Submentoplasty / Submental Liposuction
What are Submentoplasty and Submental Liposuction?
Submentoplasty and submental liposuction are cosmetic procedures designed to enhance the appearance of the neck and jawline by addressing excess fat and loose skin under the chin, commonly referred to as a “double chin.” These procedures provide a more defined and youthful contour to the lower face and neck.
Submental liposuction reduces small amounts of isolated fat pockets in the double chin area and creates more subtle results than submentoplasty. It involves the precise removal of excess fat through small, discreet incisions. Submentoplasty combines liposuction with tightening of the underlying neck muscles and removal of minimal skin for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity. In our practice both are done on their own and also commonly performed as an adjunctive treatment to enhance jawline definition.
Both procedures are minimally invasive and can be performed under a light sedation. Recovery is typically quick.
Patient Results
View before and after photos of our patients who had this procedure.
Am I a good candidate for submental liposuction/submentoplasty?
The best candidates for submental liposuction are typically young patients 20s-40s with good skin elasticity and with isolated fatty areas directly under the skin (subcutaneous fat). Other good candidates include those undergoing other jawline enhancing procedures (genioplasty, jawline or chin implants, orthognathic surgery, mini face lift) as combining the treatment is exponentially effective.
Younger patients with good skin elasticity seeking subtle results are the best candidates. Older patients with less skin elasticity or deep fat and large glands are typically poor candidates for submental liposuction. Other poor candidates are individuals with very heavy necks and desire significant results. Those patients are better often suited with submentoplasty or deep neck lift.
Are there scars? Where will the incisions be?
Pin-point access entries are made under the chin, and sometimes behind the earlobe. These are 1-2mm tiny dot incisions and near-invisible when healed. Proper postoperative care also helps them to heal better and faster. This includes sun block, silicone gel, and avoiding sun exposure during the healing phase.
Do I need to be under anesthesia?
Commonly done under a light “twilight” (IV) sedation.
What is the difference between submental liposuction and submentoplasty or a neck lift?
Submental liposuction only addresses the fat directly under the skin. It is typically the least impactful treatment compared to submentoplasty or neck lift. Submentoplasty addresses the deeper fat which lays under the platysma muscle in the neck. This muscle is typically tightened as well, creating more jawline definition. A deep neck lift is the most impactful of the three procedures. It typically involves reduction of more deep fat and reduction of glands. Any of the above can be done with or without adjunctive procedures such as face lift, genioplasty, jawline implants, and chin implants.
How soon can I travel after my surgery?
We typically ask patients to remain in town for a period of 1 week before flying. However, car rides of 2-4 hours are ok the following day in most cases. We would still like to see you for a postoperative visit at the 1-week mark.
How long does this procedure take?
Submental liposuction 60-90 minutes; Submentoplasty may take 2-3 hours.
What is the recovery time?
Initial recovery typically takes about 1 week, during which most swelling and bruising subside. Final results that includes the fading of scars and resolution of small amounts of swelling can take 3-6 months.
How long until I can be out in public?
Most patients can resume work (and are considered “restaurant-ready”) within 3-5 days. For social events such as weddings (guest), graduations, or holidays, one should allow at least 7-10 days for recovery.
How long until I can exercise?
3-5 days.
What to Expect
After Surgery
- Most patients can resume work (and are considered “restaurant-ready”) within 3-5 days
- For social events such as weddings (guest), graduations, or holidays, one should allow at least 7-10 days for recovery
- Exercise can be resumed in one week
- Usually about 90% of swelling/bruising resolves within 1 week
- Patients will need to avoid direct sun exposure to the incisions for at least a year and use sunscreen to protect healing skin.
- We will see the patient for postoperative appointments typically after 5-7 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Sutures are removed during the first postoperative appointment.
- You may be asked to wear a compression garment or neck bandage for a short period after surgery to reduce swelling and support the treated area
What is the difference between submental liposuction and submentoplasty or a neck lift?
Submental liposuction only addresses the fat directly under the skin. It is typically the least impactful treatment compared to submentoplasty or neck lift. Submentoplasty addresses the deeper fat which lays under the platysma muscle in the neck. This muscle is typically tightened as well, creating more jawline definition. A deep neck lift is the most impactful of the three procedures. It typically involves reduction of more deep fat and reduction of glands. Any of the above can be done with or without adjunctive procedures such as face lift, genioplasty, jawline implants, and chin implants.
