Every patient’s body is different. Excess fat can accumulate in certain areas for some people far more than others. The area under the chin is one such spot that can lead to considerable dissatisfaction. Excess fat in the neck area can create the appearance of a “double chin”, a very common aesthetic issue that can be caused by genetics, weight gain, personal anatomy, and other factors. Today, I wanted to discuss plastic surgery for the double chin and why liposuction surgery is my preferred procedure method for this concern.
According to statistics collected by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, nearly 68% of adults in the US will experience this issue at some point in their lives. And while there are multiple treatment options available, I almost often recommend liposuction for the neck in these cases over non-surgical fat removal treatments. While I understand the appeal of a non-invasive treatment, the fat removal results achieved are simply not comparable to what liposuction can accomplish. I perform liposuction procedures (including my signature Band Aid Liposuction surgery) in my office using gentle numbing. Patients can typically drive themselves home after the procedure, as long as they opt for no medication, and recovery is less intensive than many patients realize.
In the video below, I go into detail on how I perform liposuction for the chin and neck area and why I prefer this procedure method to non-surgical fat reduction treatments:
I’ve seen firsthand how impressive and meaningful the results of “double chin” surgery can be over the years and would recommend it to anyone concerned about this specific aesthetic issue. For more information or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation, contact me, Dr. John LeRoy. Don’t forget to follow along with me on Facebook for additional tips, practice news, and much more.
Even in the case of cosmetic procedures as common and popular as liposuction, the pre-surgery consultation is an essential learning experience for patients. I’m always happy to help my patients prepare for their procedures and get more comfortable with all of their options. And while every consultation is different, because every patient is different, there are some universal factors to consider. That’s why I wanted to present some questions that should be asked at liposuction consultation appointments:
Are you board-certified as a plastic surgeon?
This is where the discussion should begin. In order to feel assured and confident in your plastic surgery and the results, it is essential to find a medical professional who is board-certified in plastic surgery to safely perform your surgery. Anyone you consider should be board-certified as a plastic surgeon (not a “cosmetic surgeon”) by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This is important because the American Board of Plastic Surgery requires additional criteria for board-certification, which provides assurance to the patient that they have chosen a surgeon with the requisite skills and experience to provide an outstanding, long-lasting result.
How much experience do you have performing liposuction procedures?
Board-certification is a great start, but it takes more than that to determine the right plastic surgeon to perform your liposuction surgery. It’s also critical that your plastic surgeon has extensive experience performing liposuction, specifically on patients with similar body types and aesthetic needs as you. I recommend asking to see before and after liposuction photos to make sure that your aesthetic sensibilities are a match and your desired results will be possible.
What different liposuction procedure methods are available?
Depending on the needs of each patient, there are different ways that liposuction surgery can be performed. Traditional liposuction involves using a very narrow tube called a cannula to break down fat deposits in the treatment area and then gently suction fat cells out of the body. I also perform a less invasive alternative known as Band Aid Liposuction. Performed using gentle numbing in my office, Band Aid Liposuction uses even smaller incisions to provide more modest, but still meaningful aesthetic results with less downtime at a lower cost than traditional liposuction.
Will I experience any visible scarring following my surgery?
Some amount of scarring is inevitable after any cosmetic surgery, including liposuction. However, it’s often very minimal following this procedure. The incisions made during this surgery are very small and often made in easy to conceal areas, meaning the scars will be tiny and hard to notice. In cases where the patient chooses to undergo Band Aid Liposuction, there will be even less post-surgical scarring.
Preparation is always very important before any cosmetic procedure, and my hope is that reading this will help patients curious about liposuction better prepare for their consultation appointments to come. To learn more about liposuction or to schedule a consultation appointment today, contact me, Dr. John LeRoy. You should also follow me on Facebook or Twitter for more plastic surgery tips and updates from my practice.
Many people associate cosmetic procedures or the term plastic surgery with the notion that you will be left looking artificial and, for lack of a better word, “plastic.” In some instances, people can undergo cosmetic surgery and be left with noticeable changes to their appearance. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. Discrete enhancements allow you to achieve dramatic results without completely altering the face you know and love. Subtle cosmetic surgery aims to refresh your appearance while retaining your natural beauty. Luckily, numerous surgical and non-surgical procedures allow patients to achieve this goal without the obvious tell-tale signs of having had a cosmetic procedure performed. In addition to preserving your natural look, there is also the additional benefits of affordability and not having to go under anesthesia.
