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Aerilyn
6 years ago
Answered

Lipo under the chin?

I have some cheek and chin/neck fat that won't go away unless I become dangerously thin. Amongst other things I'd like done on my face, this is one that bothers me the most, especially when it comes to other people taking photos of me. Would liposuction be the best option, or is there another procedure that would suit better? I've heard about fat transfers/grafting, is that viable?

Procedure: Liposuction

Replies 11

Cristina Pires Camargo
ASPS Int. Surgeon

Dear Aerilyn,

Liposuction can be an alternative. But it will depend on several factors: age, large adipose tissue amount, skin excess, muscle flaccidity. Liposuction is used for young patients, with no skin excess.

Otherwise, a neck lift surgery will be better.

But I advise you to find a local plastic surgery for a complete physical examination.

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Steven Wallach
ASPS Surgeon
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In order to tell if you need Liposuction or not, you would have to be seen in person. If you just have isolated fat underneath the neck then Liposuction alone may be appropriate. Otherwise if you have loose skin as well a facelift may be the right operation.

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Mark McClung
ASPS Surgeon

I agree with the previous answers. My perspective is that the main factors are the amount of fat present and the degree of skin laxity. Liposuction, preferably laser assisted addresses isolated fat excess well. Modest degrees of skin laxity can be improved with radio frequency skin tightening (thermi tight). For greater skin laxity then a neck lift

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Lawrence Iteld
ASPS Surgeon

There are several ways to reduce fat of the neck/ chin. Traditionally, liposuction was the only option but new medications and technology is available that allows us to remove/ reduce the fat without surgery. These include Kybella (injection that melts the fat), CoolSculpt (which freezes the fat), FaceTiteRF (which uses energy to melt some fat and tighten skin), and many more.

I recommend an in-person consultation so a complete assessment can be done and appropriate options reviewed based on your anatomy and desires.

Good luck!

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Michael Kulick
ASPS Surgeon
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This is the beauty of liposuction - it can reduce isolated areas of unwanted fat. As all have mentioned having a face-to-face consultation is your first step. This is a very common concern.

Sincerely, Dr. K

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Shashidhar Kusuma
ASPS Surgeon

As my other colleagues have recommended, there are options: Kybella, Thermi tight, or other non surgical energy based treatment for limited issues, or a small incision under the chin and direct removal of fat and limited skin dissection without resection. There is literature to support that direct excision with a small 3 to 4 cm incision under the chin and limited skin elevation through the same incision can provide the decrease in fat and also skin contraction to some degree in younger patients with limited issues. Otherwise a comprehensive neck lift also is a good solution for more moderate to severe issues.

Fat grafting would not work here as you are concerned about fat excess here.

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Jon Ver Halen

Dear Aerilyn,

Certainly, chin liposuction is an option for many patients. However, you will need to have an in-person evaluation to decide what is the best treatment course for you, specifically. I suggest you utilize the plasticsurgery.org website surgeon finder function to find a local surgeon that offers this procedure, and that you schedule a face to face consultation.

Good luck!

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Jonathan Zelken
ASPS Surgeon
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I think liposuction is ideal for small deposits of fat that do not respond to traditional weight loss. This can be done wide awake, under local anesthesia, and usually requires one treatment. Of course, your candidacy would depend your anatomy, goals, and prior treatments.

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Katerina Gallus
ASPS Surgeon
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Hello and thank you for your question. There are several options available to address unwanted fat under the neck to include Liposuction, injection with Kybella, and non-invasive treatments such as Cool Sculpting. The best procedure for you depends on a variety of factors to include the amount of fat, the skin elasticity, and your specific anatomy. It is best that you meet in person with a board certified plastic surgeon for an evaluation.

Best of luck!

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Jason Petrungaro
ASPS Surgeon
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Thanks for the question. If you have areas of your face/neck that you feel have too much fat in them, then fat transfer/fat grafting won't be the answer for you because that involves putting MORE fat into those areas. There are many options for fat removal in the neck area, all of which have been listed numerous times on this thread. Options include liposuction, Kybella, CoolSculpt, radio frequency skin tightening, and of course, surgical neck lift. Be sure to speak with a Plastic Surgeon who is comfortable assessing your area of concern and can give you an honest opinion on what is best for you. Best wishes!

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Michael Law
ASPS Surgeon

Chin liposuction can provide beautiful results. On the right person, the result can mean a sleeker, more attractive and a more slender appearance. Liposuction is much more predictable than non-surgical methods of fat removal in the chin area. Look at many, many photos and carefully check credentials of any plastic surgeon you are considering.

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