If you have been cursed with your grandmother’s double chin, no exercise or chin strap will remove it. Realistically, there are several options to deal with a double chin.
Option One
First, you could consider Kybella injections. These injections are done in the office, usually in 2 or 3 sessions, about 2 months apart. Kybella is injected into the fatty area under the chin to actually kill fat cells. You will have some swelling for a few days, will feel some firmness, and notice some numbness for up to 3 to 4 weeks. Kybella is FDA approved to remove excess fat from under the chin. No skin is removed, but some does shrink as the fat is destroyed. If you wish, you can go to work the next day.
Option Two
Second, you could consider liposuction, with or without laser or radiofrequency treatments for skin tightening. This can be done in the office under local anesthesia with some oral sedation, or in a surgery center with IV sedation or general anesthesia. A small incision is made under the chin, and behind each ear if needed. Through there, the fluid with numbing Lidocaine and medication to minimize bleeding is given. Once numbed, liposuction is done. The laser or radiofrequency treatments like Thermitight can also be done to help tighten the skin as it heals. A small dressing and chinstrap are then placed to help protect the area and minimize swelling. The chinstrap will be worn that first day and night, then at night for up to 2 weeks.
Option Three
Third, you could consider having a chin tuck to help remove not just excess fat, but also some skin and tighten the loose muscle which sags with our skin as we age. This can also be done in the office under local anesthesia with oral sedation, or the surgery center under IV sedation or general anesthesia. A small, but larger than for liposuction, incision is made under the chin in the chin crease. Through that incision, excess fat is removed, and the excess loose muscle is trimmed and tightened. A small amount of skin can also be removed. Then, the incision is closed, a dressing is applied, and a chinstrap or ace wrap is applied. This wrap will be worn the first day and night, and then at night for up to 2 weeks.
Option Four
Fourth, for those with a larger amount of excess skin, a facelift lift may be needed to remove all the excess skin. This is done in the surgery center with IV sedation or under general anesthesia. It is still an outpatient procedure, but does have a longer healing time and more time off from work.
You may be a candidate if:
- You have excess fat and possibly skin under your chin.
- You are not pregnant nor are breast feeding.
Dr. Hiers will examine you and help to guide you to the best procedure for your specific needs. She has had over 30 years of experience with facial surgery.
It’s important to note that any surgical procedure carries risks. The most common risks are possible bruising, swelling, bleeding, numbness, infection, and weakness to the face with the facelift lift.
If you are interested in removing your double chin, please contact us today to schedule your consultation! Let us help you Find Your Beautiful.