When most people hear the word liposuction, they think of fat removal in areas like the stomach, thighs, or hips, or back — places where stubborn fat tends to stick around no matter how much you work out.
However, there’s also chin liposuction, sometimes known as double chin surgery or simply “chin lipo.” This is not only a popular procedure at our clinic in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but around the world as well.
If this procedure is something you’ve been looking into recently, stick around. In this article, we will break down what chin liposuction actually involves, who it’s best for, and what to expect in terms of results.
What Does a Chin Liposuction Procedure Involve?
To start, the surgeon looks closely at the area to figure out where the fat is sitting and how much needs to be removed. Once that’s mapped out, the fat is removed through a small, targeted liposuction technique under the chin and along the jawline.
As that extra fullness is taken away, the “double chin” look disappears, making the lower face look more defined and slimmer.
And, because removing that pocket of fat also allows the skin to sit more naturally again, many people notice a fresher, more youthful appearance afterward. Patients notice their jawline looking sharper, and the lower face feeling lighter overall.
Chin lipo itself doesn’t take long, usually around 30 to 60 minutes, and patients go home the same day. Some downtime is still needed, of course, usually anywhere from 4 to 15 days, depending on how your body heals. In the world of plastic surgery, it’s definitely considered a minimally invasive procedure.
Who is Considered a Good Candidate for Chin Lipo?
For starters, a good candidate will have unwanted fat in the chin area that causes discomfort and creates that double-chin look. Most people who look into this procedure already live a relatively healthy lifestyle and are at a stable weight that is not constantly fluctuating.
For many patients, the frustration that causes them to seek chin lipo comes from the fact that no matter how much they work out, the fat in that specific area just won’t budge, since you can’t actually target where your body loses fat.
Other factors that also matter include not being a smoker, having decent skin elasticity, and having realistic expectations about what the results will look like. If you’re not sure about whether these factors apply to you, a surgeon will be able to discuss the matter with you and figure out what’s best for your exact needs. Chin lipo can make a visible difference, but it still works within the limits of your natural anatomy.
What Results Can You Expect?
Right after the procedure, there’s usually some swelling, which is completely normal.
In the following days, however, you’ll be able to tell that fullness under the chin is reduced, which lets the jawline show up more clearly and gives the lower face a cleaner outline.
As swelling continues to go down over the weeks that follow, the definition continues to improve. The skin has more room to settle back into place, and the jawline gradually looks sharper.
Most people say they don’t suddenly look like a different person, but they do notice that their profile feels more in proportion, and their face feels lighter overall.
Can You Gain All the Weight Back?
This is something a lot of patients worry about, and it’s a completely valid worry to have. After all, you’re putting time, money, and a lot of intention into a change that feels personal, so it makes sense to think carefully about how long it lasts.
However, since we’re talking about such a small area, as long as you don’t gain a significant amount of weight overall, it’s unlikely that fat will specifically return to the chin. In most cases, that sharper jawline tends to stick around.
Just like with most plastic surgeries, your lifestyle and the way you look after yourself will have a significant impact on how your procedure will “wear” over time.
Some Final Thoughts
The face is such a big part of how we see ourselves and how we move through the world. Chin liposuction is subtle, but for the right person, it can make a real difference in quality of life.
At our clinic, Dr. Mark Bosbous approaches these changes with care and attention to detail, focusing on results that still feel like you. If you’d like to learn more, you can schedule a consultation to talk through your options.