Indentation after chin liposuction - what is it and what can be done to smooth it out? (photos)

Question

I had Smartlipo on my chin back in May (so 7 month ago) and started to notice this indentation about a month ago. I’m wondering what it is and what can be done to smooth it out?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

this is because you needed a platysmaplasty and still do. I suggest getting that done and using botox, morpheus, ultherapy long term to maintain your neck.

A combination approach would give the most improvement. Nonsurgical options such as Kybella, PDO NovaThreads, and Ultherapy do well in combination for skin tightening, but the results are mild compared to surgical options.

I would recommend a VASER Hi-Definition Liposuction with ThermiRF, Renuvion (J Plasma) and InMode BodyTite to contour and tighten the chin and neck. A neck lift can be performed at the same time, if you're a good candidate. I suggest seeing a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist to develop a personalized treatment plan that works for you. Best, Dr. Emer.​

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear MMRose456,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

It would be helpful to see before and after pictures.

From the pictures you’ve shown it looks like Liposuction or simply the reduction of subcutaneous fat caused your platysma muscles to be more visualized.  The two lines in the midline of your neck are the edges of the platysmal muscles sometimes called platysmal bands.  These were probably always present.  Reducing the fat layer covering the muscles can make them more pronounced.  sometimes this is a desirable effect like patients hoping that their abdominal muscles become more defined from liposuction.  unfortunately when it comes to showing neck muscles that are developing platysmal bands it becomes undesirable.

It looks like the fat removal was also done slightly unevenly.  Was this done with a single opening under your chin?

liposuction is a permanent and in some ways irreversible procedure.

Restoring the fat layer is probably not a realistic option but some providers may suggest or try fat transfer.  whether that will create an improvement is uncertain.

Putting the platysma muscles under tension by doing and neck lift a.k.a. face lift may help.  Potentially a platysmaplasty( attaching platysma muscles in midline) could help but not as much as a full neck lift.  Transecting or cutting the platysma muscles have been described and is done by some to improve the neck.

Botox is a pretty standard treatment for platysmal bands.  It will however not address the lack of fat now covering the muscle.

There is no one definitive corrective procedure for overzealous neck Liposuction.

Your situation is somewhat complex and I suggest getting evaluated through proper in person consultations as a better approach than posting on real self or even having virtual consultations.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Indentation after chin liposuction - what is it and what can be done to smooth it out? (photos)

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Indentation after chin liposuction - what is it and what can be done to smooth it out? (photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Chin Liposuction

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