The great news about a chin liposuction scar is that it will be very small and hardly noticeable over time. And while some patients may require more than one incision site (usually only up to three maximum), many patients only need one incision. And this means just one small scar.
The location of a double chin liposuction scar is typically directly below the point of the chin. There is often a natural dimple or recess here, where a scar will heal nicely and be nearly invisible. Patients who require more than one incision will usually need one more behind each ear — another very discreet location.
Below, we answer some commonly asked questions about the scar from chin liposuction as well as questions about chin lipo in general.
What Does a Chin Liposuction Scar Look Like Right After Surgery?
When performed correctly and after many months have passed, double chin liposuction should not leave a noticeable scar.
You’ll hardly ever see a celebrity’s chin liposuction scar, for example. Yet many stars undergo this procedure in private. They also heal in private so that the media do not suspect surgery if pictures of them in bandages or a compression garment surface.
While patients certainly have no reason to be self-conscious about a chin lipo scar, it’s also true that, yes, right after surgery, your incision will be more noticeable. You’ll also be wearing some sort of wrap, bandage, and/or compression strap after surgery.
This is when your scar will be the most pigmented (red or pink) and raised. Fortunately, it will also be small. But swelling and bruising around the jaw, chin, neck, and sometimes chest may draw more attention to the area.
How Big Is the Chin Liposuction Scar?
Any type of liposuction scar is going to be quite small. This is because liposuction only requires an incision large enough to facilitate a cannula.
Cannulas are thin tubes made of metal. These are the instruments plastic surgeons use to suction fat out of the treatment area. Most are just a few millimeters in diameter, which means incisions only need to be slightly larger than this.
Do Lipo Scars Ever Go Away?
While the scars after liposuction will not completely disappear, they should become hardly noticeable after a while. Once several months have passed, bruising and redness should be gone, and a faint scar will remain. While some residual swelling may be left, this, too, will disappear with time.
When patients are around six months to one year out from surgery, scars should be much fainter and flatter with little to no residual swelling. As more time passes, chin liposuction scars should turn from a faint pink to a lighter whitish hue, though this does depend on the patient’s natural skin tone. Some patients with naturally darker skin may have varied coloration.
Here are a few tips for helping facilitate double chin liposuction scars that heal and fade well.
1. Recover properly.
Chin liposuction and other liposuction procedures require a relatively short recovery period. This allows your treatment area to heal and gentle scar tissue to naturally form.
Do not push yourself excessively during your chin lipo recovery time, or it may agitate the incision sites and cause poorly healed wounds or scar deformities. Always follow your surgeon’s instructions.
2. Use ice packs, compression garments, and massage as directed.
Depending on the specifics of your cosmetic surgery, your surgeon may recommend various treatments to help you heal faster. Ice packs can minimize swelling, helping your incisions heal more quickly. Compression garments can likewise keep your incisions together and in place for a stronger outcome.
Lastly, massage helps break up swelling, fluid buildup, and scar tissue for more beautiful results. As always, only use these techniques as directed by your surgeon.
3. Try silicone.
Time and again, silicone has been clinically proven to reduce the appearance of scars when used correctly. Silicone gels and silicone sheets should be used daily once cleared by your surgeon. With regular use, they can help scars flatten and fade over time.
Chin Liposuction Surgery FAQs
Does chin lipo leave scars on the neck?
Usually, the main chin liposuction scar is located directly beneath the chin. Sometimes, two more scars are necessary — one behind each ear.
What are the downsides of chin liposuction?
For most patients, the chin liposuction procedure provides only benefits. One drawback might be the cost. Like any other plastic surgery, chin and neck liposuction can be expensive.
Additionally, there are always health risks with surgery of any kind, though chin liposuction is generally safe and typically goes smoothly with positive results. Just make sure you choose an experienced and board certified plastic surgeon.
There is also always some downtime following a plastic surgery. Though recovery from chin lipo is typically short, you will have some soreness, bruising, and swelling.
And lastly, although it will become faint over time, you will have at least one chin lipo scar. Of course, unlike other major surgeries such as tummy tuck surgery, liposuction scars are always small and ideally, they are located in hard-to-see areas. Thus, after your chin lipo scar heals, it should be hardly noticeable.
How much does chin liposuction cost?
A patient’s chin and neck liposuction cost depends on multiple factors, ranging from how much excess fat they need removed to who their surgeon is. Ultimately, it’s good to book a consultation appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon to know for sure how much your surgery should cost.
How does submental liposuction compare to buccal fat removal in terms of scarring and results?
Submental liposuction and buccal fat removal target different areas of facial contouring with distinct scarring patterns. Submental liposuction, which focuses on removing unwanted fat beneath the chin, typically results in minimal visible scarring.
The incision is usually placed directly below the chin in a natural dimple or recess, making scars barely noticeable once healed. In contrast, buccal fat removal involves internal incisions inside the mouth, leaving no external scars.
However, patients should be aware that removing too much buccal fat can potentially lead to saggy skin as they age, while neck liposuction removes fat more predictably with long-lasting results.
What should patients expect during the healing process after chin liposuction, and how can they ensure optimal scar recovery?
The healing process after procedures where chin liposuction leave scars involves several phases of recovery. Initially, scars will appear more pigmented (red or pink) and raised, but they become much fainter and flatter within six months to one year.
To optimize healing and achieve minimal visible scarring, patients should avoid sun exposure during the recovery period, as UV rays can darken and worsen scar appearance.
Following proper post-operative care, including using compression garments and silicone treatments as directed, helps ensure scars fade to a lighter, whitish hue over time. The key is allowing adequate recovery time and protecting the treatment area from environmental factors that could compromise healing.
Schedule Your Chin Liposuction Consultation Appointment
Under chin fat removal can entirely change your profile, eliminating unwanted bulk from beneath your chin and giving you a more defined and attractive jawline. In order to embark on your journey toward chin liposuction, it’s important to first book a consultation appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon.
Female plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Steinberg is board certified and performs chin liposuction at her Houston practice. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Steinberg today to discuss your options and see a range of chin lipo before and after photos as references for your future look. We look forward to hearing from you.
References
https://www.healthline.com/health/cosmetic-surgery/liposuction-scars
