DOUBLE CHIN REMOVAL

INTRODUCTION:
Double Chin Removal deals with excess skin and fat below the chin. The ‘double chin’ deformity is the result of the deposition of fat below the chin. General weight loss is not always curative. This hanging collection of fat obliterates the ideal concavity of the chin-neckline and definitely contributes to the appearance of ageing. Other people have a “turkey gobbler” deformity that consists of one or two vertical bands of muscle running from the chin to the base of the neck.
Some double chins may be effectively eliminated by a procedure known as Submental Lipectomy. Others may need more extensive surgery with a Face/Neck Lift procedure.

REASONS FOR SURGERY:
Dr Wallace performs a Submental Lipectomy for the following reasons:
• To reduce the deformity of a ‘double chin’
• To improve the facial profile
• To remove inherited excess fat not corrected by weight loss
• To enhance the neck/chin angle as part of a Facial Rejuvenation procedure

RISKS OF SURGERY:
This surgery is associated with a low risk of complications. The specific risks of a Submental Lipectomy of which you should be aware are:
• Infection is rare. A true infection is associated with throbbing pain, redness and swelling. Contact Dr Wallace promptly if any of this happens.
• Bleeding beneath the skin is uncommon. It is important not to be taking Aspirin™ or other ‘blood thinners’ at the time of surgery
• Thickened scar formation is very unusual
• Incomplete correction usually means that a Facelift is also needed

ANAESTHESIA:
General Anaesthesia is the routine for this operation. Anaesthetic sleep time is approximately 40 minutes followed by 45 minutes in the Recovery Room.

THE OPERATION:
Dr. Wallace performs the Submental Lipectomy via an incision in a skin-crease beneath the chin. He excises the fat often using a suction debrider. He may repair the facial muscle sling (platysma) before closing the incision with dissolving stitches, a single subcutaneous stitch and Steri-strip™ tapes. He supports the neck skin with wrap-around dressing.

AFTER SURGERY:
This surgery is often ‘Day Surgery’ with the patient going home a few hours after the procedure. The dressing remains in place overnight and is then replaced by an elasticised support. This is best worn during the day for 5 to 7 days. An office appointment with Dr Wallace is scheduled for one week post-op and most patients take this week off work. At this first visit, any bruising or swelling will have largely disappeared although some may persist for a week or two more. Dr Wallace recommends follow-up visits in the office at 3, 6 and 12 months post-op.

COMBINED OPERATIONS:
Submental Lipectomy is often combined with a Face/Neck Lift to rejuvenate the complete face. It is also often part of other procedures such as Browlift and Blepharoplasty.

RESULTS:
The vast majority of patients will be delighted. The change is often dramatic and the discomfort of surgery a minor inconvenience.