Chin liposculpture, also known as submental liposuction, is an advanced cosmetic procedure that permanently removes excess fat from the chin, jawline, and neck using ultrasound waves and a fine suction tube called a cannula. According to medical experts, chin liposculpture is currently the fastest and most effective method for improving the appearance of the neck and the area beneath the chin.
This procedure is often combined with chin augmentation surgery or skin-tightening treatments such as FaceTite or a neck lift to create a more defined jawline and neck contour.
Research has shown that fat accumulation under the chin and around the neck is often resistant to diet and exercise. For this reason, even if you are naturally slim or have worked hard to lose weight, you may still require an aesthetic procedure such as submental liposuction to achieve the desired contour.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Chin Liposculpture

Before undergoing chin liposculpture, it is important to be aware of both its benefits and potential drawbacks.

Advantages of Chin Liposculpture

It is the fastest, least invasive, and most effective method to permanently remove excess fat from the under-chin and upper neck area.
Thanks to local anesthesia, the procedure is completely painless.
Most surgeons use an extremely fine cannula, making post-procedure scars nearly invisible once healed.
Liposculpture devices typically feature an active safety system that automatically stops when encountering non-fat tissues. This significantly reduces the risk of skin burns or internal injuries compared to other cosmetic procedures.
If you maintain a stable weight and an active lifestyle, the results can last for over 10 years.

Disadvantages of Chin Liposculpture

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for this procedure.
In some cases, to prevent neck skin sagging after fat removal, open surgery may be required. This involves removing excess skin while performing a simultaneous neck lift.
Full recovery takes between 3 to 5 days, and to minimize swelling, you must wear a chin support garment for up to two weeks after the surgery. This means you cannot return to work immediately.
Chin liposculpture is a form of plastic surgery and carries some risks, including infection and temporary numbness.
This procedure is significantly more expensive than non-surgical fat-reduction treatments.

Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Chin Liposculpture?

According to plastic and cosmetic surgeons, individuals over the age of 20 often require both liposculpture and open surgery to remove excess skin and lift the neck. This is because skin loses its elasticity with age.
For this reason, during the initial consultation, a plastic surgeon must carefully evaluate the patient’s condition. In general, healthy individuals under the age of 30 are the best candidates for chin liposculpture, as their skin retains more natural elasticity and does not typically require additional skin-tightening procedures.
Chin liposculpture is not recommended for individuals who are significantly overweight, as they typically have a deep fat layer called subplatysmal fat in the submental area, which this procedure cannot remove. Chin liposculpture only targets superficial fat deposits and does not address deeper fat layers.
Additionally, individuals with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or untreated blood clotting disorders are not suitable candidates for this procedure. In general, patients must be in good overall health to undergo chin liposculpture safely.

How Is Chin Liposculpture Performed?

Similar to other liposculpture procedures, such as arm and thigh liposculpture, this minimally invasive cosmetic surgery usually takes less than an hour and can be performed under local anesthesia. The procedure involves the following steps:
Once the treatment area is numb, the surgeon makes a small incision (approximately 2–3 mm) beneath the chin and possibly two additional incisions behind the ears.
Fat Breakdown Using Ultrasound Waves
Through these incisions, the surgeon inserts a thin, specialized tube that emits ultraviolet (UV) waves to break down fat cells. This process liquefies solid fat, making it easier to remove.
Fat Removal Using a Cannula
A cannula (a thin tube attached to a vacuum device) is then inserted to suction out the liquefied fat.
Closing the Incisions
Each incision is closed with one or two stitches, leaving minimal scarring.

Post-Procedure Care for Chin Liposculpture

Your surgeon will provide detailed post-operative care instructions to ensure optimal recovery. These may include:
Take 3 to 5 days off from work for proper rest and recovery.
Wear a medical chin strap 24/7 for the first week. After that, wearing it only at night for another 1 to 2 weeks is sufficient.
Avoid intense physical activity for at least 10 days after the procedure, as excessive movement may increase swelling.
Refrain from smoking and drug use for several days post-surgery, as these habits slow down the healing process.
Some doctors recommend keeping your head straight while sleeping to reduce swelling during the first few nights.
Although immediate improvement in the chin and neck area is visible, final results take several months to fully develop as the skin naturally tightens.
If you notice sagging skin months after the procedure, it may indicate poor skin elasticity or incomplete healing. In such cases, consult your surgeon to determine whether a neck lift surgery is necessary.

Potential Risks and Complications of Chin Liposculpture

Although chin liposculpture is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure with low risk, complications may arise if performed by an inexperienced surgeon. Potential risks include: Nerve damage leading to temporary facial numbness, thyroid injury, uneven or wrinkled skin appearance, asymmetry in facial contours; to minimize risks, it is crucial to choose a highly experienced and qualified surgeon.
If you experience persistent swelling, bleeding, or worsening symptoms beyond 2 to 3 days post-surgery, contact your doctor immediately, as it could indicate infection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Is chin liposculpture performed under general anesthesia?
No, it is performed under local anesthesia in a clinic setting.

• How long is the recovery period?
There is no significant recovery downtime.

• Can I return to my daily activities immediately?
Yes, you can resume your daily routine immediately after the procedure, but avoid strenuous activities.

• Before & After Results of Chin Liposculpture
(Include images of past successful procedures if applicable)

Final Thoughts

Studies show that 20% to 30% of removed fat may return after chin liposculpture. Therefore, it is recommended to undergo this safe and effective procedure at a younger age for optimal long-term results.
If you have any questions regarding chin liposculpture, Dr. Vafaei’s expert consultation team is available to assist you.