Will My Double Chin Come Back After Surgery?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have a double chin that I hate. I am only 32 years old but my neck makes me look much older and heavier than I really am. I am interested in a double chin reduction surgery that I have read about. My question is does the double chin reduction grow back after certain time due to weight, age, etc… Thanks!

A: Most double chins are due to a combination of a full neck in the submental area and a weak chin. The upper bump chin is one’s real chin (short) and the lower bump of the bubble is neck fat and skin. Therefore, double chin reduction surgery usually consists of  a combination approach of submental/neck liposuction (reduction) and a chin implant and/or osteotomy (augmentation) to eliminate the double roll. In my experience once this is done it is a long-term sustained result because the anatomy is permanently changed. The short chin bump will never return because it is been permanently brought forward. The neck roll usually stays away unless one gains a lot of weight in the future. This combined approach has a great influence on making the face and neck appear more slim and well-defined. Often when combined with buccal lipectomies (cheek fat removal) the slimming effect can influence the face above the jawline as well.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana