If you are beginning to think about a cosmetic procedure to remove that pocket of fat under your chin, you are not alone. Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure that can permanently remove fat deposits. You can have the fat removed using liposuction or one of a number of tools at the surgeon's disposal. These methods typically require minimal downtime.
Significance
Only one method is proven to be clinically effective to remove fat deposits. That method is liposuction. Facial liposuction, also known as submental or submentum liposuction can get rid of the few ounces of fat under your chin. However, before considering liposuction you must be in good health to ensure you heal properly.
Time Frame
If you are considering major weight loss, postpone liposuction or other fat removal treatments until after you have reached your target weight. Weight loss can change the appearance of your face.
Considerations
Facial liposuction usually only removes a small amount of fat from under your chin. It can often be done under in your doctor's office or other outpatient facility. Your doctor may use local anesthesia to numb the area where he is working. In addition to the local medication you might also be sedated so that you are able to relax and stay still for the procedure. Regardless of the type of anesthesia used, you need to have someone available to drive you home.
If you choose non-surgical fat removal, determine the cost for the procedure and the number of times it must be repeated to gain results. Since under chin fat removal is a cosmetic procedure, your health care insurance typically does not cover the cost regardless of the type of procedure used.
Types
In addition to liposuction, your surgeon may try other methods to remove your under the chin fat deposit. One method is laser lipolysis which contours your body by removing fat under the skin by heating it. This method stimulates collagen tissue which produces a tighter appearance of your skin. Laser lipolysis minimizes the potential for pain and swelling you might encounter after liposuction. It is not yet approved in the U.S., as of 2010, but is used extensively in Europe and Latin America.
Another method is body sculpting with non-surgical ultrasound. This method of fat removal is based on aiming ultrasound waves at the fat cells under your chin. After your fat cells are bombarded with sound waves, the purportedly collapse. In 2010, the ultrasound technique of fat removal is not yet approved by the FDA.
Warning
All types of aesthetic surgery and treatment have risks. Talk with your health care provider to determine which is right for you and what you need to do to prepare for surgery if you choose liposuction. Also, look for a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist to perform the procedure. Clinical trials are under way to determine the effectiveness of laser and ultrasound treatments for fat removal.
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