Submental liposuction also known as neck or chin liposuction is a technique used by plastic surgeons to remove stubborn fat deposits beneath the chin or jawline.
It is also known as sub-mentalis fat reduction, or SMFR for short.
Many people are prone to developing stubborn fat in these areas because of their genetics, as well as the natural deposition of fat.
This can be especially visible in women with double chins or “uni-lip” (i.e., excess fat around the lower jawline and neck).
This article details everything you need to know about submental liposuction and how it can help you achieve a more defined jawline.
What is Submental Liposuction?
The term “submental” refers to the lower section of the chin and jawline.
The submental area refers to the chin, jawline, and neck region below the mandible (the bottom half of your jawbone that contains your teeth).
Submental Liposuction is considered to be the most effective way to treat stubborn fat deposits in this specific area of the face.
If you look in the mirror, you’ll see that this area dips down slightly between your cheekbones and above your collarbones.
The submental region is a challenging place for surgeons to perform liposuction procedures due to its small size, inconsistent anatomy, and proximity to vital organs such as the larynx, carotid artery, and jugular veins.
Overall, submental fat reduction is a surgical procedure used to remove excess fat from beneath the chin and jawline.
The procedure may also be referred to as SMFR or sub-mentalis fat reduction.
How does submental liposuction work?
Submental liposuction is an incision-free fat reduction procedure that uses ultrasound technology to disrupt fat cells in the submental region.
This disrupts the cells’ ability to store and release fatty acids, which results in their breakdown and removal from the body.
As the fat cells are broken down, they are eliminated through the body’s natural lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels that transports fluid throughout the body, including the removal of cellular waste products.
The ultrasound waves used in submental liposuction cause the fat cells to rupture and release their contents into the lymphatic system, where they are either filtered out or re-absorbed by the body.
Who is a good candidate for submental liposuction?
Submental liposuction is typically recommended for patients who have localized deposits of stubborn fat in the jawline and chin area.
The best candidates for this procedure will have a healthy body weight and be in good general health.
Since submental liposuction is an incision-free procedure, it is best suited for patients with a lower body mass index.
This procedure is not recommended for those with a high BMI as it could lead to weight gain.
The best candidates for submental liposuction will have regular levels of body fat in the specified areas and little to no noticeable muscle tissue.
Side effects of submental liposuction
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential complications and side effects associated with submental liposuction.
However, these side effects are typically rare when performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon.
The most common side effects of submental liposuction include:
- Bruising and swelling: This is expected immediately following the procedure and should resolve within 3 weeks.
- Allergic reaction: The risk of an allergic reaction is very rare, but a plastic surgeon should be able to identify any allergies that may exist.
- Necrosis: Necrosis is when the fat cells die, either due to insufficient blood flow or an infection in the surrounding area. A plastic surgeon should inform you of the risk and proper aftercare to avoid this complication.
- Hematoma: A hematoma is a localized swelling beneath the skin that occurs when blood collects beneath the skin’s surface. This is usually caused by a broken blood vessel and is treated by the surgeon with surgical removal.
How much does submental liposuction cost?
Submental liposuction costs will greatly vary based on the surgeon performing the procedure as well as the area of the country in which you live.
The average cost of this procedure is $3,200 but could be as high as $8,000 or more depending on the surgeon and area.
As with all surgical procedures, it is always a good idea to shop around and get several quotes from qualified plastic surgeons.
You may even want to consider financing options to make the procedure more affordable.
Submental Liposuction Recovery
The submental lipo recovery process can be a long and tedious one. There are many factors that go into the recovery process and they all play a role.
First, you have to deal with swelling. Once the swelling subsides, you can begin to eat again.
However, it may take time for your taste buds to return to normal so you may want to opt for smaller portions initially.
You have to deal with bruising and bleeding. This can happen at any point during the recovery process so it is important to keep an eye on these areas in order to make sure they are healing properly.
While there is no set timetable for how long it takes for your body to heal after liposuction, it is generally safe to assume that it will take between two and four weeks before your body has fully healed.
Conclusion
Submental liposuction is an effective and non-surgical way to achieve a more defined jawline.
This procedure is most effective when targeting areas with minimal muscle tissue.
A qualified and experienced plastic surgeon will be able to determine if submental liposuction is the best option for you and inform you of the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure.
If you’re struggling with excess fat in the jawline and chin area, submental liposuction may be right for you.
This procedure uses ultrasound technology to disrupt fat cells and remove them from the body.
- Healthline. August 29, 2019. Considering Double Chin Surgery? Know Your Options. healthline.com/health/cosmetic-surgery/double-chin-surgery.
