Genetically predisposed to having a double chin at ALL weights. Submentoplasty or Deep Plane Neck Lift? (Photos)

Question

36 years old, genetically predisposed to having a double chin at ALL weights. Currently on weight loss journey, have lost 45 lbs, 15 to go. Chin and neck remain very fat. BMI will be 30 around time of surgery. Rapid weight loss has caused some skin laxity in my neck, but not a ton--just early signs of aging. Face is luckily still full and taut, so I am not considering a face lift at this time. I have found the quotes I've received for Deep Plane Necklifts to be close to cost-prohibitive. Wondering if any doctors can help me sort out which procedure may be best for me. Not looking to have a razor-sharp jawline but would like to look like my chin and neck are separate entities and I would like to enjoy my wedding photos next year.

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

There are two ways to go about your improvement. You are younger so your skin still has some ability to contract, so doing a good laser liposuction can make a nice improvement and it's easy to go through under local anesthesia with a quick recovery. To get the best result that would involve combining the liposuction with a full neck lift to tighen muscle and further lift skin. That would be under anesthesia and have a 10-14 day recovery. Be sure to see a facial specialist for consultation.

Michelle Lee, MD · Answer

Congratulations on the engagement and the success in your weight loss journey! This is a common concern that is often genetic. A Neck Lift will be best for you. Skin removal/tightening is needed in your case. Otherwise, if you refine the fatty tissue and tighten the underlying muscles alone, you will more than likely be left with loose, hanging skin on top–therefore trading one concern for another. Hope this is helpful!

Waylon Zeng, MD · Answer

Hi there, thank you so much for your question and for sharing your photos. You are wondering about how you can improve the appearance of your chin/neck area as you have a double chin. As your BMI is still having at or above 30, this is likely contributing greatly to your double chin. That said, some patients still have an abnormal amount of fat under the chin even with lower BMI. I agree that a deep neck lift would be the best option to correct this. However, chin liposuction is a very easy and minimally invasive option to get rid of a significant amount of your neck fat. This would typically get you a decent amount of improvement that does not cost as much as a deep neck. As you said, your goal is not a razor sharp jawline but some improvement in neck contour. Hope that helps!

Kyle Kimura, MD · Answer

Great question and thank you for providing photos.
First off, congratulations on your weight loss so far! In general, I like to make sure patients are at their ideal weight before proceeding with surgery. That way we don't have to worry about further weight loss causing increased sagging of tissue, compromising the surgical result. The best option to get better definition/separation of the chin and neck is always going to be a deep neck lift. You could opt for liposuction of the chin, however this would not address the excess skin issue but could provide a degree of improvement if thats what you are looking for. 
Hope this helps and best of luck!Kyle Kimura, MD

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Chin liposuction helps reduce the bulge under the chin and can be done for the whole neck. Once the fat is removed the skin can become loose and saggy in some cases. It can be avoided by combining it with Thermitight which is a radiofrequency heat delivered under the skin to tighten it. Both chin liposuction and Thermitight can be done at the same time. The recovery is fast and it can be done under local anesthesia.
Click on the video link below
Regards
Dr. J

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Removing fat deposits from the neck and lower face is the only way to improve your condition. This can be best achieved with lower face/neck lift. Extended posterior/anterior neck lift is a possibility but it has limits. In person consultation or teleconference with a board certified plastic surgeon with expertise in face rejuvenation is recommended. Good luck.

Guray Yesiladali, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

First of all, congratulations on your weight loss journey. Losing 45 pounds is not only physically demanding but also requires significant discipline and that effort deserves recognition.
In your case, there is also skin excess in the neck, which is something we see very often after significant weight loss. For that pattern, the most appropriate and reliable option is a deep plane neck lift.
If only the internal fat is removed, without addressing the extra skin on the outside, the result can look like an emptier, looser neck rather than a cleaner contour. That is a common issue in post weight loss patients. For that reason, the more correct approach is to treat both the deeper structures and the skin envelope, which is exactly what a deep plane neck lift is designed to do.
Of course, any aesthetic surgery decision is both psychological and financial. Still, choosing a lesser procedure when the problem includes skin laxity can create a result that feels incomplete and may increase the likelihood of needing another surgery later. Taking your time, researching carefully and proceeding at the right moment, with the right plan for your anatomy, is usually the smartest way forward.
I hope you are able to enjoy not only your wedding photos next year but also the confidence that comes from making a thoughtful and well timed decision.

Genetically predisposed to having a double chin at ALL weights. Submentoplasty or Deep Plane Neck Lift? (Photos)

Answers (7)

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