Double Chin Correction

What Is Double Chin Surgery?

A Double Chin Surgery is a surgical procedure that is done to remove the excess fat that is present under the lower jaw that results in a double chin appearance.

Is this procedure an elective or an emergency procedure?

A Double Chin Surgery is an elective procedure.

Types of procedure

A double chin treatment can usually involve the following procedures

• Surgical double chin removal
  • Liposuction for double chin removal
  • Submentoplasty for double chin removal
  • Neck lift surgery for double chin removal
• Non-surgical double chin removal
  • Kybella injections
  • Cryolipolysis or cool sculpting chin procedures

Indications of double chin surgery

Most double chin treatment or Double Chin Surgery is done for aesthetic or cosmetic reasons.

Double chin surgery contraindications and risk factors

Some contraindications for double chin plastic surgery include

• Severe cardiovascular disease
• Coagulation disorders
• Major surgery within the last 6 months
• Stroke within the last 6 months
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Unrealistic expectations

Contraindications for Kybella treatment include

• Age less than 19 years
• History of facial surgery or if a facial surgery is scheduled in the near future
• Pregnant or nursing women
• Acute infection at the site of the procedure
• Difficulty with swallowing

Contraindications for Coolsculpting or Cryolipolysis

• History of cold intolerance or Cold Urticaria
• Paroxysmal Cold Hemoglobinuria
• Cryoglobulinemia

Investigations before double chin surgery

Some investigations that need to be done before double chin liposuction or surgery include

• Laboratory tests:
  • CBP & ESR
  • Coagulation Profile & Blood typing
  • Basic Metabolic Profile
  • Liver and Renal function tests
• Electrocardiography (ECG)
• Imaging tests:
  • X-ray of the skull
• Preoperative photography and digital imaging

Preoperative advice

Before a double chin removal surgery, the following may be done

• Risks and benefits of the procedure are explained
• Anticoagulant medication may be stopped before the surgery
• Antibiotic Prophylaxis may be started a few days before the procedure

Intraoperative details

How long does a Double Chin Surgery last? A Double Chin Surgery may last from 2-4 hours depending on the surgery that is being done.

Anaesthesia: Double Chin Surgery is usually done under local anaesthesia, conscious sedation, or general anaesthesia.

Description of the Procedure: 

Liposuction: Markings for the incisions are made and the area of surgery is thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution. After the anaesthetic has taken effect several small incisions are made to introduce the liposuction cannula that is used to suction out the fat and aid in under chin and neck fat removal. Special attention is paid to the amount of fat that is removed and the symmetry of the face. Sutures are not used and the skin is bandaged using a chin strap.

Submentoplasty or Submental Chin Reduction: This procedure is done under general anaesthesia. Appropriate markings are made and the skin is thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution. After the anaesthesia has taken effect incisions are made usually along the hairline to remove the fat and excess skin from under the lower jaw. The underlying neck muscles such as the platysma may then be tightened. Once the procedure is complete, the incisions are sutured. The scars are usually not visible as the surgical incisions are strategically made

Dewlap Procedure: A dewlap procedure is done to remove the excess skin that may be present after the removal of excess fat as a part of the surgery. Dewlap procedures are usually done in elderly individuals. The skin incision for the procedure is usually given below the chin in a dewlap procedure and a compression bandage is worn for optimal results.

Postoperative details

After a Double Chin Surgery, the following are done

• If the procedure done is liposuction then the individual is usually allowed to leave on the same day after the procedure is complete.
• If the procedure was done under general anaesthesia, the individual is moved to a recovery room and kept under observation until they are awake and stable.
• Facial drains that are placed are usually removed after a day or two.

Common post-procedure occurrences in double chin corrections:

• Soreness and pain at the site of surgery
• Swelling and bruising at the site of surgery
• Minor bleeding or seepage at the site of surgery

Discharge: Usually on the 2^nd-3^rd postoperative day after a submentoplasty surgery.

Medications: Pain relievers and oral and/or topical antibiotics may be prescribed.

Review: Usually on days 1,7, 14, and 30 postoperatively.

Resumption of normal activities: Usually with some restrictions 1-2 weeks after the procedure.

Non-invasive double chin procedures

Double chin treatment without surgery may be done as follows

• Kybella Double Chin Treatment: Kybella treatment is done via injection of synthetic deoxycholic acid under the chin. Kybella treatment is done over a course of time with each procedure lasting about 15-20 minutes. Anticoagulants are to be stopped before the procedure to avoid the risk of bruising. Kybella treatment targets the fat cells that are present under the chin and destroy them. The number of Kybella treatments that are required varies from person to person, but on an average 6 treatments are required, each about a month apart. Minor side effects such as pain, numbness, swelling, or bruising may be seen after Kybella's double chin treatment.
• Coolscupting neck and chin procedures or Cryolipolysis: Coolsculpting chin procedures are done using extremely cold temperatures to break down the fat cells that are present under the chin. Coolsculpting chin and neck procedures work well because fat cells are extremely sensitive to cold temperatures. In coolsculpting chin procedures, the localized collection of fat is sucked into a vacuum device and then exposed to extremely cold temperatures for about an hour or so. Once the vacuum applicator is removed, the area is gently massaged. The results of the cryolipolysis procedure are seen over a period of 5-6 months during which time the damaged fat cells are slowly removed from the body.

Role of diet/exercise/lifestyle changes

Some measures that must be taken after a double chin correction surgery include the following

•  Continue wearing the chin strap for as long as advised
•  Avoid strenuous activity for 1-2 weeks after the procedure
•  Avoid sun exposure for a few days
•  Shower 2-3 days after the procedure
• Avoid smoking
•  Avoid excessive neck and facial movements for a few days

Complications of double chin surgery

Some complications that may be seen after a double chin correction may include

• Bleeding
• Infections
• Asymmetry
• Decreased or abnormal skin sensitivity
• Nerve injury
• Scarring

Complications of Kybella Double chin treatment include the following

• Facial muscle weakness
• Nerve injury
• Difficulty swallowing
• The uneven contour of the face or smile

Complications of coolsculpting procedures may include

• Fat hyperplasia (mostly seen in men)
• Abnormal facial contour and unsatisfactory results

Prognosis

The prognosis of Double Chin Surgery is generally good and partly dependent on the condition and texture of the skin and localization of fat.

Indications for hospitalization if required

Hospitalization may be required for certain double chin treatment procedures.

Suggested clinical specialist/Department to consult for the procedure

Double Chin Surgery is done by specialists from the Department of Cosmetology, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.