How do doctors differentiate between submental and subplatysmal fat? (Photo)

Question

Firstly, thanks a million to all realself doctors who took the time out to answer my earlier questions. I'm scheduled for a consultation with a plastic surgeon in 2 weeks. But in the mean time I'm growing restless about whether to get a liposuction or neck lift. I read that if you clench your jaw and hold the fat with your thumb and finger, and if it doesn't escape then it's submental. Is that right? If it's submental then I would only need a Lipo?

Carlos Mata, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hi Brokemynose,Thanks for your question and photo. I would agree with your textbook photo. That is a great way to assess the fat. The answer depends on what you want and EXPECT to see after surgery. Lipo helps the skin shrink but exposed more underlying muscle which can look worse. Sometimes a neck is better because your getting the platysma muscle back to a more taught position and removing both submental and subplatysmal fat but the cost is more and more scars but better result in my opinion. You may just need liposuction, but without a photo or physical exam, it is hard to tell.You may only need Kybella or coolsculpting! Good Luck with your PS.

All the best,

Carlos Mata MD, MBA, FACS

#necklift #fat

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

All the best,

Carlos Mata MD, MBA, FACS

#necklift #fat

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Submental fat is felt and can be grabbed, this is easily treated with liposuction, kybella or coolsculpting.  I suggest seeing an expert for treatment options.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Robert W. Kessler, MD, FACS · Answer

Your research is clearly paying off. That is how you assess the difference.That is, however, not the only factor in determining liposuction verses neck lift. The quality of the neck skin is important, the presence of platysmal bands and whether a jowl is visible will all impact the decision making process.Seek out a board certified plastic surgeon to evaluate you and discuss your options.Good luck and I hope this was helpful.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Submental fat is subcutaneous and easy to palpate. Subplatysmal fat is deep to the platysmal muscle and more difficult to palpate. There are other reasons why either liposuction or an open surgery might be best for you. Hopefully you'll see a few surgeons that can explain the reasoning behind the recommendation for a particular procedure and alternative procedures.Best of luck!

Malcolm A. Lesavoy, MD, FACS · Answer

Submental just refers to the fat below your jaw (neck above your Adam's apple), and the subpatysmal fat refers to fat deep to the neck muscles that cause the turkey strands in the neck..They really all one and the same.

How do doctors differentiate between submental and subplatysmal fat? (Photo)

Answers (10)