Submental Microliposuction
Austin, TX

 

 
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SUBMENTAL MICROLIPOSUCTION IN AUSTIN, TX

Surgeons at the Buckingham Center offer submental microliposuction solutions for patients in Austin & Sunset Valley, TX. Submental microliposuction, which is commonly referred to as chin liposuction, is a procedure to remove submental fat. Chin liposuction is a substitution for procedures such as Kybella. Much like Kybella, this minimally invasive cosmetic procedure is designed to improve the look of the chin and jawline. Chin liposuction removes the excess fat that accumulates beneath the chin, an issue often referred to as a double chin. After chin liposuction, patients experience little to no downtime. The surgeon uses a small needle to remove this unwanted fat. In many cases, submental microliposuction is paired with neck rejuvenation surgery or a chin augmentation for comprehensive aesthetic results. We have surgeons at the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery in Austin, Texas, who specialize in performing submental microliposuction. Our goal is to help men and women look and feel their very best.

WHAT IS KYBELLA?

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2015, Kybella is a prescription medicine used to help adults improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat below the chin. It is an injectable treatment that is designed to eliminate the need for surgery and remove excess fat under the chin. Kybella rapidly destroys fat cells and prevents future accumulation of fat.

When it is injected, Kybella targets fat cells. Patients need to undergo 4-6 different injections, which are spaced about a month apart. Following each injection session, patients may experience inflammation. This symptom remains for about a week. Kybella injections are not performed at the Buckingham Center.

WHY DO PATIENTS CHOOSE MICROLIPOSUCTION?

Most people want to have a narrow, slim chin and wider cheeks. Unfortunately, factors such as aging, genetics, and weight gain often lead to unfavorable fat deposits and cause a face that was once youthful and slim to look older and take on a square shape.

Patients may notice that as they develop a double chin, their jawline becomes less distinctive, making jowling more apparent. A double chin often causes an individual to feel self-conscious and less confident in their appearance, making it difficult for them to meet new people, feel comfortable taking photos and enjoy social situations.

The submental microliposuction procedure can help improve patients’ self-esteem by resolving stubborn fat under the chin and creating a tighter, slimmer, more youthful chin profile. The procedure can also help patients augment a weak chin, especially when paired with a chin implant. Much like Kybella, microliposuction is beneficial for anyone who has noticed that the area underneath their chin has not responded to diet and exercise in the way the other parts of their body have.

CANDIDATES FOR SUBMENTAL MICROLIPOSUCTION

The submental microliposuction procedure is appropriate for healthy adults who are hoping to get rid of the excess fat under their chin, along their jawline and/or cheeks. Ideal candidates are those who have tried to resolve the issue using diet and exercise in the past, and are at a stable weight.

It is important to understand that some patients may need a neck lift in addition to submental microliposuction to achieve the results they desire. Patients with underlying health problems are not good candidates for this procedure. Therefore, during the initial consultation, our surgeon will review the patient’s health history to ensure that the procedure will be safe as well as effective.

HOW IS SUBMENTAL MICROLIPOSUCTION PERFORMED?

Patients who are undergoing another procedure in addition to submental liposuction may need to have their procedures at a nearby outpatient surgery center. Nonetheless, patients who are only having submental liposuction can have their procedure in the office with local anesthesia.

To begin, the surgeon locates the treatment area and makes a puncture at the level of the crease under the patient’s chin. The purpose of this is to hide the small entry site on the underside of the chin so that it is not visible. Once the puncture is made, fat will be gently removed using liposuction techniques.

SUBMENTAL MICROLIPOSUCTION AFTERCARE

Patients will be able to return home the day of their procedure. Immediately after surgery, they will wake up wearing a head dressing that wraps around their chin and neck. The dressing is intended to reduce swelling and will be removed in our office the day after surgery. Once the doctor removes it, patients are free to shower and bathe.

Bruising and swelling will occur after the procedure. Patients may be surprised to find that their bruising occurs farther down their neck, rather than on the underside of their chin.

Patients should wait at least a week before working out, as exercising too soon after the procedure may lead to increased swelling.

The average submental microliposuction patient returns to work in a matter of days. However, patients who have submental microliposuction with other treatments may require additional recovery time.

WHY IS KYBELLA NOT AVAILABLE AT BUCKINGHAM CENTER FOR FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY

We do not offer Kybella for a number of reasons. First, patients are not guaranteed results with Kybella. This injectable is unpredictable and requires them to take a risk and commit to several treatments that are both expensive and uncomfortable.

