Submental Liposuction
Lower Manhattan, New York, NY
Submental fullness — commonly referred to as a "double chin" — is one of the most common and distressing aesthetic concerns for patients across all age groups. It can be hereditary, related to weight fluctuation, or simply a reflection of the accumulation of fat in the submental and submandibular compartments over time. Regardless of cause, the result is a softening of the jawline and a loss of the sharp cervicomental angle that defines a youthful neck profile.
Submental liposuction offers a precise, minimally invasive solution: through a single small incision concealed in the natural crease beneath the chin, Dr. Pierce Janssen removes excess fat using a fine cannula, sharpening the jaw-to-neck transition and producing a dramatically more defined profile. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia at the 111 Broadway office in approximately 45 to 60 minutes. There is no general anesthesia, no hospital stay, and no overnight recovery required.
For patients with good skin elasticity and isolated submental fat — particularly younger patients or those with predominantly fatty fullness rather than skin laxity — submental liposuction is often the ideal solution: effective, efficient, and grounded in the simple principle that sometimes the most direct approach produces the best result.
Removes submental and submandibular fat to sharpen the jawline and define the jaw-to-neck transition.
Performed under local anesthesia at the 111 Broadway office — no general anesthesia, no hospital required.
A compression garment is applied immediately and should be worn consistently for 1 to 2 weeks. This is critical to minimize swelling, encourage skin redraping, and optimize the final contour. The garment is discreet beneath clothing and should be worn as much as possible during the recovery period. Most patients experience mild swelling and bruising that resolves within 1 to 2 weeks. You can return to desk work within 2 to 3 days. The result is immediately visible and continues to improve as swelling resolves, with the final refined contour visible at 2 to 4 weeks.
Patients with good skin elasticity, isolated submental fullness, and realistic expectations. Best results in younger patients with predominantly fatty (not skin) excess.
Not every patient with submental fullness is an ideal candidate for liposuction alone. The key distinction lies in skin elasticity and the degree of skin laxity present.
Ideal Candidates: Patients with good underlying skin elasticity, isolated submental fat, and a well-positioned navel. Younger patients and those with predominantly fatty fullness (rather than excess skin) achieve the most dramatic and satisfying results. These patients have skin that will redrape smoothly over the newly contoured anatomy after fat removal.
When a Neck Lift May Be More Appropriate: Patients with significant skin laxity, visible platysmal banding, or poor skin elasticity may require a more comprehensive neck lift (platysmaplasty combined with skin removal) rather than liposuction alone. A neck lift procedure is indicated when the problem is not just fat, but also loose skin and muscle separation.
The Assessment Process: During your consultation at 111 Broadway, Dr. Janssen performs a thorough evaluation — including a skin pinch test, assessment of platysmal bands, and evaluation of overall neck anatomy — to determine whether liposuction alone, a more comprehensive neck lift, or a combination approach is most appropriate for your specific anatomy.
Submental liposuction is performed under local anesthesia at the 111 Broadway office in approximately 45 to 60 minutes. No general anesthesia or sedation is required, though oral relaxation medication can be provided if you prefer.
A small amount of tumescent solution (local anesthetic combined with epinephrine) is infiltrated into the submental region to minimize bleeding and maximize comfort. Once you are completely numb, small stab incisions are made within the natural submental crease (i.e. the crease beneath the chin that is visible when your neck is extended) and behind each ear. Through these tiny openings, Dr. Janssen uses a fine liposuction cannula to precisely remove fat from the submental, submandibular, and jowl regions (when indicated.
The technique employs conservative, layered removal to produce a smooth, even result without surface irregularities or dimpling. Once the desired contour is achieved, the cannula is removed, and the tiny incision is closed with a single fine suture.
Submental liposuction addresses fat removal only. It is appropriate for patients with good skin elasticity and isolated submental fullness. A comprehensive neck lift (platysmaplasty) addresses platysmal muscle separation, skin laxity, and skin excess through multiple approaches — it is a more involved procedure appropriate for patients with significant skin redundancy and banding. Some patients benefit from a combination approach: liposuction for fat removal combined with platysmaplasty for structural support. Dr. Janssen will distinguish between these approaches based on your specific anatomy.
Small stab incisions are typically placed within the natural submental crease beneath the chin and behind the ears, locations that are nearly invisible even when your neck is extended. With meticulous closure and appropriate post-operative scar care, the scars typically becomes imperceptible within weeks. Most patients are surprised by how inconspicuous the scars become, as they heals within the natural anatomy of the chin-neck junction.
Yes — fat cells that are removed by liposuction do not regenerate. The result is permanent provided you maintain a stable body weight. Significant weight gain after liposuction can result in fat redistribution to other areas of the body, though the treated submental region will generally remain improved relative to the pre-surgical baseline.
Yes — submental liposuction is frequently combined with neck lift, chin augmentation, facelift, or other facial procedures performed in the same surgical session. If you are considering multiple procedures, discuss this with Dr. Janssen during consultation so comprehensive planning can be performed.
Mild to moderate swelling is normal for the first 1 to 2 weeks post-operatively. The submental region may appear slightly fuller than your final result during this period — this is expected and temporary. Swelling resolves gradually, and the final contour is visible at approximately 2 to 4 weeks. Sleeping with your head elevated and using cold compresses can help minimize swelling.
You can return to light daily activities and desk work within 2 to 3 days. However, strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and intense physical activity should be avoided for 2 weeks to allow proper healing and minimize swelling. Walking and light movement are encouraged and aid in recovery.
Non-surgical treatments like Kybella (deoxycholic acid injections) produce a gradual, modest reduction in submental fat over months and typically require multiple treatment sessions. Results are unpredictable and can be accompanied by significant post-treatment swelling, inflammation, and potential skin irregularity. Submental liposuction produces immediate, dramatic, and predictable results in a single procedure with quick recovery. For most patients with meaningful submental fullness, liposuction is the superior choice in terms of reliability, durability, and predictability.
