Who it suits
A fullness under the chin that's fat, with skin that still springs back, often at a healthy weight and often in the family. It's not for you if:
- the problem is loose neck skin or neck bands (a neck lift deals with those)
- your weight is still going up or down
- the real problem is loose skin, not fat
- you smoke and can't stop before surgery
- you're pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy soon
The appointment
Usually under an hour under local anaesthetic, through one small cut under the chin and sometimes one behind each ear. You go home wearing a chin strap or compression wrap, which you keep on as your surgeon advises, at first day and night.
Back at work
Bruising and swelling peak in the first days, so many people take the rest of the week off. A scarf or a high collar covers the strap if you go out. The jawline looks sharper as the swelling settles over several months.
Risks
Bruising, swelling for up to six months, numbness for six to eight weeks and small scars are normal. Less often: uneven or lumpy results, a collection of blood or fluid, infection, skin colour changes, or a reaction to the anaesthetic. Rarely: a blood clot that travels to the lungs, fluid on the lungs, or injury to an internal organ. Specific to the neck: rarely, bruising of the nerve that moves the corner of the lower lip gives a lopsided smile for a while.
Ask the surgeon
- Can my chin be done under local anaesthetic, and how long will I wear the chin strap?
- Is my chin set back, and would an implant change the profile more than liposuction?
- Who checks it if I'm worried in the first week?
Questions
How long is chin lipo recovery?
Most people are back at work in about a week. The final shape shows over several months.
Can chin lipo be done at lunchtime?
It's usually under an hour, but plan for a few days of swelling afterwards and a lift home.