What does the The double chin correction procedure include?

Dr. Amit Agarwal can correct a double chin using any of the following procedures:

• Chin liposuction. This procedure removes excess fat from under the chin.
• Submentoplasty "mini neck lift" combines chin liposuction and smaller incision under the chin to tighten muscles.
• Neck lift removes excess skin or tightening the neck skin muscles to give the face a more contoured appearance.
• Kybella injection If there is mild to moderate fat and no skin laxity in the double chin, Kybella injections may be an option. This treatment takes about 20 min. This drug after being injected in the double chin at multiple points, breaks the fat, and the by-products are eventually eliminated. Deoxycholic Acid is the active ingredient of the injection.

Neck liposuction can be done under tumescent local anaesthesia. One or two very small incisions (2mm) along the pre marked line are made behind the ear or beneath the chin. Then tumescent anaesthesia solution is infused in the fat tissues under the skin of the area to be liposuctioned to reduce bleeding, pain and trauma to the tissues. A hollow small cannula is inserted through the incision with a restricted to and fro motion to loosen the excess fat. Then with the help of high pressure surgical vacuum which is attached to the hollow tube or cannula, this fat is suctioned out of the body Finally, a special chin strap is put to support the skin while it heals. Neck liposuction refines the jawline to enhance the chin or bring balance to facial features. Patients with good skin tone will typically see the best results. Results are permanent if the patient maintains a stable weight. In few cases where muscle tightening is required, mini neck lift or neck lift is done.

Submentoplasty and neck lift surgery involve making incisions in the skin. Dr Amit Agarwal will mark the chin and neck with lines and arrows indicating areas of approach. Incisions are made usually around and behind the ear. Then excess fat and skin from the neck is removed. He may also tighten the platysma, or neck muscle, to make the skin appear more toned. Finally, skin incisions are closed with glue or stitches (sutures). These suturesaren't visible to anyone after complete healing usually.

Injection Kybella This nonsurgical approach for double chin correction requires several treatment sessions spaced out by a month each. Most people receive two or three treatments, but it can take up to 4-6 sessions, depending on the patient and the amount of excess fat in the double chin area. Kybella may also be non-responsive in few patients and patients may require neck liposuction after failed treatment with kybella injections. The injections can be painful (require numbing with Local anaesthetic during injection) and is expected to have a swollen neck for about 10 days after each treatment session.This treatment is ideal for people who are unfit for facial rejuvenation surgery. The treatment also provides long-lasting results, but only if you maintain a normal weight.

What are the risks and complications post-surgery?

Before going for surgery or injection kybella treatment for double chin correction, you should always understand the risks and potential complications related to them.

Neck Liposuction/neck lift usually gives desired results and is the gold standard treatment, but there can be some risks involved which include:

• Accumulation of the fluid i.e. Seroma formation, which usually decreases and stops in some time.
• Rare chances of Infection
• Mild facial asymmetry which might require revision surgery.
• There can be persistent swelling and bruising in the surgical area which reduces with time.
• If you have a poor blood supply, the healing will be poor (seen more in smokers, diabetes, hypothyroidism and in persons with multiple diseases).
• Sometimes irregular contours are seen, which can be corrected by the use of the chin strap.
• Sometimes change in skin sensation is noticed.
• Rare irregular pigmentation of the surgical area.
• Rare chances of nerve injury and bleeding
• Rare risks related to general anesthesia if surgery is done under it.

Side effect of Injection Kybella–The most common side effects are swelling, pain, numbness, redness, and areas of hardness in the treatment area. The injection can also lead to-

• Nerve injury in the jaw (which can cause an uneven smile or facial muscle weakness)
• Trouble swallowing
• Injection site bleeding or bruising, damage to an artery or vein if it is inadvertently injected into it, hair loss, open ulcers, skin necrosis around the injection site.
• Should not be givenin pregnant and breast feeding women, in people with bleeding disorders and if there is infection in the area,

These are the risks and possible complication which should be discussed by you with Dr Amit Agarwal before the procedure.

The total benefits of neck liposuction/ neck lift will be seen after the swelling and bruising subsides. It is also very important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to maintain your shape and contour. If you are unable to maintain it or plan an exercise regime, there can be deposits of unwanted fat at other sites other than the surgical. Then probably you may have to go under another surgery. So a healthy lifestyle is a must after liposuction.