Chin liposuction (lipoplasty) is a type of cosmetic surgery that is performed to reduce excess fat under the chin and along the jawline. During the procedure, small incisions are created under the chin or behind the ears. Through these incisions, a thin hollow tube (cannula) attached to a suction device is inserted to remove excess fat deposits.
Fat under the chin and neck can sometimes be resistant to diet and exercise. Dr Scott Turner is a plastic surgeon in Sydney who routinely performs submental liposuction (chin lipo) to address these concerns. In some patients, however, it needs to be combined with a neck lift to address a broader area.
PLEASE NOTE – Dr Turner performs only small-volume liposuction – often combined with surgery. He does NOT perform large volume lipo or mega liposuction or lipo for patients with BMI > 30.
What is Chin Liposuction?
Chin liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess fat under the chin and along the jawline. It targets the fat under the skin, which is removed using a thin hollow tube attached to a suction device.
Chin liposuction has other names including:
- Submental liposuction
- Chin lipo
- Neck liposuction
If the chin contains more fat and lax skin, submental liposuction can be combined with a neck lift.
Who is Suitable for Chin Liposuction?
Suitable candidates for chin liposuction are looking to address the following:
- Excess fat under the chin
- Chin and neck fat covering the neckline
In addition, you must not be overweight. In overweight patients, fat accumulates under the neck muscles (called “subplatysmal fat”). This layer of fat is not accessible by liposuction.
Moreover, you should have good skin elasticity as chin lipo alone might not deliver satisfactory outcomes in people with overstretched lax neck skin. If the fat is removed, the skin does not bounce back. This can be addressed with a neck lift with liposuction.
Furthermore, you should be in good overall health. Certain conditions such as bleeding disorders can affect the outcome of the procedure. Chin liposuction requires small incisions which allow for the insertion of the cannula.
How is Chin Liposuction Performed?
Chin fat liposuction is usually done under local or general anaesthesia. This will depend on the amount of fat to be removed, the patient’s overall health, and the surgeon’s preference. Depending on the extent of the surgery, a chin liposuction can take 15-20 minutes to perform.
Dr Turner uses the MicroAire® Liposuction device to remove fat from the target area.
Here are the steps of chin lipo:
- First, the local anaesthetic is injected using a needle into multiple areas of the skin and neck.
- Once the skin is numb, Dr Turner will create a small incision under the chin (submental incision).
- Additional incisions on the sides of the chin might be done.
- The liposuction catheter is then advanced through the incision.
- Dr Turner will move the catheter in different directions under the chin and neck skin to remove the fat.
- Once enough fat is removed from the chin and neck area, the catheter is pulled out.
- The tiny skin incisions are then closed using 1 or 2 thin sutures.
Depending on the extent of the procedure and the surgeon’s preference, you can go home after chin liposuction. Keep in mind, however, that you will not be allowed to drive on the same day after the surgery. You should arrange for someone to pick you up.
Recovery after Chin Liposuction
The recovery from chin liposuction varies from patient to patient. This will depend on the amount of fat removed, the number of procedures performed, and the patient’s healing ability. After the procedure, Dr Turner will provide specific aftercare instructions.
You will have to take 1-3 days off work and rest at home. During the first week of recovery after submental lipo, you should avoid strenuous activities. Walking, however, is encouraged. You should also wear a chin compression strap for 5-7 days to reduce swelling.
You will experience swelling, bruising, and pain in the chin, jaw, and neck area. These will gradually start decreasing 5-7 days after chin fat removal.
The full results of chin liposuction can take several months to become noticeable. During this time, the skin will retract and any residual swelling will go away.
Risks and Potential Complications of Chin Lipo
As with other surgeries, liposuction of chin fat comes with risks and complications, such as:
- Wound infection
- Bleeding
- Seroma (fluid collection in the wound)
- Haematoma (blood collection in the wound)
- Fat embolism (an extremely rare complication in which fat debris gets into the blood circulation)
- Skin numbness (due to nerve injury)
- Unsatisfactory results (e.g. asymmetry or loose skin)
- Excessive scarring
