Bothered by a Double Chin? You're Not Alone

Submental Liposuction at Evelina Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics

Some areas of fat, especially around the chin and neck, are stubborn by nature. Even with a consistent diet and regular exercise, this area can be tough to change. Genetics, aging, and weight shifts all play a role in how fat is stored under the chin.

At Evelina Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics in Atlanta, GA, Dr. Katherine B. Santosa, a board-certified female plastic surgeon, offers submental liposuction as a straightforward option to remove that stubborn fat and restore natural definition to your neck and jawline. With a focus on personalized, holistic care and results that look like you, just more refined, Dr. Santosa works with you to create a plan that fits your features and your goals.

The Basics of Submental Fat Removal

What Is Submental Liposuction?

Submental liposuction, also known as chin liposuction or neck liposuction, is a quick, minimally invasive surgical procedure that targets the fat right under the chin and along the upper neck. Using small, precise instruments, Dr. Santosa carefully removes fatty tissue to reshape and slim the neck area. It can be performed under local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. Dr. Santosa will explain the anesthesia and recovery plan during your consultation.

In some cases, Dr. Santosa may recommend combining this procedure with other treatments, like a chin implant or neck lift, to get the best overall balance and structure. The goal is to bring out your natural bone structure, not to change your face, but to help it look more defined and refreshed.

atlanta submental liposuction model with blonde hair

Small Change, Big Impact

Submental Liposuction Benefits

Submental liposuction can improve how your lower face and neck look in profile and in photos. It's a simple way to address an area that's often difficult to manage with lifestyle changes alone. Dr. Santosa offers submental liposuction Atlanta patients trust for benefits such as:

Sharper Jawline: Removes fat under the chin to help your jawline look cleaner and more sculpted.
Less Fullness: Targets unwanted fat that causes a double chin or heaviness in the neck.
Natural Contouring: Smooths and blends the neck and chin area without overdoing it.
Tiny Incisions: Small, hidden incisions mean minimal scarring.
Low Downtime: Many patients return to light daily activities within a few days.
Pairable With Other Treatments: Can be combined with a neck lift or chin augmentation if you want a more dramatic result.

Is This the Right Fit for You?

Submental Liposuction Candidates

Not every patient needs a full facelift to see real improvements. If you're mainly concerned with the area under your chin or around your neck, submental liposuction could be a great fit. Good skin elasticity helps the skin contract smoothly after fat removal. You're likely a good candidate if:

You Have a Double Chin or Fullness in the Neck: Whether it's from weight gain, genetics, or aging.
You Want Better Jawline Definition: But don't want to commit to a bigger facial surgery.
Your Weight is Stable: Big fluctuations after surgery can affect results.
You're in Good Health: And don't have conditions that could affect healing.
You Have Good Skin Quality: Elastic skin improves how smooth the area looks after fat removal.

What We're Targeting (and Fixing)

atlanta submental liposuction model with black hair

What Issues Does Submental Liposuction Address?

This procedure targets very specific concerns that bother many people but aren't easily fixed with non-surgical treatments. When considering submental liposuction, patients can expect the treatment to help with:

Double Chin: Reduces the appearance of extra fullness below the chin.
Fatty Tissue Under the Jaw: Removes localized fat that throws off facial balance.
Blurry or Soft Jawline: Creates sharper angles and more definition.
Neck Fullness: Refines the look of the neck area so it blends better with the face.

Choosing the Right Approach

Submental Liposuction vs. Kybella

Kybella is a prescription injectable made with deoxycholic acid, which breaks down fat cells beneath the chin so your body can gradually clear them. It can be a good fit when you have a relatively small pocket of submental fat, good skin elasticity, and a preference for treatment without surgery. Results develop over time, and reaching your desired contour may require several appointments. Swelling can also be noticeable after each session.

Submental liposuction removes the fat directly through tiny incisions, giving Dr. Santosa greater control over how your chin, jawline, and upper neck are shaped. Since the fat is removed during one procedure, liposuction usually creates a more immediate and predictable change than a series of injections, although you'll need to wear a compression garment while the area heals.

Both options depend on your skin contracting smoothly after the fat is reduced. During your consultation, Dr. Santosa will consider the amount and location of fullness, your skin quality, and the level of definition you want before recommending the most appropriate treatment.

Submental Liposuction vs. a Neck Lift

Submental liposuction works best when excess fat is softening your jawline, and the skin over your neck still has enough elasticity to tighten after the fat is removed. It can create a slimmer profile through a short procedure without removing skin or adjusting the deeper muscles of your neck.

A neck lift addresses a different set of concerns, including loose skin, visible neck bands, and deeper tissue laxity. During neck lift surgery, Dr. Santosa can tighten the underlying muscles, remove excess skin, and refine the transition from your chin to your neck. Liposuction may be incorporated when extra fat is also present.

If your concern involves both fullness and skin laxity, combining submental liposuction with a neck lift may produce a smoother, more complete result. Dr. Santosa will examine what is creating the heaviness beneath your chin so that your surgical plan addresses the correct layer.

