Many cosmetic surgery procedures are designed to reduce the effects of aging. These are performed by qualified and experienced surgeons with expertise in particular ages. Aging is natural and something we can do nothing about, but we can use surgical procedures and other methods to reduce the effects. In this article, we are looking at the procedure for double chin removal in Houston and what it involves. We’ll also cover what to expect, the possible side effects, and any risks involved. First, let’s look at what causes the double chin, and why many people are keen to undergo surgery to rectify the situation.

What Causes a Double Chin?

Double Chin is a term given to the effect of loose skin around the neck that occurs naturally with aging. It is not dangerous, it does not cause any harm, but it can be unsightly in both men and women. For some Woodlands residents,  seeing themselves age so much so suddenly is not just disheartening. It can lead to a loss of confidence and often depression. The latter has many side effects that can lead to further illness and social confidence problems.

Most people in Cypress, TX searching for a double chin removal procedure – which can be one of a few procedures or a combination of a couple – do so because they want to look younger rather than for medical purposes. We’ll talk next about what the possible procedures are before we go on to describe the likely procedure in more detail.

How is a Double Chin Removed?

First, it’s important to understand there is no one double chin removal procedure that fits all. Instead, a surgeon will consult with the patient and recommend a set of procedures to remove excess fat from the area and tighten up the skin.

This can be done either by liposuction – in which fat is suctioned from the area while the patient is under anesthetic – or by way of a neck lift procedure. The actual routine will differ per patient.

Here are a few further points that should help you understand why the surgeon will recommend individual procedures:

  • The quality of your skin and your age will influence the recommendation of a procedure.
  • Neck liposuction is a preferred route for persons between 20 and 50 who have more elastic skin.
  • Neck lift surgery can correct a double chin, as well as sagging or loose skin on the neck.
  • Submentoplasty is otherwise known as a mini neck lift and is a procedure that may suffice for some patients.
  • Sometimes, doctors perform neck liposuction and a neck lift together. They may also suggest these procedures along with a facelift or chin augmentation.

Let’s now look at what you can expect to happen during a typical or average double chin removal procedure.

What to Expect During the Procedure?

Your consultant or surgeon in Kingwood will explain everything to you at your consultation, and you will also be informed of what to expect afterward. Here are the steps that may carry out in the chin liposuction procedure:

  1. The surgeon will examine the chin and neck and mark where they’ll insert their cannulas, the tubes used to remove the fat.
  2. The skin is then cleaned, and antiseptic applied to reduce the chance of infection.
  3. The patient is then given an anesthetic, either general or local whichever has been agreed upon.
  4. Several small incisions in the skin through which to introduce the cannulas.
  5. A liposuction cannula is moved with a back-and-forth or fanning motion to remove excess fat. The right amount of fat is removed to achieve the desired result.
  6. Bandaging and, where necessary, supports are applied for recovery.

There are further procedures that may be used should the surgeon decide that they are needed, each of which will be carefully explained and agreed upon with the patient. Usually, the procedure is carried out as a day patient routine, and the patient may return home that day.

Are There any Risks with Double Chin Removal?

All cosmetic surgery procedures carry a small amount of risk and possible side effects, as does the administering of anesthetic. Here are some of the possible risks involved in the double chin removal procedures:

  • asymmetry of facial features
  • bleeding
  • complications from anesthesia, such as problems breathing
  • decreased skin sensitivity
  • discomfort
  • infection
  • nerve injury
  • scarring
  • swelling

The above will be suffered by some patients, but most will not have any problems other than soreness after the procedure for a few weeks.

One possible risk is that the results of your double chin removal procedure may not meet your expectations. This is why it is important to enter into the procedure, having discussed your expectations fully and in detail with your doctor. If you are expecting something not achievable, they will be upfront and let you know. For most people, getting rid of the sagging skin is enough, but the patient must be willing to live a lifestyle that is also beneficial to the skin and weight if the procedure is worthwhile.

Recovery and Further

Following the double chin removal procedure, the patient can expect to feel soreness in the areas treated for a few weeks. There may also be a need for drains to be inserted to release fluid build-up where the fat has been removed, but these should be in place for a mere couple of days.

The skin and neck may feel very tight in the immediate aftermath, and swelling can exaggerate this. These are entirely natural results of the procedure. Antibiotic cream may be prescribed for the patient, and sunlight and excess water should be kept off the treated areas for a few weeks.

As with all such procedures, the recovery time – and that taken to see the full results – will vary per patient. Usually, a neck liposuction patient may return to work after no more than a week, but if a neck lift has been involved, an extra week off may be needed.

Talk to your doctor now if a double chin is troubling you, and arrange a consultation.