I had chin lipo a year ago and now I have an indentation under my chin. Is this cobra neck? What can I do to fix this? (Photo)

Question

Over aggressive chin lipo has left me with an indentation under my chin.

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

This is not an uncommon outcome after overaggressive liposuction of the neck. The indentation you are seeing is the borders along the platysma muscle of the neck. I would recommend an open neck lift to bring the edges of the muscle back together in the midline and tighten those deeper structures.  I recommend seeing a plastic surgeon who has completed at least 6 years of plastic surgery training (ideally 7 if an aesthetic fellowship was completed).

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

From the photo it appears that you are dealing with skin and scar tissue. Likely, all of the fat has been removed and now you are experiencing the result of deflated skin on top of scar tissue between the skin and underlying platysma muscle. The are options to approach this issue. Non-surgical procedures were including the microneedling / radiofrequency combination such as Morpheus8. A series of 3 or more sessions may lead to enough skin tightening that it becomes a more satisfying appearance. A more definitive approach would be surgical. A neck lift would allow for redraping and lifting of that skin. A neck lift would require an incision underneath the chin and behind the ear. I would not address this situation with more liposuction.

Jacob Tower, MD · Answer

Hello, hope you are well. The photo that you submitted shows a platysma band tenting the skin away from the neck. This would not necessarily be related to your history of chin liposuction. If you submit additional photos of your neck from different views, it may give a better sense of your concern (especially from the front with the head in a neutral position, and tilted back). Nevertheless, for the platysma band, you can trial botulinum toxin as an initial step to help diminish the appearance. For persistent cording, there are surgical options (short scar neck lift with platysmaplasty, etc).
Best,Dr. Tower

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. I would not describe this as a cobra neck deformity, but rather the removal of the fat tissue has exposed underlying deeper anatomy. The cords you are seeing are called platysma bands and they are formed by an underlying muscle in the neck. The most definitive treatment option would be a surgical necklift, but if you are not ready for that, there are some minimally invasive treatment options (MyEllevate) as well as some non-surgical (albeit temporary) options as well such as Botox. 
Hope this helps!
Dallas Buchanan, MD
VIVIFY plastic surgery
Tampa, FL

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

We do this frequently in our office and call it a cobra lift, we do skin removal, muscle tightening (platysmaplasty), VASER and J Plasma all to contour the chin/neck in one treatment.  Best, Dr.  Emer.

I had chin lipo a year ago and now I have an indentation under my chin. Is this cobra neck? What can I do to fix this? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: I had chin lipo a year ago and now I have an indentation under my chin. Is this cobra neck? What can I do to fix this?

Answer: I had chin lipo a year ago and now I have an indentation under my chin. Is this cobra neck? What can I do to fix this?

Answer: VASER Liposuction and Neck Lift -- Do Them At the Same Time We Call This a Cobra Lift --

Answer: VASER Liposuction and Neck Lift -- Do Them At the Same Time We Call This a Cobra Lift --

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Everything you need to know about Chin Liposuction

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I had chin lipo a year ago and now I have an indentation under my chin. Is this cobra neck? What can I do to fix this? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: I had chin lipo a year ago and now I have an indentation under my chin. Is this cobra neck? What can I do to fix this?

Answer: I had chin lipo a year ago and now I have an indentation under my chin. Is this cobra neck? What can I do to fix this?

Answer: VASER Liposuction and Neck Lift -- Do Them At the Same Time We Call This a Cobra Lift --

Answer: VASER Liposuction and Neck Lift -- Do Them At the Same Time We Call This a Cobra Lift --

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Chin Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.