‘Double Chin Surgery’: What is Chin Liposuction & How Does it Work?

What is chin liposuction (double chin surgery)?

Chin liposuction is a procedure to remove excess fat and loose skin below the jawline that reduces definition and contributes to a ‘double chin’. By reducing the fat and tightening the skin area, it better shapes the face, making patients look younger and thinner and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. 

The procedure is performed by a cosmetic surgeon under local anaesthetic. They use a cannula, which is a thin tube, to remove excess fat and tissue from the target areas. By moving the cannula back and for, they break down and loosen fat cells before effectively sucking them out of the body. The procedure is minimally invasive and only requires small incisions in the treatment area.   

Chin liposuction usually takes between one and two hours depending on the complexity of the procedure and the amount of tissue being removed. It’s usually performed as an outpatient procedure, which means there’s no requirement to stay in hospital overnight, and it isn’t available on the NHS.  

How long does chin liposuction last?

The effects of chin liposuction are permanent as long as you maintain a consistent weight. If you gain weight after the procedure, the excess fat can settle in the treatment area and undo some or all of the results.  

As you age, your skill will also lose elasticity and begin to sag and stretch. That may diminish the impact of the procedure over time. However, if you maintain a healthy weight, the fat cells that have been removed will not return. 

Am I a good candidate for double chin surgery?  

If you’re wondering how to get rid of a durable chin and have stubborn pockets of fat on your jawline or neck that you can’t remove with exercise and diet, liposuction can be incredibly effective. 

Liposuction is often associated with weight loss, but it is not a procedure to help you lose weight. Instead, you must have a stable BMI and be close to or at your target weight. That’s because, as we’ve discussed, if your weight fluctuates, the stubborn fat could return. Your surgeon will discuss the importance of maintaining a consistent weight during the consultation. If you are overweight, you may be advised to lose weight before you are considered for double chin surgery.  

If you have significant sagging skin, a neck lift may be a more appropriate procedure. Our surgeons will consider factors such as your skin elasticity, overall health and neck anatomy when advising you on an appropriate treatment.

Certain medical conditions could also make you unsuitable for double chin liposuction. For example, patients with bleeding disorders or thyroid problems can have a higher risk of complications. These are all things we will discuss during your consultation. 

How much is chin liposuction in the UK? 

At Enhance Medical, the cost of double chin liposuction starts at £2,995. That includes pre- and post-operative appointments, your pre-operative assessment, 12 months of aftercare, all prescribed medications and 24/7 nurse care. Finance packages are also available so you can spread the cost over time.  

How to get rid of a double chin

It’s best to avoid the cost associated with double chin surgery if you can. Eating a well-balanced diet and getting plenty of exercise (cardio and strength training) can reduce your body fat, including around the neck and jawline. 

However, despite losing weight and improving their eating habits, many people find that pockets of fat under their chin can persist. That is often the case for those with a family history of stubborn fat or a double chin.

If you are already at your ideal weight and have pockets of fat you cannot shift, or find that excess fat under the chin does not reduce proportionately as you lose weight, you could try exercises that target the chin area. You must perform these exercises regularly to see the best results.

• Chin presses with and without a resistance ball
• Neck rolls and rotations
• Jutting your lower jaw forward and holding it there
• Tilting your head backwards and puckering your lips

Although these exercises can have some effect over time, burning stubborn double chin fat requires persistence and is extremely difficult if there’s a genetic element. For that reason, many people opt for chin liposuction as it provides permanent results and can remove pockets of fat that seem impossible to shift using other techniques. 

Is facial liposuction safe?

Facial liposuction is most commonly used to target excess fat and skin around the chin, but you can also target other areas such as the cheeks, neck and jowls.  

Facial liposuction produces excellent results and high patient satisfaction rates. As with any surgical procedure, there are certain side effects and complications to be aware of, but you should feel at ease with an experienced surgeon. 

Your outcome will only be as good as your surgeon, so choose a surgeon with specific experience of chin liposuction procedures and ask to see before and after images of their previous patients.

The side effects and risks of double chin surgery include:

• A temporarily swollen, bruised or numb face
• Pain or discomfort
• Bleeding
• More sensitive skin
• Thick scars
• Infection
• Nerve injury
• Asymmetric results

Although they are rare, your surgeon will advise you of the steps you can take to minimise the risks of side effects or complications before you have the treatment. 

In the vast majority of cases, you can expect to experience some swelling and discomfort for up to two weeks after the procedure and your skin may feel tight. However, you should be able to return to work and get back to your normal routine after just one week. The incisions will heal over several months and will eventually be unnoticeable. 

Safe and affordable liposuction with Enhance Medical

At Enhance Medical, we perform several liposuction procedures, including chin liposuction, and are specialists in contouring the jawline and removing excess fat and tissue beneath the chin. We tailor every procedure to meet your specific goals and know exactly how much fat to remove and from where to achieve the desired result. 

The first step on your journey to a more defined and youthful face is to book a free chin liposuction consultation at one of our locations throughout the UK. We will discuss your options and explain how we can help in a pressure-free environment.