Two types of chin augmentation procedures are available: surgical and non-surgical. Both types of procedures can help strengthen a weak chin, minimize the appearance of jowls or a double chin, and correct other chin issues that otherwise impact a patient’s facial symmetry. But, there can be instances in which a patient may benefit from surgical chin augmentation over a non-surgical alternative, and vice versa.
Chin augmentation can be beneficial, but patients must consider both surgical and non-surgical treatment options. If patients evaluate both options, they can make an informed decision regarding their facial rejuvenation treatment. These patients can also undergo their preferred form of chin augmentation — and use the treatment to enhance facial appearance.
Now, let’s look at both types of chin augmentation procedures, how they are performed, and their respective benefits.
What Happens During a Surgical Chin Augmentation?
Submental liposuction, also referred to as chin liposuction or double chin surgery, is commonly used to remove fat from under the chin. The procedure is designed to reduce the appearance of a double chin, as well as improve facial appearance.
To determine if a patient is eligible for submental liposuction, surgical consultation is required. The consultation enables the patient to discuss their facial rejuvenation treatment goals with a facial plastic surgeon. It also allows the surgeon to determine if there are any preexisting medical conditions or other risks that could disqualify the patient from treatment.
A surgeon uses a consultation to examine a patient’s chin and neck and other facial features. Furthermore, the surgeon reviews the patient’s medical history and finds out why double chin surgery is being considered.
If a surgeon determines submental liposuction can be safely performed, the surgeon crafts a treatment plan. The surgeon explains all stages of a chin liposuction procedure and helps the patient prepare for treatment.
A surgeon may recommend a patient stop taking certain medications before chin liposuction. This occurs if the patient’s medications may disrupt their double chin surgery recovery timeline.
Before double chin surgery, a surgeon determines the precise locations in the chin where fat can be removed. The surgeon also rinses the patient’s skin and injects an anesthetic into it.
During a chin liposuction procedure, a small tube (cannula) is inserted into different areas of a patient’s chin. A surgeon then uses gentle suction to remove specific amounts of fat from each location. This helps the patient remove fat from beneath the chin, as well as achieve a smooth, even facial profile.
Patients can experience swelling and discomfort in the days after submental liposuction. The skin on the neck and chin can feel tight after surgery, and facial drains can be used to reduce blood and fluid build-up in the neck.
Following a double chin surgery, patients may require an antibiotic ointment to apply to surgical incisions. They should also avoid excess sunlight and take precautions to limit the amount of water on the face and chin for at least a few days after treatment.
Double chin surgery recovery time can vary based on the patient’s approach to the recovery process, the surgeon performing the procedure, and other factors.
Initial recovery from chin liposuction requires about one to two weeks. After this time, patients can return to work, school, and other everyday activities. Patients should also avoid strenuous exercise for up to six weeks following double chin surgery.
Patients may start to notice the results of a double chin surgery within about three months of treatment. Meanwhile, the full results usually become visible up to one year after surgery.
The risks associated with submental liposuction can be significant, and they include:
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- Undertreatment that results in minimal improvement of the facial appearance
- Overtreatment that causes dimples and other skin irregularities
- Seroma (fluid build-up beneath the skin)
Dr. Babak Azizzadeh of the CENTER for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles is globally recognized for his facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and head and neck surgery expertise. He has performed many submental liposuction procedures in his career, but his approach to surgery remains the same.
Submental liposuction should help a patient revitalize their facial appearance — without putting their health and safety at risk. So, Dr. Azizzadeh only recommends double chin surgery if he believes the procedure is both safe and effective.
Dr. Azizzadeh may recommend chin liposuction be performed in combination with a facelift, neck lift, and other facial rejuvenation procedures as well. Dr. Azizzadeh believes all facial features should appear in harmony with one another. Therefore, Dr. Azizzadeh may perform multiple procedures to help a patient achieve a balanced, natural-looking facial appearance.
What Happens During a Non-Surgical Chin Augmentation?
Along with submental liposuction, non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments are available to help enhance the appearance of the chin and face. These treatments don’t require patients to go under the knife; instead, they may involve the use of Juvederm facial fillers.
Juvederm dermal fillers are gel-like injectables that help restore facial volume. Prior to a Juvederm procedure, a patient must meet with a surgeon to determine their eligibility for treatment.
Since each Juvederm procedure is tailored to a patient, the number of injections and the amount of Juvederm required varies. When injected into the skin, Juvederm can help patients enhance their facial symmetry and achieve a more youthful and vibrant facial appearance.
A Juvederm procedure involves applying a topical anesthetic to a patient’s lower dental block, followed by injecting the facial filler into the skin. The results of treatment are instant, and most patients see the full results of Juvederm the day after their procedure.
With Juvederm, results are temporary, and patients will need to undergo periodic injections. Juvederm patient results vary, but some patients report results that last 18 months or longer.
Side effects of Juvederm are generally less severe than those associated with chin augmentation surgery. Patients may experience skin tenderness and redness, along with minor bruising and swelling. These symptoms tend to subside on their own up to five days after treatment. There is no downtime after Juvederm injections, too.
