As you age, your body produces less collagen and elastin, which are protein molecules responsible for skin tone and elasticity. Over time, this decrease in proteins can contribute to the development of sagging skin that is particularly noticeable around the chin area—commonly referred to as a “double chin.”
Although a double chin is often associated with weight gain or fluctuations, not everyone with this submental fullness is overweight. Other factors can also influence the appearance of a double chin, such as genetics and lifestyle choices. While there are exercises that can help target the area and dietary changes that may help reduce fatty deposits, many of these are ineffective against the area under the chin. We encourage you to call board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Namita Murthy to explore the possibilities of double chin removal surgery in Annapolis, MD.
Surgical Procedures That Remove a Double Chin
At Murthy Facial Plastic Surgery in Annapolis, we offer several surgical procedures to address a double chin. Dr. Murthy could help you choose one that is right for you based on your anatomy, goals for surgery, and skin elasticity.
Liposuction
Liposuction is used to directly remove the fat from under the skin using a small tube called a cannula. A small incision is made under the chin or behind the ears, and the fat is suctioned out, sculpting the area and creating a more defined jawline. However, it is important to note that liposuction is effective at removing deposits resistant to diet and exercise but does not tighten the skin. Individuals with poor skin elasticity may require further surgery.
Radiofrequency Skin Tightening with Liposuction
Dr. Namita Murthy is the only facial aesthetic surgeon in Annapolis to offer FaceTite with Morpheus8 which uses radiofrequency energy to tighten loose skin under the chin. FaceTite is incisionless and can contour the chin and jawline with minimal downtime and recovery.
Neck Lift
A neck lift removes excess skin, tightens neck muscles, and sometimes removes or alters the placement of neck fat. This procedure addresses sagging skin, muscle laxity, and excess fat.
Chin Tuck
A chin tuck—also called a direct submentoplasty or direct neck excision—is more focused and less invasive than a neck lift. During this procedure, a plastic surgeon will remove a wedge of skin from under the chin, along with stubborn pockets of excess fat that have been resistant to diet and exercise. Direct submentoplasty is a great option for men who can camouflage the healing incision within facial hair.
Chin Implant
A chin implant is a small, biocompatible device that fits around the existing chin bone and can help enhance the chin, jawline, and, by extension, neck contours.
Facelift
A facelift can enhance your neck contours and remove the appearance of a double chin. Specifically, a lower facelift can help remove fat and loose skin around the neck and chin and rejuvenate the lower half of your face, taking a decade or more off of the neck.
How To Prepare for Double Chin Surgery
Regardless of the type of surgery you and Dr. Murthy choose to address your double chin, there are certain steps that you can take to prepare for a procedure in Annapolis.
Be Aware of Medications
While they may seem harmless, you should avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory medication, and herbal supplements that are known to increase the risk of bleeding before your surgery. If you are unsure whether a medication will affect your surgery or recovery, we advise you to speak to Dr. Murthy or your physician.
Plan Your Recovery
It is important to plan your recovery before the surgery. Arrange for someone to drive you home and be available to support you for one to three days after your procedure. Set up a comfortable space at home and place any essential items within reach, such as pain medication, water, a phone, and entertainment.
Additionally, before surgery, purchase any recommended post-surgical garments, such as compression bandages or neck wraps. These can help reduce swelling and support the healing process. During your last visit, you will receive pre-operative and post-operative instructions tailored to your procedure.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol Consumption
If you smoke, you will be advised to quit roughly four weeks before and after your surgery. Smoking and all forms of nicotine—such as vapes, nicotine gum, and nicotine patches—can impair healing and increase the risk of complications, such as infection. Similarly, alcohol consumption should also be limited as it can increase the risk of complications during surgery and healing.
What To Expect During Recovery from Double Chin Surgery
Submental liposuction can be performed under local anesthesia alone. You may be given an oral sedative to help with relaxation, but you can be awake for the entire procedure with little to no discomfort. Most people are driven home on the same day as surgery by a friend or family member. During your procedure, your plastic surgeon may have inserted a thin tube called a drain near one or more of the incisions. This is used to drain fluid and help prevent excess swelling in the area. Dr. Murthy will instruct you on how to care for any surgical drains and change your bandages.
During the first week, you should move your neck as little as possible. For example, do not turn your head suddenly or pull clothes over your head. While activity levels should be limited, it is important to do some light walking to help promote circulation. However, strenuous activities and vigorous exercise should be avoided to prevent complications and ensure optimal healing. Dr. Murthy will prescribe medications to help control pain or prevent infection, but keep in mind that you should avoid ice near the surgical site, and keep your head elevated above your heart to reduce swelling.
The final results of your Annapolis double chin removal procedure may not be immediately visible. It can take several months for the swelling to reduce and for the outcomes to be fully apparent. This requires patience and proper care during recovery to achieve the best results.
Call for a Double Chin Removal Surgery Consultation in Annapolis, MD
If you are bothered by excess skin or fat deposits beneath your chin, know that you have options available. As a renowned and highly skilled surgeon, Dr. Murthy will carefully examine your neck and develop a personalized double chin surgery to help you achieve a contoured jawline with minimal downtime. She also offers concierge services that include car service and access to her in real-time. Call our office to schedule a consultation to discuss double chin removal surgery in Annapolis, MD, today.