Actual patient of Dr. Devgan, before and after under-the-chin liposuction
Actual patient of Dr. Devgan, before and after under-the-chin liposuction
Actual patient of Dr. Devgan, before and after under-the-chin liposuction
Actual patient of Dr. Devgan, before and after under-the-chin liposuction
Many patients complain of focal fat deposition under the chin ("double-chin")-- not only is this area troublesome, but it can also make the face appear chubbier and the whole body appear heavier.
There are two major options for treatment of submental fullness, or under-the-chin fat.
Submental liposuction
The first option, and what I consider to be the gold standard treatment, is submental liposuction. With this technique, I make a tiny 3 millimeter incision hidden underneath the chin crease and utilize narrow cannulae (sterile surgical instruments like straws) to physically suction out the fat.
The advantages of submental liposuction are that:
- fat removal is permanent
- I am able to focally and selectively reduce fat depositions wherever they are bothering you
- I can slim the entire jawline and angle of the mandible
- downtime is minimal
- the surgery can be done under local anesthesia only (wide awake)
- only one intervention is needed
- patient satisfaction is extremely high
There are essentially no disadvantages of submental liposuction, except for the fact that it does create a tiny scar underneath the chin. Overall, I find this to be the vastly superior approach for under-the-chin fat.
Kybella
A newer technique for getting rid of stubborn fat under the chin/ neck area is an injection called Kybella. This FDA-approved product is made by Allergan, the company that makes Botox and Juvederm. It contains deoxycholic acid, which is an enzyme that dissolves fat permanently. Kybella has gotten a lot of press lately because Khloe Kardashian and her sisters have credited it with helping them with sleeker, thinner necks and chins.
The advantages of Kybella include the fact that:
- it is an injection (and not a surgical procedure)
- there is no downtime
- the procedure is done while you are awake
- there are no scars created
The disadvantages of Kybella include that:
- patients can require 2 to 6 treatments spaced out over the course of year
- each treatment is associated with a moderate degree of swelling
- Kybella is best used right underneath the chin and cannot effectively target the angle of the mandible or further-back areas of the jawline
- it can be painful
For the most beautiful, robust results, I find that submental liposuction is the best approach for the vast majority of patients. However, I have had great success with Kybella as well. To figure out the best approach for your needs, lifestyle, anatomy, and goals for surgery, I would recommend coming into my New York City private practice for a consultation with me.
Recent review by an actual submental liposuction patient of Dr. Devgan
