4 Reasons for Chin Surgery from the Outside

Double chin reduction is a common request in a cosmetic surgery practice, especially for Dr. Chaboki, a facial plastic surgery who focuses on procedures of the face and neck. A strong, defined chin and jawline is desired by many men and women.

We’ve reviewed chin implant surgery and liposuction in several prior blog posts. Dr. Chaboki generally prefers an incision under the chin, as compared to inside the mouth, for chin surgery.

Patients want natural results without signs of plastic surgery, such as a scar. Fortunately, the chin surgery incision is hidden under the chin, and the scar fades with time.

Despite the concern of a possible visible scar, there are several other advantages of an external approach for chin surgery.

Reduces risk contamination by going through the mouth

Infection is a concern with any plastic surgery, and the mouth is filled with bacteria. Placing an implant from the outside can help reduce bacterial contamination and subsequent chance of infection.

Reduces risk of implant malposition

Chin implants are placed directly onto the lower jaw bone, also known as the mandible. First, the plastic surgeon creates space or a pocket for the implant. Next, the implant is placed and secured in position to the bone. Some plastic surgeons use titanium screws, while others use stitches to secure the implant in position. Chin implants placed via the inside of the mouth tend to move a little higher or upward, as compared to implants placed from under the chin. If an implant is up higher, then it may also cause lip numbness, in addition to affecting final appearance.

Allows liposuction and lipectomy

Patients with a double chin (also known as submental fullness) have several anatomic features of the bone, muscle, glands, skin, and fat that contributes to the undesired appearance. Via an incision under the chin, excess neck and chin fat can be reduced with liposuction and/or lipectomy at the same time as chin surgery. Plastic surgeons who place an implant through the mouth simply don’t have the access to address excess fat.

Allows platysmaplasty of neck muscle

Similar to neck fat, patients with a double chin may have loose neck tissue. As part of neck lift or lower facelift, neck muscle (platysma) may need to be lifted and tightened also known as a platysmaplasty. Incisions under the chin allow the plastic surgeon to modify this neck muscle too.

Patients have reported a relatively easy recovery after chin and neck surgery with Dr. Chaboki. Discomfort, swelling, and bruising has been generally minimal. Stitches dissolve after short period of time.

Contact the office to discuss chin surgery.