Chin Definition

Posted Thursday, September 13, 2007 to PROCEDURES > Face

Posted by The Original Anti-Aging & Cosmetic Surgery Magazine

Liposuction is one popular procedure for restoring a leaner appearance to the chin, throat, and neck. Jodi Thiessen reports.

As the face sags, and fat deposits under the chin, a bulky look can result. Often the face can be rejuvenated by simply adding definition to the neck and jawline with liposuction.

There is only a very small volume of fat (usually under 10 milliliters) under the chin. So liposuction in this area is suitable for people with such a degree of fat under the chin that definition of the neck and jawline are lost. The primary area of concern is usually on the profile view.

The procedure is the same as liposuction anywhere else on the body, although because such small amounts of fat cells are being removed it is performed with a very small cannula. It involves very small 3mm incisions long enough to introduce a small cannula - being made out of sight under the chin in the chin crease.

Almost anyone with little neck definition can be helped with liposuction. However apart from fat. the angle between the neck and the chin is determined in particular by the position of the hyoid bone. If the hyoid bone is very low down, then no amount of liposuction is going to help because that angle is always going to be blunt. An improvement in jaw line definition can still be made, but not such an improvement in the angle. If the hyoid bone is high, and the patient has a lot of fat under the chin, then liposuction is very good for restoring the angle.

The age of the patient can also be a determining factor in suitability for this procedure. The older the patient is, the looser the skin and, as with other liposuction procedures, the skin needs an amount of elasticity for retraction. Liposuction in general is more suited to younger people with elastic skin. Their skin simply retracts. Problems can arise in this area with people in middle age.

Liposuction to the neck is an ideal time to combine other procedures such as facelifts. The facelift is performed first. then any excess fat extracted with liposuction. The fat can also be harvested to augment lines around the mouth, wrinkles, depressed scars and hollowed out cheeks.

Recovery time from neck liposuction is minimal. Some bruising should be gone within a week. A compression garment is usually worn over the head and around the neck full-time for a few days after the procedure, then at night for around 6 weeks. The garment helps reduce the swelling faster, and helps keep the tissue in position.

The results are often subtle and not immediately noticed by those who don't know. However adding definition can often add a youthfulness that may have been lost.

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