Double Chin
Fat under the chin can be stubborn to all forms of dieting and exercise. It is a source of distress for many people, who are otherwise thin, but the presence of a 'double chin' gives them an overweight appearance.
The reasons for this are multiple. The fat may be just under the skin or under the muscle. The chin and jaw may be under projecting, giving the impression that you have a double chin
What Options are available To Reduce This?
Depending on the cause of the double chin will determine what treatment
Lipolysis (Fat-dissolving injections)- These are suitable for very small pockets of fat, just under the skin. It is minimally invasive, however, repeated treatments are frequently required
Liposuction- This targets larger areas of fat under the chin but also extending towards the neck. This is again limited to fat which is under the skin. Liposuction typically requires a general anaesthetic
Neck lift- When fat is under the muscle then a more invasive technique is required. this requires a general anaesthetic and hospital stay
Chin and Jaw recontouring- A hyaluronic acid filler is used to add volume to the chin and jaw. The filler is deposited onto the bone so that its size increases and the double chin appear smaller in proportion
What is involved in each option
Lipolysis injection
This is performed in the office.
Before the injection, a local anesthetic numbing cream is applied to the area.
The injections are mapped into an even pattern under the chin and take 5- 10 minutes to perform
Patients occasionally report a burning feeling after the procedure, but the injection is well tolerated.
An ice pack is then applied to the area for 10 minutes to help reduce swelling and discomfort
Liposuction
This is performed as a day procedure but requires a general anesthetic
The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes and tiny incisions are used to access the fat under the chin and behind the ear. These are then closed with a dissolving stitch and glue
You can go home a few hours after the procedure
Neck Lift
This is a far more invasive procedure. It is performed as a general anaesthetic and an overnight stay will be necessary.
The incision for this procedure is hidden in front of the ear and extends behind and into the hairline
In addition to excising the deep fat, the skin will also have to be repositioned and the extra removed.
There is little pain associated with the procedure, but there is swelling associated with it.
A drain is typically inserted which is removed the following day before discharge
Chin Fillers and Jaw Fillers
It is performed in the office. The areas are numbed with local anaestetic cream
The procedure takes about 15-20 minutes.
The amount of filler will vary depending on the amount of correction.
There is very little discomfort during and after the procedure
How long is the recovery?
Lipolysis injection
Patients often complain of discomfort under the chin for a couple of days.
There is associated mild swelling which lasts for 7-10 days. Anti-inflammatory pain killers are recommended for the first 48 hours to help minimise this.
A review will take place at 6 weeks and a decision to reinject the area made
Liposuction
Patients complain of mild pain. Numbing medication is used as part of the procedure, however, regular pain killers will be given as part of the discharge and these should be taken for 3-4 days.
A compression garment will also be given and this will have to be worn for 1 week.
You will be seen at 1 week and then 4 weeks post-procedure
Neck Lift
Pain killers and antibiotics will be given on discharge. However, pain associated with the procedure is minimal
A compression garment has to be worn for 2 continuous weeks to help reduce the swelling. Ice packs are also recommended in the first week to minimise this.
Care instructions for the incision will also be given, and sutures are usually removed at 10 days
You are typically restaurant ready by 2 weeks, however full recovery can take 6-8 weeks
Return to work is normally at 2 weeks, and return to exercise at 6 weeks
Filler
There may be some mild discomfort at the injection site for 48 hours
The result will be obvious initially, however it will continue to improve over the next couple of weeks, as the body encapsulates it and smoothes any rough edges
The result will typically last 9-12 months
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