Is a Surgical or Non-Surgical Chin Procedure Necessary to Improve the Facial Appearance?
The chin plays a key role in balancing the facial appearance. A small chin can make a nose look large. Or, a large chin can make a nose look small. There can also be times when a short chin makes the face look “top-heavy.”
A surgical or non-surgical chin procedure can be used to enhance facial harmony. Yet, the procedure is not ideal for all patients. To determine if a chin procedure is necessary, meet with Dr. Azizzadeh. At this point, Dr. Azizzadeh can evaluate a patient and offer a personalized facial rejuvenation treatment recommendation.
Will People Be Able to Tell If You Have Received a Chin Procedure?
It is virtually impossible to tell if someone has received a surgical or non-surgical chin procedure. This is especially true when patients choose Dr. Azizzadeh for treatment.
Dr. Azizzadeh performs every chin procedure with care and precision. He customizes the treatment to his patient. And, Dr. Azizzadeh does everything possible to ensure his patient can enjoy a beautiful, natural-looking chin following treatment. As a result, people are unlikely to notice that a patient has received a chin treatment.
Will a Chin Procedure Impact the Neck’s Appearance?
Chin augmentation increases the projection of the chin. It can cause the neck to appear more angular and lean than ever before.
Also, the neck skin can move forward due in part to an implant used during a surgical chin augmentation. In this scenario, the skin beneath a patient’s jaw may appear tighter than it did prior to surgery.
Will a Chin Procedure Impact the Nose’s Appearance?
The nose and the chin together have far-flung effects on the facial appearance. They must look proportional to one another to produce a balanced facial appearance.
If a chin procedure can impact the nose’s appearance, rhinoplasty may be required. Like a chin treatment, a nose job is tailored to a patient’s facial appearance. Nose surgery ensures a patient can reap the benefits of a nose that functions correctly and looks proportional to the chin and other facial features.
How Much Does a Surgical or Non-Surgical Chin Augmentation Cost?
The cost of chin augmentation varies based on the surgeon performing the procedure, where the treatment is administered, and other factors. To determine if a surgical or non-surgical chin procedure delivers the best return on investment, patients should consider the cost of treatment in relation to their facial rejuvenation goals.
Generally, a surgical chin procedure has a higher upfront cost than a non-surgical one. The treatment can deliver permanent results.
A non-surgical chin procedure can be more affordable than a surgical one. Conversely, the procedure delivers temporary results. To maintain a balanced facial appearance, patients may need to receive ongoing non-surgical chin procedures.
Dr. Azizzadeh can explain the costs associated with surgical and non-surgical chin procedures. He can also help patients evaluate these costs and help them determine how to get the most value out of their chin procedure. Dr. Azizzadeh even offers financing options to help chin augmentation patients cover the cost of treatment.
How to Decide Between Surgical and Non-Surgical Chin Augmentation
When it comes to surgical and non-surgical chin augmentation, one procedure is not necessarily better than its counterpart. There are pros and cons with surgical and non-surgical chin augmentation procedures, and patients need to weigh their treatment options closely. That way, patients can determine if submental liposuction or Juvederm is the best course of action to bolster their facial appearance.
Submental liposuction may be a viable option for patients who want long-lasting results. A typical chin liposuction procedure delivers results that last seven to 10 years. Depending on how a patient cares for their health after double chin surgery, the results of treatment may last even longer. Plus, double chin surgery can be performed by Dr. Azizzadeh, a Harvard-trained and dual board-certified facial plastic, and reconstructive surgeon, to limit the risk of complications.
Juvederm may be a great choice for patients who want fast facial rejuvenation treatment results. Also, Juvederm injections may be more cost-effective in comparison to double chin surgery.
For those who are still uncertain about the best option for chin augmentation, Dr. Azizzadeh can help. Dr. Azizzadeh offers consultations to patients who are considering chin augmentation and other facial rejuvenation treatments. Thus, by meeting with Dr. Azizzadeh, a patient can gain expert insights into different facial rejuvenation treatment options.
Which Type of Chin Augmentation Procedure Is Right for You?
Patients who are considering both surgical and non-surgical chin augmentation procedures should meet with Dr. Azizzadeh. In doing so, Dr. Azizzadeh can perform a full evaluation to determine which facial rejuvenation treatment options can help a patient achieve their desired results.
During an evaluation, Dr. Azizzadeh considers his patient’s health and facial rejuvenation treatment goals. Dr. Azizzadeh then works with his patient to develop a treatment plan that may include surgical or non-surgical chin augmentation and other facial rejuvenation procedures.
Dr. Azizzadeh’s unique experience allows him to help patients achieve exceptional chin augmentation treatment results. By choosing Dr. Azizzadeh for chin augmentation, a patient receives a personalized treatment plan to rejuvenate the facial appearance. The patient also gets comprehensive support throughout chin augmentation treatment, regardless of whether a surgical or non-surgical procedure is performed.
Patients who are considering surgical or non-surgical chin augmentation can discuss both treatment options with Dr. Azizzadeh. To learn more about chin augmentation or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh, please contact us online or call us today at 310-657-2203.