How do I know if I need liposuction of the chin, a necklift, or a chin implant?

Answer: This is a great question. As your plastic surgeon, when seeing you in consultation for chin or sub-mental liposuction, these are exactly the options that I am considering. Improving the aesthetics of this part of the face primarily involves correcting and contouring the angle between the chin and the neck (the cervico-mental angle) as seen on profile. Other factors include achieving the ideal volume, shape and contour of the chin.

When the size of the chin is deficient, particularly in outward projection, it is augmented either with an implant, or with fillers or even with orthognathic surgery which actually advances part of the bone forward.

When excess fat has accumulated beneath the chin and in the central neck, then contour is improved either with liposuction or with direct excision.

When the cervico-mental angle is obscured due to laxity of the skin and underlying soft tissues of the neck, then tightening of these tissues with a necklift is indicated.

In general, for my patients in their 20s and 30s I most often perform liposuction, with or without a chin implant. For patients in their 30s and 40s, using a small incision beneath the chin, I often perform liposuction and or direct fat excision combined with tightening of the muscle (platysma) in the central neck. This may also be combined with a chin implant. For my patients on their 50s and over, I am more likely to recommend a full necklift, with or without chin augmentation.