How Long Should Chin Strap Be Worn After Chin Liposuction?

After chin or  neck liposuction a space is created beneath the neck skin where the fat was removed. Blood and fluid can collect in these spaces and interfere with the reattachment of the neck skin to the underlying neck muscles and also cause prolonged swelling. This swelling can interfere with the desired skin tightening that needs to occur on the neck after the fat has been removed.

The purpose of the chin strap after liposuction of the chin or neck is to compress the skin and prevent fluid collection and swelling and encourage the tightening of the lax skin following liposuction fat removal.

Thus the chin strap compression is a very important component of the liposuction procedure.

I prefer my patients wear their chin strap for 10-14 days which I think is ideal. I also suggest they wear the chin strap at night for several weeks after they stop wearing the chin strap during the day.

The pressure exerted by the chin strap definitely helps contour the skin during the healing process.

Recently, many patients object to wearing the strap for so long. I have asked these patients to wear the strap for at least a week, 24 hours a day and then at night for several weeks after.

I also feel it is OK to remove the strap on day 5 to shower the face and hair and wash the chin strap but replace it after that .

Hi @TiaBrook,

Compression after liposuction plays an important role in optimizing your facial profile after surgery. It prevents fluid collections, helps your skin tighten and keeps the contour smooth.

You should try to wear it 24/7 for the first 2 weeks or discuss with your plastic surgeon directly. If a very conservative amount of liposuction was performed then it may be unnecessary.

Best of luck,

Dr. Chopra

A chin strap or neck support garment is recommended to provide firm but not tight compression, reducing the potential for fluid or blood to collect under the skin. In cases of thin skin, it may help keep the skin from shifting position in some cases and overall is keeps the swelling to a minimum. Swelling tends to collect in dependent positions because of gravity. I instruct my patients to wear a support garment day and night for the first week (except for showering) and at night during the second week.  In reality, mild swelling continues intermittently depending on activity, positioning and diet (Salty foods and alcohol for example) for a few months and some patients notice this and may find it beneficial to wear it longer as needed. 
My best to you,
Dr. Stephen Fink