A double chin is a common complaint. Interestingly, sagging muscles and skin beneath the jaw line does not necessarily have anything to do with your weight. Weak muscle structure and overly elastic skin is typically to blame. Without surgery, there is no way to reverse a double chin. The most effective way of removing a double chin is to liposuction the fat, excise the excess skin and tighten the muscles. A chin lift, more commonly referred to as a chin tuck, is done under anesthesia.
Before the Chin Lift
You will be instructed to fast the evening before your surgery. Your doctor will inform you of which medications to avoid. Plan to take a two or three days off from work to recover from your chin tuck. The Cleveland Clinic indicates that smokers need to quit smoking two weeks before surgery. "You cannot just plan to cut down; you must not smoke for this time period to ensure proper healing. You must stop all forms of nicotine. Nicotine gum and nicotine skin patches can lead to the same healing problems caused by smoking."
During Surgery
While you are under anesthesia your surgeon will make an incision beneath the chin, hidden by the jaw line. The incisions provide access to the muscles for the surgeon to tighten and remove the fat.
Post-Op
Your incision will be sutured and depending on the kind of stitches used, they will either need to be removed, or will dissolve on their own.
What you Will Need After Surgery
Your doctor will prescribe pain medication. Once your pain is manageable, you will be able to take over-the-counter pain killers. You will also need gauze to keep your incisions clean. For the first few days, it will benefit you to wear clothes that button, so that you do not have to lift clothing over your face.
Recovery
Bruising and swelling typically lasts a few days. Tingling and tightness can linger for about 10 to 14 days. You may even feel some numbness in the weeks following your procedure. It's best to avoid physical activity for about two or three weeks.
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