Chin liposuction, or submental liposuction, is a procedure that removes excess fat from the area beneath the chin, the jawline and sometimes the neck area as well.
A common question that those who are considering having the procedure ask is how long the results will last – specifically if the results of liposuction are permanent.
Since the procedure permanently removes fat cells, they won’t come back, but a few factors can influence how the area looks over time.
Read on to learn more about chin liposuction and all about the results that it can achieve. It’s always important to have realistic expectations for the results of a procedure, so learning more about what it’s designed to achieve can be a very helpful step.
What is chin liposuction, and how is it performed?
To perform chin liposuction, small incisions are made either beneath the chin or behind the ears. The incisions are placed to allow for the careful insertion of a thin tube called a cannula, which is used to suction out targeted areas of excess fat.
At Chelsea Cosmetics Melbourne, we use Vaser’s liposuction technology, which adds another step to the procedure – it gently dissolves the fat in the area first, so that the fat can be suctioned out in a way that lowers the chance of leaving lumpy results. The thin cannula is carefully moved back and forth to ensure that the fat cells have been broken up before suctioning.
Since the procedure is only focused on a small area, it can typically be performed under local anaesthetic, but it will depend on the extent of your procedure plan. Sometimes, a general anaesthetic is preferred.
The procedure typically takes about an hour, depending on the details of your plan.
When will I see the results from chin liposuction?
Essentially, the results of chin liposuction will be noticeable once post-surgical swelling starts to subside. To help swelling subside, we will provide you with either a compression garment or a chin strap.
While the initial swelling can take a few weeks to settle, it can take a few months for the area to fully heal and for the final result to be seen.
Swelling can depend on your natural individual healing speed, the extensiveness of your procedure, and how closely you have followed any important preparation and recovery advice.
Are chin liposuction results permanent?
The results after chin liposuction are expected to be permanent, as the fat cells that have been removed will not be able to come back.
However, this doesn’t mean that the area is completely resistant to change. Although the specific fat cells that were removed won’t grow back, the remaining fat cells in the body can still expand if weight is gained. Essentially, weight fluctuations after surgery can influence the way the area looks.
Chin liposuction won’t stop the natural ageing process either, so while the results will remain stable for many years, the skin and tissues of the face and neck will continue to change with age. Over time, some loosening of the skin may occur, but this will largely depend on factors like genetics and skin elasticity.
How weight changes can affect the results
Weight stability is one of the biggest factors in maintaining the results of chin liposuction.
The surgery removes fat from beneath the chin, but the body still has fat cells elsewhere, and significant weight gain can lead to an increase in overall fat volume. This means that while the treated area won’t regain the exact fat cells that were removed, the surrounding areas can still be affected.
For some patients, even moderate weight gain might not lead to a noticeable difference in the chin area, while for others, the body may be more prone to storing fat in that region. This will often depend on individual fat distribution, which varies from person to person.
If a large amount of weight is gained after surgery, there is a chance that the chin area could accumulate some fat again. In these cases, while the results may not be completely reversed, they may not appear exactly as they were initially.
How skin elasticity can factor into long-term results
Skin elasticity plays an important role in how the area beneath the chin looks over time. After fat is removed, the skin needs to retract in the area, which is why patients with good skin elasticity tend to be more suitable candidates.
For those with good skin elasticity, the skin will usually retract well, and the results can remain stable for many years. In contrast, if the skin has less elasticity, there is a higher chance of it becoming looser over time. This is something that happens naturally with age, but it can also be influenced by factors like sun exposure, smoking, and overall skin health.
The natural ageing process and how it impacts results
The natural ageing process affects the skin and underlying tissues of the face and neck, which means that while the results of chin liposuction are permanent in terms of fat removal, the overall appearance of the area can still change over time.
As collagen and elastin levels in the skin decrease with age, the skin may become less firm. However, the extent of these changes will depend on individual factors, and for many patients, the results will still be visible even years later.
Steps you can take to maintain long-term results after chin liposuction
To support your results in the longer term, maintaining a stable weight will be important. Since weight gain can affect fat distribution, avoiding significant fluctuations can help to prevent any noticeable changes to the area.
Good skincare habits, such as sun protection and hydration, can also help support skin quality and elasticity. While ageing is a natural process that can’t be stopped, taking care of the skin can help slow down some of the changes that come with it.
For patients who notice skin laxity developing years after surgery, non-surgical treatments like skin tightening procedures may be an option. However, the need for this will depend on individual ageing patterns and whether any changes have occurred over time.
Chin Liposuction with Dr Mark Attalla at Chelsea Cosmetics Melbourne
Focusing his work on cosmetic surgery, Dr Attalla is a cosmetic practitioner with years of training and experience. He offers both surgical and non-surgical procedures.
Dr Mark Attalla is a fellow of the Australian College of Cosmetic Surgery. As a part of the cosmetic surgery community, he presents at national and international conferences regularly.
At your consultation, you can discuss how chin liposuction can be tailored to your needs, what you can expect for your results and if you are suitable for the procedure. In the meantime, you can take a look at our before and after photos on our website for a general idea of what the procedure aims to achieve.
Please contact our team at Chelsea Cosmetics Melbourne to learn more and to book your consultation!