Getting Ready for Your Procedure

Consultation and Preparation

Our Atlanta submental liposuction patients begin with a consultation focused on their goals and whether this treatment is the right match. Dr. Santosa will review your medical history, check your skin quality and facial structure, and walk you through the options available to you. She'll also explain any other facial procedures, like a chin implant or neck lift, that might help create a more balanced look if needed. To get ready for surgery, you may be asked to:

Review Medications and Supplements: Follow your surgical team's instructions, especially for those that affect bleeding or healing.
Stop Smoking: Smoking can delay recovery and increase risks.
Set Up a Ride Home: You won't be able to drive yourself afterward.
Follow Basic Pre-Op Instructions: Follow your surgical team's specific instructions about when to stop eating and drinking before your procedure.

What the Day of Surgery Looks Like

Your Submental Liposuction Procedure

Local anesthesia is used to numb the treatment area. Dr. Santosa will confirm the appropriate anesthesia plan if other procedures are combined with liposuction. Once you're comfortable, Dr. Santosa makes one or two small incisions, usually behind the ears or just under the chin. She then uses a thin tube called a cannula to gently remove the fat cells from the neck and chin area.

Submental liposuction alone usually takes less than an hour. If you've decided to combine it with a neck lift or chin augmentation, those may be performed during the same session when appropriate. Afterward, your neck will be wrapped with a compression garment to help reduce swelling and support the healing tissues.

What Happens After Surgery

Results, Recovery, and Aftercare

Recovery from submental liposuction is typically pretty manageable. You'll likely notice some swelling and bruising during the first week, but many patients feel comfortable returning to desk work and light daily activities within a few days. The compression garment will help control swelling and encourage smooth healing. Here's how to care for the area afterward:

Wear Your Compression Garment: This keeps pressure on the area to minimize swelling.
Keep Your Incisions Clean: Gently wash the area and avoid harsh products.
Resume Exercise as Directed: Avoid intense workouts until Dr. Santosa clears you to resume them.
Stay Out of the Sun: Especially while bruising is present.

You'll start to notice visible improvements as the swelling goes down, with your final results settling in over one to three months. If you keep your weight stable, those results can last for years.

Expert Hands. Honest Care.

Why Choose Submental Liposuction with Dr. Santosa?

Dr. Katherine B. Santosa, MD, MS, is a board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced training in both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. She earned her medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine, completed her surgical residency at the University of Michigan, and went on to train under Dr. Foad Nahai, an internationally recognized leader in facial aesthetic surgery, through a prestigious aesthetic fellowship.

Her approach to care is personal, honest, and holistic. Dr. Santosa is known for listening closely, offering thoughtful recommendations, and creating plans that prioritize both form and function. At Evelina Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics, she brings her deep expertise in facial surgery into every submental liposuction procedure, helping patients achieve balanced, natural-looking results they feel great about.

Ready to Learn More? Let's Talk

Schedule Your Submental Liposuction Consultation

If you're tired of seeing extra fullness under your chin or along your neck, submental liposuction may be the solution you've been looking for. At Evelina Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics, we take the time to understand what matters to you and create a plan that fits.

Call (404) 902-2485 or use our online form to book your consultation at our Sandy Springs office.

Submental Liposuction Frequently Asked Questions

Is Submental Liposuction painful?

Most patients feel very little discomfort during the procedure thanks to local anesthesia. Afterward, you may feel some soreness, but it's usually mild.

How long is Submental Liposuction recovery?

Most people return to work and light activities within a few days. Bruising and swelling can last about 1-2 weeks.

What are the risks associated with Submental Liposuction?

Like any surgery, submental liposuction carries risks, including infection, bleeding, bruising, contour irregularities, changes in sensation, and anesthesia-related complications. Dr. Santosa will discuss your individual risks during your consultation.

How long do Submental Liposuction results last?

Results are long-lasting as long as you maintain a stable weight and healthy habits.

How much does Submental Liposuction cost?

The cost of submental liposuction varies based on your specific treatment plan and whether it's combined with other procedures. We'll give you a detailed quote during your consultation.

When submental liposuction is combined with a chin implant or neck lift, your quote will also account for the additional surgical time, anesthesia, facility fees, and implant cost when applicable. Completing complementary procedures together may be more cost-efficient than scheduling separate surgeries, although Dr. Santosa will recommend a combined plan only when it meaningfully improves your facial balance.

YOUR BEST FUTURE Begins Here

Discuss your personalized treatment with Dr. Santosa today

Dr. Santosa delivers a well-rounded treatment experience through combined science, compassion, and experience. Begin your journey with trusted board-certified Atlanta plastic surgeon Dr. Katherine B. Santosa in Sandy Springs, and rest assured that you have selected your best path to exquisite results.

At Evelina Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics, we are proud to be a women-owned practice committed to delivering exceptional care and outstanding results. Our dedication to excellence ensures that we stand out as a trusted choice for premier plastic surgery and aesthetic services in the Atlanta-metro area.

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