Also Serving Patients in Beachwood
Is extra fat along your jaw line and neck making you feel self-conscious? Submental fat, also referred to as a “double chin,” or “waddle” is a cosmetic problem that affects individuals of all ages and weights. Even men and women of healthy weight can still struggle with stubborn fat that creates the appearance of a thick neck or undefined chin.
Drs. Mark A. Foglietti and Alanna Foglietti Fostyk are board-certified plastic surgeons that have helped hundreds of men and women sculpt their bodies and reclaim their confidence with liposuction. Using the latest and most precise liposuction techniques, they can create a leaner, more defined neck and jaw line that ultimately enhances the entire facial appearance.
Am I a Candidate for Submental Liposuction?
Submental liposuction may be right for you if you are concerned about any of the following:
Surplus fat under the chin and under the neck
due to weight gain, genetics and the natural aging process
A “double chin” or “weak chin”
A neck that appears “thick” or “full”
The best candidates for submental liposuction should have good skin tone and laxity, meaning very little loose skin. If significant loose skin is present, neck lift may be a more appropriate treatment. Neck lift removes loose, excess skin and tightens the remaining skin and underlying tissues for a tighter and smoother neck contour. Neck lift can also be combined with liposuction techniques for more noticeable results. Submental liposuction may also be performed in conjunction with other facial or skin procedures as part of a comprehensive facial rejuvenation treatment. All of your cosmetic options will be discussed thoroughly during the consultation phase.
Kybella is a non-surgical option to remove fat underneath the chin and is performed during an office visit. It generally requires more than one treatment.
Procedure Details
Submental liposuction is an outpatient procedure performed with some anesthesia. To begin, a tumescent solution is injected that will work to break down the fatty tissue in the area. Next, the surgeon will create an incision in the chin crease A thin tube called a cannula is inserted through the incisions to suction the fat cells from the body. Once the desired amount of fat is removed, the surgeon will close the incisions using sutures. A compression garment is placed to protect and support the tissues as they heal.
Double Chin Removal Recovery
Once you are fully healed, the neck will appear firmer and the jawline will be leaner. The results of submental liposuction are considered to be permanent. This is because once the fat cells are removed, they cannot come back. However, future weight gain is still possible in the body areas that were not treated by liposuction. To prolong your results with submental liposuction, our team recommends maintaining a stable and healthy weight, exercising and eating a well-balanced diet.
To learn more about submental liposuction and how it can help you transform your neckline and lower facial area, please schedule a consultation with Foglietti Fostyk Plastic Surgery by contacting our Cleveland office today.
Submental Liposuction FAQs
Why does fat cling to my chin so easily?
You are not alone in experiencing stubborn fat beneath the chin — even otherwise-slender people can have a double chin. Because you cannot exercise the chin, it is easier for fat to develop in this area. Genetics are also often responsible for the accumulation of submental fat. Cosmetic procedures like submental liposuction or Kybella are the best solutions for decreasing this unwanted pocket of fat.
Can submental liposuction address the loose skin beneath my chin?
While liposuction is an effective procedure for permanently eliminating fat cells, it has no effect on the skin. If aging or weight loss has left the skin along your neck laxer than you would like, you may want to discuss neck lift or facelift with Dr. Foglietti and Dr. Fostyk as an alternative way to achieve the neck contours you desire. Fat removal can be incorporated into these procedures to tackle both excess skin and fat during the same surgery.
How long do the results from submental liposuction last?
The fat cells suctioned out with liposuction are removed permanently. As such, the results attained through this surgery are considered indefinite, so long as you maintain a steady weight moving forward. However, if aging causes your neck skin to sag in the future, it may eventually detract from the contours you have achieved with liposuction surgery.
What other procedures can double chin liposuction be paired with?
You can choose to combine submental liposuction with a variety of cosmetic surgeries depending on your personal goals. Some of the more popular pairings Dr. Foglietti and Dr. Fostyk have performed are liposuction on other areas of the body (to more uniformly contour the body), neck lift, chin augmentation (to give additional shape to the chin) and rhinoplasty (to achieve harmonious proportions across the face). If you are considering multiple procedures, be sure to mention this during a consultation so that your surgeon can assess your candidacy and develop the appropriate surgical plan.
What is the cost of double chin liposuction?
The price of submental liposuction differs from patient to patient, primarily depending on the amount of fat being removed from the chin. In general, submental liposuction is less expensive than liposuction on other parts of the body because it targets a smaller, concentrated area. Dr. Foglietti and Dr. Fostyk can provide a complete cost breakdown during the consultation phase. If you would like to make payments toward the total cost of submental chin reduction, our practice accepts financing through CareCredit.
Can I get submental liposuction if I am overweight?
While liposuction is great for removing some fat that is resistant to diet and exercise, it is not a weight-loss surgery. As is the case for patients who seek liposuction on their abdomen, thighs and other parts of the body, the results tend to be best for patients who are about 10 to 15 pounds from their goal weight. If you have additional body fat but your chin is disproportionately bigger than other parts of your body, then you may still be a candidate so long as you set your expectations accordingly.