# How is chin liposuction performed? The steps of chin liposuction, what it treats, what it does not, and the risks to discuss beforehand. [Dr. Walter Zamarian Jr.](https://www.walterzamarianjr.com/us/walter-zamarian/) · CRM-PR 17.388 · RQE 15.688 Published October 30, 2026 Topics: [Neck and double chin](https://www.walterzamarianjr.com/us/blog/category/neck-and-double-chin/) [Read the article ↓](#leitura) ## At a glance: how is chin liposuction performed? Chin liposuction removes part of the fat just under the skin beneath the chin, using a thin cannula inserted through small incisions. It improves the contour when that fat explains the concern and the skin is elastic. It does not treat excess skin, platysma bands or fullness beneath the muscle. - Assessment: before choosing a technique, identify what creates the fullness. - Technique: diluted local anesthetic solution and suction of the fat through a thin cannula. - Candidacy: superficial fat with firm, elastic skin. - Limits: does not treat excess skin, muscle bands, the deeper layer or facial sagging. - Recovery: swelling and bruising; the contour shows once the swelling settles. - Risks: hematoma, irregularities, loose or rippled skin, infection and, rarely, nerve injury. My [deep neck lift](https://www.walterzamarianjr.com/us/face/neck-lift/) page explains how liposuction differs from deep neck surgery. Here I describe how chin liposuction is performed and what it can and cannot change. In my practice, I don’t perform chin liposuction on its own, and I have noticed that neck wrinkles tend to become more visible 12 to 18 months after it. ## The first step is finding out what creates the fullness Before considering liposuction, I examine the neck from the front and in profile, the skin, the jawline and the position of the chin, and I ask about your health, medications and previous procedures. The neck has three layers: the fat just under the skin; the platysma, a thin muscle, with the fat between its edges; and, deeper, subplatysmal fat, the digastric muscles and the submandibular glands [1]. Liposuction reaches only the first. That is why I do not decide from the size of a double chin in a photo. Two similar necks may need different approaches, and sometimes it is preferable not to operate. ## The steps of liposuction ### Anesthesia The ASPS lists intravenous sedation and general anesthesia as options, and the choice is made case by case [2]. ### Incisions and suction Through small incisions, a diluted local anesthetic solution is infused to reduce bleeding and trauma. A thin cannula, moved back and forth, then loosens the fat, which is suctioned out [2]. Removing more fat does not mean a better result: an even layer has to stay under the skin to avoid dents and irregularities [6]. The incisions are small, but they leave a scar, discreet but permanent. ## What chin liposuction treats and what it does not ### May be enough When superficial fat is the main component and the skin is firm and elastic, the skin tends to adapt to the new contour [1][3]. ### Not enough on its own Excess skin, platysma bands, fullness beneath the muscle and facial tissue that has descended over the jawline need a different plan. These changes can occur together. When the fullness lies beneath the platysma, I discuss a deep neck lift, which is not deeper liposuction: it is a different operation, through an incision under the chin, with its own goals and risks. When the face has also descended, I assess a [deep plane facelift](https://www.walterzamarianjr.com/us/face/facelift/). My article on [how to reduce a double chin](https://www.walterzamarianjr.com/us/blog/how-can-you-reduce-a-double-chin/) sums up these options. ## Recovery Swelling, bruising and changes in sensation are expected in the first weeks, and the contour only really shows once the swelling settles [2][5]. The ASPS mentions a compression garment after liposuction [5]. When the neck is treated together with a facelift, I use taping and a compression garment only when swelling is greater than usual, which happens in about 5% to 10% of cases; lymphatic drainage starts once I clear you for it. Light exercise resumes at one month, and all activity, including contact sports, at two months. ## Risks to discuss The ASPS lists among the risks of liposuction contour irregularities and asymmetry, loose or rippled skin, changes in sensation that may persist, damage to deeper structures such as nerves and blood vessels, fluid accumulation, infection and the need for revision [4]. A review of submental liposuction identifies hematoma as the main complication and describes others that are rare but significant: dents, scar contracture, severe infection and transient facial nerve paralysis [6]. Rapid swelling in the neck, especially with difficulty breathing or swallowing, needs emergency care; do not wait for your scheduled follow-up. ## Questions Does chin liposuction remove excess skin? No. It removes fat. The skin adapts when it is elastic; excess skin needs a different treatment. Does the fat come back? According to the ASPS, with a healthy diet and regular exercise the reduction should last, but substantial weight gain can alter the result [2]. Does chin liposuction treat neck bands? No. The bands come from the platysma, which lies beneath the fat that is suctioned; when indicated, I treat them with a platysmotomy. Can I have more surgery after chin liposuction? It may be possible. I assess the scars, any irregularities and what remains, because previous surgery changes the plan. ## Let’s look at your neck If you want to know whether superficial fat explains what bothers you, [write to us on WhatsApp](https://www.walterzamarianjr.com/us/contact/): Bruna, my AI assistant, handles the first contact and then puts you in touch with Isanna to arrange a consultation with me, including from abroad. I relate your concern to the anatomy and explain the options, including not operating. ## References - Mejia JD, Nahai FR, Nahai F, Momoh AO. [Isolated Management of the Aging Neck](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2884910/). Semin Plast Surg. 2009;23(4):264–273. - American Society of Plastic Surgeons. [Liposuction Procedure Steps](https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/liposuction/procedure). - American Society of Plastic Surgeons. [Liposuction Candidates](https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/liposuction/candidates). - American Society of Plastic Surgeons. [Liposuction Risks and Safety](https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/liposuction/safety). - American Society of Plastic Surgeons. [Liposuction Recovery](https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/liposuction/recovery). - Diniz DA, Gonçalves KKN, Silva CCG, Araújo ESM, Carneiro SCAS, Lago CAP, Vasconcelos BCE. [Complications associated with submental liposuction: a scoping review](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9054168/). Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2022;27(3):e257–e264. ## About the author I am Dr. Walter Zamarian Jr., a plastic surgeon in Londrina, Brazil. My practice focuses on deep plane facelift surgery with fat grafting. Here I explain my approach, the available evidence, and the limits of each treatment. CRM-PR 17.388 · RQE 15.688 [Read about my training and practice →](https://www.walterzamarianjr.com/us/walter-zamarian/) This article provides general information and does not replace an individual medical consultation. [Neck and double chin](https://www.walterzamarianjr.com/us/blog/category/neck-and-double-chin/) [← Back to the blog](https://www.walterzamarianjr.com/us/blog/) [Explore my options](https://wa.me/16402248116?text=Hi%21%20I%20read%20%E2%80%9CHow%20is%20chin%20liposuction%20performed%3F%E2%80%9D%20on%20the%20blog%20and%20would%20like%20to%20know%20which%20procedure%20is%20right%20for%20me.)