Will a submental lipectomy improve my appearance?
Submental lipectomy enhances neckline contour by reducing fullness of the area below your chin and reshaping muscle contour. In other words, getting rid of your "turkey waddle" and vertical neck bands (these look like folds of skin, but are actually muscle).
Notably, a chin lift does not have the ability to remove extra skin, and a necklift is often combined with a chin lift to smooth fine wrinkles and remove extra skin. This combination is quite powerful for total neck rejuvenation!
How does a chin lift work?
A chin lift is performed through a small incision under the chin, just in front of a natural crease. Through this incision the extra fat (submental fat pad) under the chin is removed and your platysma muscle is overlapped to create a smooth neck contour without bands. The incision is then closed with dissolving sutures. A compression dressing is placed in order to decrease swelling and bruising.
When a necklift is performed at the same time, this is done through a continuous incision starting at the bottom of each earlobe and extending behind the ear (in the natural junction of the ear to the side of the head) and along the hairline (see the facelift incision drawing-- the neckline incision is the lower half of the total resulting scar). A small drain is left temporarily to decrease swelling and bruising after the surgery.
A chin lift can transform your neck from something you hide to something you show off.Dr. Jarred McDaniel
Can other procedures be performed at the same time?
A submental lipectomy is commonly combined with other face or body procedures. Some of the more commonly combined operations include facelift, necklift, and blepharoplasty.
Depending on whether your chin lift is performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, the duration of this operation is usually between 1-1.5 hours in length.
How is recovery after chin lift?
Recovery after your chin lift is mainly a social recovery, meaning that swelling and bruising may prevent you from daily tasks rather than pain or functional limitations. This social recovery lasts about 2 weeks in most patients. Tightness of the central neck is also common, and this goes away gradually over the next several weeks.
A postoperative gauze wrap is applied at the end of your operation. The next day a compressive garment is applied and worn continuously for 2 weeks, then as possible for the next two weeks.
The extent of swelling and bruising is closely related to the amount and intensity of physical activity within the weeks after surgery. Keeping your heart rate and blood pressure close to normal (i.e. avoiding cardiovascular exercise) is helpful for smooth recovery.
How much pain will I have after chin lift?
Pain after a chin lift is usually mild. Oral pain medication will be prescribed, and is typically used for a few days postoperatively. A sensation of tightness may be present and is usually gone in about a week.
What kind of scarring can I expect?
Dr. McDaniel uses a 3cm incision just in front of the crease under your chin. This incision tends to heal very well, leaving a difficult-to-see scar. Scars take up to a year to "mature," becoming close to the same level and color as the surrounding skin.
How much does a submental lipectomy cost? Is financing an option?
When performed under general anesthesia, a chin lift costs between $5300 and $5900, which includes all costs, such as CosmetAssure coverage, surgery, anesthesia, and facility fees. When the operation is performed under local anesthesia the procedure is less expensive (see our Anesthesia Information page for details about different forms of anesthesia) We also offer a multi-procedure discount!
Financing plans are available through Care Credit. You can apply for Care Credit at our office or online.