Surgical Options
When I began my career as a plastic surgeon, I wanted to offer patients a more natural option for cosmetic surgery. That’s when I decided to develop a more natural, affordable, and less invasive Facelift, my Band Aid Mini Facelift. Since this time, I established a line of Band Aid procedures to provide surgical options to patients seeking to tweak their appearance without completely altering their natural look. My Band Aid procedures, which are performed in-office with gentle numbing, are minimally invasive and provide natural-looking enhancements to your appearance. My Band Aid Facelift procedures can address wrinkles, sagging jowls, and general signs of aging, offering a quicker recovery than traditional surgery. One of the greatest benefits of my Band Aid procedures is that I can focus on specific problem areas that my patients desire to address. A high level of customization allows for a unique and personalized result.
Non-Surgical Options
Some patients simply are not ready for surgery or may require more of a maintenance approach to their facial rejuvenation. Non-surgical options such as injectables and laser skin resurfacing are great options for those desiring to restore youth and radiance discretely and with minimal downtime. These procedures have become some of the most popular non-surgical treatments for minimizing wrinkles or tweaking, plumping, and contouring one’s physical features.
Botox® and Dysport® are the most common injectables used to restore a rested and youthful look. Everyday expressions, such as smiling, laughing, and even becoming angry, cause the facial muscles to contract, forming lines and wrinkles over time. Botox® and Dysport® prevent or minimize these muscles from contracting and smooth already existing lines and wrinkles.
Dermal fillers such as Restylane®, Juvéderm®, and Radiesse® are great for restoring lost facial volume that occurs as we age or in some cases plump what we never had. Collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin production decrease as we get older. Using dermal fillers, I can replace that lost or reduced volume and promote the production of new collagen and hyaluronic acid. Restylane®, Juvéderm®, and Radiesse® are great options for plumping the lips as well as addressing deeper lines and wrinkles, sagging jowls, and facial contouring.
My Band Aid laser skin resurfacing treatment is a versatile therapy that works well on its own or combined with other surgical and non-surgical procedures. Performed in-office with gentle numbing, Band Aid laser skin resurfacing utilizes DOT laser therapy to penetrate the dermis and create thousands of microscopic perforations which activate the body’s healing process. This process stimulates natural collagen production and cellular turnover which works to tighten skin, reduce wrinkles and scarring, and repair surface damage.
Subtle changes to one’s appearance can go a long way toward improving self-esteem and boosting confidence. You can’t stop the aging process, but you can age gracefully. If you would like to restore youthful radiance to your appearance in a subtle and natural way, schedule a consultation with me, Dr. John LeRoy. Together, we can develop a customized treatment plan to address your aging concerns. For more information and practice updates, follow me on Facebook and Twitter.
Having excess body fat is an uncomfortable feeling for many people. However, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Still, I completely understand the impulse to want to shed unwanted fat that a healthy diet and exercise alone cannot sufficiently address. This is why I perform liposuction surgery and my signature Band Aid Liposuction procedure to help patients achieve the trimmer, healthier body contour they desire. Today, I wanted to specifically discuss the recovery period after liposuction and what my patients can expect after their fat removal procedures.
Liposuction is among the most in-demand cosmetic procedures for both male and female patients, due to its fantastic dependability and versatility for treating areas all over the body. During the procedure, I use a narrow tube known as a microcannula to break down fat deposits in the area targeted for treatment. Once they have been successfully loosened, fat cells are then gently suctioned out of the body, leading to a more attractive contour.
Recovery following liposuction is typically more simple and straightforward than many patients realize. Although some liposuction is performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning no overnight hospital stay will be required. Post-surgical bruising and swelling in the treated area is normal following the procedure. Wearing a compression garment during this time will be helpful. As these effects decrease in a week or two after surgery. Daily activities like work and light exercise will likely be able to resume within one to two weeks as well. However, it may be one to two months before the body can handle more strenuous, high impact physical activity such as jogging.
Due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, the recovery period following a Band Aid Liposuction surgery is even shorter and easier than that of a traditional liposuction procedure. This procedure is performed in-office under gentle numbing (not anesthesia) to help patients with only minor amounts of fat in the treatment areas. Most patients are able to drive themselves home after Band Aid Liposuction and resume their normal daily activities after 2-4 days. However, this varies from patient to patient.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon, I’m always happy to be able to reassure my patients regarding things like their recovery. If you are curious about liposuction and would like to learn more, schedule a consultation with me, Dr. John LeRoy. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter for additional tips, news, practice updates, and much more.