Next, Kybella often leads to unsightly ballooning because of the way a patient’s immune system responds to the drug. When the inside of a fat cell becomes the outside, a patient’s body reacts by activating the healing process, which leads to inflammation.

Finally, Kybella may leave patients with a burning sensation as well as tightness, numbness, and swallowing challenges because of swelling. At our office, we prefer submental microliposuction over Kybella because it is a safer, faster, and more predictable way for patients to achieve their desired results with less expense, usually only one procedure and shorter recovery.

Common Submental Microliposuction Questions and Answers

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING A CONSULTATION FOR SUBMENTAL MICROLIPOSUCTION?

Once you arrive at our office for a submental microliposuction consultation, you will meet one-on-one with one of our surgeons, who will conduct a complete facial analysis to determine which procedure can provide you with the results you desire. During this time, the surgeon will also answer any questions and address concerns you may have.

WHAT PROCEDURES MAY BE COMBINED WITH SUBMENTAL MICROLIPOSUCTION?

Submental microliposuction can be combined with any facial or neck procedure. Many patients at our office choose to pair this procedure with a facelift, neck lift, brow lift, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty and other procedures. While this can occur, usually submental microliposuction is intended to be a standalone procedure for the isolated purpose of reducing submental fat with less expense and recovery than Kybella.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF SUBMENTAL MICROLIPOSUCTION?

Submental microliposuction has a high safety and success rate. However, just like other surgical procedures, it does come with side effects. Some of the most common side effects include bruising, swelling, numbness, and tenderness. Fortunately, you can reduce the risk of experiencing these side effects by closely following the surgeon’s detailed instructions and recommendations before and after your procedure.

WILL THE FAT CELLS TREATED BY SUBMENTAL MICROLIPOSUCTION RETURN?

Patients are often concerned that the fat cells removed during this procedure will come back. It is important to understand that the fat cells will not be replaced by other fat cells. However, if you gain excessive weight, the fat cells in other areas of the body will respond as they normally would, expanding and causing weight gain.

IS SUBMENTAL MICROLIPOSUCTION SAFE FOR THE SKIN OF MY NECK?

Yes, our surgeons use small cannulas (hollow tubes) that are specifically designed for use in the neck. The small cannulas coupled with the surgeon’s technique will prevent the skin of your neck from sustaining injury.

IS IT TOO LATE FOR SUBMENTAL MICROLIPOSUCTION?

In some cases, it may be too late to perform submental microliposuction. After evaluating your face, the surgeon will inform you of whether you are a suitable candidate for this procedure. To determine this, the surgeon looks at the type of fat you have, its location, your skin elasticity, your overall health and your expectations. If submental microliposuction is not appropriate for you, our surgeon may recommend alternate treatment options.

WILL I EXPERIENCE PAIN DURING MY SUBMENTAL MICROLIPOSUCTION?

Fortunately, submental microliposuction is usually a painless procedure, since local anesthesia is used during treatment. If you undergo this procedure, you may, however, experience a tight sensation in the neck afterward that can be eased by a simple over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol.

WILL PEOPLE BE ABLE TO TELL I’VE HAD SUBMENTAL MICROLIPOSUCTION?

The surgeon will strategically hide the puncture beneath your chin. After the procedure, people may think you lost weight, but will not be able to tell you have had microliposuction.

HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT TO DO AFTER SUBMENTAL MICROLIPOSUCTION?

To ensure you are well-prepared to care for yourself after the procedure, our surgeon and medical team will provide you with detailed directions. They will also provide you with Buckingham Center’s contact information, so you can speak to them during your recovery.

WHEN CAN I EXPECT TO SEE THE FINAL RESULTS?

You can enjoy the final results of submental microliposuction approximately 3 months following the procedure, once you have healed and the swelling subsides.

Schedule a Submental Microliposuction with Dr. Buckingham or Dr. Smith

The surgeons at Buckingham Center in Austin, Texas, treat people from around the world. Our surgeons are committed to helping their patients boost their self-esteem with cosmetic treatments and plastic surgery procedures.

Prospective patients who would like to have a consultation to learn more about submental microliposuction are encouraged to contact the Buckingham Center in Austin, Texas, as soon as they are available by calling (512) 661-0747. To contact us via email, you can use the Patient Contact Form.

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