Chin Lipo (Tumescent): Open Versus Closed Drainage? Doctor Answers, Tips
Chin Liposuction: Q&A
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Chin Lipo (Tumescent): Open Versus Closed Drainage?

I am considering submental liposuction to get rid of a smallish double chin, and have consulted with several plastic surgeons. One, who is highly recommended, says he puts in a stitch or two at the incision site under the chin. Why would a surgeon do this? I was under the impression that open drainage leads to faster recovery and less swelling. Can there be a stitch and still open drainage? Or does a stitch automatically mean closed drainage? is there any ultimate difference in outcome?

6 Doctor Answers | Asked by Sarah in Arlington in Alexandria, VA
+1

Chin Liposuction

No ultimate difference with or without a stitch. The scar just heals a bit better with a stitch. The body absorbs the fluid readily. Swelling after the surgery will have more fluid in the area, but it will not be draining, reabsorbing so don’t be too concerned about open drainage. Open drainage is more of an issue with abdomen or leg liposuction.
+1

Chin liposuction incisions so small - do not need stitch

One of the greatest things about chin lipo is the ease and safety of the procedure and the rapid recovery. I use a small blade to make a tiny stab incision that disappears in about 10 days. I have never had trouble with poor healing or unsightly scars. Unless something happens to enlarge the tiny hole, I never close it with a stitch
+1

Chin Lipo (Tumescent): Open Versus Closed Drainage?

Most suture this area. The concept of open vs closed is not usually used in chin liposuction. Closing also allows better scar formation.

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+1

Neck Liposuction Does Not Need Drainage After Surgery

Liposuction of the submental area and neck is a limited size procedure. As a result, there is no need to employ the concept of drainage. The amount of fluid that needs to be resorbed is small and within the capability of the body to do so. Therefore, closing the very small submental incision simple helps it heal better and more quickly. If one really wanted to use drainage for neck liposuction, the incision would have to be at the bottom of the neck to work with gravity. You may be confusing... more
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Advantages to sutures for Chin Liposuction

Since it is as you stated a small chin liposuction there is no advantage to leaving the incision open to drain as little to NO drainage is expected. Suturing the small wound(s) closed would help make a finer scar and possibly reduce the risk of infection. Choose your plastic surgeon based on his or her experience and your comfort level and not on whether they will leave the wound open. Tumescent liposuction is the norm for Plastic surgeons trained in the past 25... more
+1

I think you are going about this all wrong.

Plastic surgeons are not the only type of specialist that offer this service. Chin liposuction is a very comfortable procedure that can be done in an office procedure room under local anesthesia. The procedure is best when performed with microcannulas. The largest of these are less than 2 mm in diameter. They can be advanced under the skin through a tiny poke that does not need a stitch. My patients have this procedure on a friday and are back at work on Monday... more
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