Chin Liposuction

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in chin liposuction and I would like to know my options. I have attached pictures for your review.

A: Thank you for sending your pictures. As a matter of clarification, the term ‘chin liposuction’ is a misnomer. The chin is never actually treated by liposuction. It is actually the area under the chin that people are referring to known as the submental area. Thus the terms submental liposuction and submentoplasty would be more appropriate.

You have good chin projection so this is a matter of improving the neck only. You options are either liposuction or a submentoplasty. The difference is in both the outcomes and how the procedures are done. Liposuction removes some of the fat above the platysma muscle only. A submentoplasty removes fat both above and below the muscle as well as tightens the platysma muscle. While both are done through small incisions under the chin, a submentoplasty will create a better neck contour than just liposuction alone…as one would expect as it modifies more of the neck tissues. I will have my assistant Camille pass along the cost of the two neck contouring procedures to you later today.

Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana