Chin Liposuction

What Is Submental Liposuction?

Submental liposuction removes excess fat from beneath the chin through small, carefully placed incisions. A thin cannula is used to contour the area while preserving a smooth, even result.

What Can Submental Liposuction Improve?

This procedure can address a variety of concerns, including:

• Localized fullness beneath the chin
• Lack of definition between the chin and neck
• Fat along the upper neck or jawline
• A “double chin” that persists despite a healthy weight
• Facial proportions that may benefit from improved lower-face definition
• Mild contour asymmetry caused by uneven fat distribution

Who Is a Candidate?

Submental liposuction may be appropriate for patients who:

• Have localized fat beneath the chin or along the upper neck
• Have good or reasonably good skin elasticity
• Are at or near a stable, healthy weight
• Want a more defined jawline and neck contour
• Are in good overall health and do not use nicotine
• Have realistic expectations about what liposuction can achieve

Candidacy depends on skin quality, neck anatomy, chin projection, fat distribution, and the presence of muscle laxity or excess skin. Patients with substantial loose skin, prominent neck bands, or significant structural concerns may benefit more from a neck lift, facelift, chin augmentation, or a combination approach.

Our Chin Liposuction Surgeons

At UVA Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, our highly regarded surgeons offer expertise and personalized care for a rewarding patient experience.

• Michael Grant, MD
• Amanda Sergesketter, MD

How Is Submental Liposuction Performed?

Submental liposuction is typically performed as an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the treatment plan and whether other procedures are performed. Small incisions are usually placed beneath the chin and, when needed, near the earlobes. A narrow cannula is used to remove fat and contour the jawline and upper neck. When performed individually, the procedure takes approximately 1 hour to complete.

Treatment Approaches

• Submental liposuction alone: For patients with localized fat and good skin elasticity, liposuction alone may provide meaningful improvement in neck and jawline definition.
• Combination treatment: Liposuction may be combined with chin augmentation, skin tightening, neck lift, or facelift surgery when additional concerns such as limited chin projection, loose skin, or muscle laxity are present.

What Is Recovery Like?

Patients typically return to work, school, and social activities within about a week. Light walking is encouraged, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are usually restricted during early healing.

Recovery Timeline

Week 1

• Swelling, bruising, firmness, and mild soreness are expected.
• A supportive chin or neck garment may be recommended.
• Keep your head elevated.
• Avoid strenuous activity.
• The small incisions should be kept clean and cared for as directed.

Weeks 2-4

• Most visible bruising improves, although swelling may persist.
• The treated area may feel firm, numb, or uneven as it heals.
• Many patients return to work and social activities within several days to 1 week.
• Compression may be continued according to your surgeon’s instructions.

Long Term

• Mild swelling, firmness, or numbness may persist for several months as the tissues settle.
• Skin retraction and contour definition continue as healing progresses.
• Final results may take 3 to 6 months to become apparent.
• Maintaining a stable weight helps preserve the result.

Chin Liposuction Risks and Considerations

As with any surgery, submental liposuction has potential risks. These may include bleeding, infection, fluid collection, prolonged swelling, contour irregularity, asymmetry, numbness, skin laxity, visible or tethered scarring, injury to nearby nerves or structures, overcorrection or undercorrection, and the possible need for revision. Careful patient selection and adherence to postoperative instructions help reduce risk.

Why Choose UVA Aesthetic Plastic Surgery?

• Experienced plastic surgeons with specialized facial aesthetic training
• Detailed evaluation of skin quality, jawline anatomy, and facial proportions
• Individualized treatment planning based on the true source of neck fullness
• Academic medical center resources and safety standards
• Commitment to natural-looking, balanced contour improvement
• Comprehensive postoperative care and follow-up

Insight From Our Surgeons

Submental liposuction is most effective when fullness is caused primarily by localized fat and the skin has enough elasticity to contract after treatment. It does not correct significant loose skin or neck muscle laxity. Swelling and firmness can temporarily obscure the result, and final contour may take three to six months to become apparent.

Your Next Step

To learn more about submental liposuction at UVA Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Charlottesville, request a consultation using the online form or call (434) 924-5078 to schedule an appointment with one of our plastic surgeons.