appearance is often tied to your self-esteem. Feeling better about the way you look can build confidence and improve your overall mood and stress levels from day to day. Neck lift procedures and other types of cosmetic surgery can help improve your self-esteem and build confidence.
Additionally, the double chin surgical procedure can improve conditions like sleep apnea by relieving pressure on your airway depending on how much extra fat you have and where it’s placed. Easier respiration means less snoring and deeper, more restful sleep.
Before And Afters Of Double Chin Surgery
Real people. Real results.
Double Chin Surgery Cost
Traditional chin and neck contouring procedures costs between $2,500 and $3,500, depending on the size of the area being treated. The cost of double chin surgery is established by the complexity of the procedure based on your cosmetic needs.
The cost of Kybella nonsurgical liposuction injections ranges from $1,200 to $1,800 per treatment. If you require several treatments, the price will be higher.
The price for neck-lift surgery usually ranges from $6,000 to $7,000. The surgery is completed in a single session, meaning you will only pay for a single treatment.
To discuss your specific goals and determine the cost of your procedure, schedule a free consultation with our highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon.
What Happens During the 3 Types of Double Chin Surgery?
Depending on which double chin treatment you choose, there are three procedures you may undergo to get rid of a double chin.
1. Chin and Neck Liposuction
For chin and neck liposuction, the surgeon will first disinfect the area thoroughly to prevent infection, then map out where they’ll make the incisions for the suction tubes with a medical marker. Next, they’ll either sedate you or numb the area with a local anesthetic — if you’re particularly nervous about the procedure, you may want to choose sedation.
The surgeon will then make small incisions, insert the suction tubes, and carefully guide them back and forth under the skin to remove excess fatty tissue. Finally, the surgeon will bandage the incisions and apply a chin strap to support your chin tissue as it heals.
2. Kybella Injections
If you choose Kybella injections, your healthcare provider will first disinfect the area and then use a medical pen to mark where to administer your injections. They’ll then numb the area with a topical anesthetic and administer between 30 and 50 injections into the site under your chin and jaw. You’ll notice results as the injections break down the fat cells over the next few weeks.
3. Neck Lift Surgery
Neck lift surgery is more invasive than either liposuction procedure, but it’s standard practice to put you under general anesthesia for the surgery itself. While you’re still awake, the surgeon will draw arrows on your skin, indicating which direction to tighten it during surgery.
After you’re under anesthesia, the surgeon will disinfect the area and apply a local anesthetic to prevent pain after you wake up. Next, the surgeon will make incisions at your lower hairline and below the ear and remove excess skin and fat from the area. They may also tighten the muscle if needed.
Lastly, they’ll suture the incisions and allow you to wake up from general anesthesia.
Recovery
All three procedures may cause pain, swelling, and bruising in the treated area. For surgical liposuction and neck-lift surgery, you may need drains for one or two days to prevent fluids from building up in the area. Your surgeon may also recommend antiseptic ointment be applied to the incisions to prevent infection and promote healing.
Recovery time for surgical liposuction may last up to a week, while recovery time for a neck lift may be one to two weeks. You should also avoid direct sunlight or excess water on the face and chin during recovery.
After Kybella, there is little to no recovery time because this is one of our non-surgical options. Your neck and chin may remain swollen for up to four weeks while the injections take effect. Apply an ice pack to help reduce the swelling.
Results
All three procedures result in diminished bulk under the chin and jaw and around the neck. After surgical incisions have healed and the swelling has receded, you’ll notice the plane under your chin, and jaw is flatter, there is less saggy skin, and your chin and jaw are generally more defined. Your neck should also look smoother and firmer, especially with the surgical options.
Surgical liposuction, Kybella injections, and neck lifts are all considered semi-permanent to permanent. However, you may need several Kybella treatments to achieve the desired reduction in neck fat. Combining a neck lift with either liposuction option ensures firm, smooth skin and muscle tissue in the area after fully healing.
Schedule a Consultation With Elite Facial Plastic Surgery
Our world-class cosmetic surgery facilities offer patients unparalleled service — from free consultations to cosmetic surgery customized to your aesthetic goals. You’ll receive treatment in our accredited, state-of-the-art, in-office surgical suite designed for your comfort and safety.
After your treatment, we provide comprehensive aftercare instructions to ensure your recovery is as short and pleasant as possible. Post-recovery, you’ll be ready to reenter the world with confidence — literally putting your best face forward.
For more information, pleaserequest a complimentary consultation online or call our office at 813-547-6992. We’re here to help you improve your appearance and your confidence.
