Double Chin Lift: A Solution to Skin Laxity?

What is a double chin lift?

The skin laxity under the chin appears as sagging skin that loses firmness and elasticity, creating a flaccid, drooping look. This condition mainly results from the natural aging process, which gradually reduces the production of collagen and elastin, proteins that are essential for maintaining skin firmness. Other contributing factors include weight fluctuations, heredity, sun exposure over extended periods, as well as gravity.

The double chin lift is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat and skin located beneath the chin. This procedure, sometimes called neck liposuction or mentoplasty, aims to restore a more harmonious contour to the lower face. The double chin lift therefore works on two levels: it removes excess fat accumulated beneath the skin while also tightening lax skin. This dual action helps redefine the jawline, refine the profile, and improve the overall appearance of the neck and face. This operation requires the expertise of a qualified surgeon, supported by an experienced medical team, and must be performed in an appropriate medical setting to ensure patient safety.

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How is the double chin lift procedure performed?

It is important to understand that a double chin lift cannot be scheduled at the last minute. Like any surgical procedure, this operation requires rigorous preparation and strict adherence to several essential steps.

The first step is to consult a qualified healthcare professional who is trained to perform this type of procedure. During this appointment, the surgeon explains how the operation will proceed, the potential risks, and the steps to follow after the intervention. The patient must also provide detailed information about their medical history, allergies, and current medications so that the surgeon can assess their eligibility for the procedure. If surgery is deemed possible, a period of physical and mental preparation is necessary. This phase may include recommendations such as stopping tobacco or alcohol use, or temporarily discontinuing certain medications or foods that could affect the success of the operation. Double chin lift surgery is generally performed under local or general anesthesia. The surgeon then makes small incisions beneath the chin or inside the mouth, through which they insert cannulas to suction out excess fat. Next, the neck muscles are tightened to improve firmness, and any surplus skin is removed to ensure a harmonious aesthetic result.

The benefits of this procedure include a refined facial contour, tightened skin, and an overall rejuvenated appearance. By correcting the cutaneous laxity, the double chin lift yields visible results immediately after the procedure, which prove long-lasting when it is successful. After surgery, a dressing or bandages are applied to the incision sites to limit swelling and promote healing. The patient is provided with detailed postoperative care instructions and attends regular follow-up appointments to ensure close monitoring of the recovery process.

Double chin lift by suspension threads is a less invasive option than a traditional facelift for reducing skin laxity. Inserted under the skin with fine needles or cannulas, these threads gradually stimulate collagen production, thereby firming tissues in areas such as the neck or face. The bidirectional barbed threads allow for better anchoring and retention of the skin thanks to small barbs oriented in two opposite directions. There are two main types: barbed threads, which offer moderate traction suitable for mild to moderate laxity, and cone threads, which provide stronger traction and are suitable for more pronounced laxity or more noticeable lifting results.

Are there any potential complications associated with double chin lift surgery?

Following a double chin lift, mild swelling is typically observed. This postoperative symptom is common and generally subsides naturally within a few days. However, as with any surgical procedure, certain complications can occur, although they remain rare. Among these, one can cite the occurrence of ecchymosis (bruising), infections, abnormally heavy bleeding, persistent scarring, temporary or permanent numbness in the treated area, or an allergic reaction to anesthesia. Although these adverse effects are infrequent, they should be taken into account before the procedure. In most cases, the operation proceeds without complication, as the double chin lift is a procedure well controlled by experienced plastic surgeons.

A study conducted between 2018 and 2019 on 58 patients, divided into three groups according to the treated areas, analyzed potential complications associated with APTOS thread surgery. The sample included 45 women and 13 men, aged 30 to 76 years. Among the treated areas, the neck accounted for 17.3% of cases. Postoperative complications were rigorously evaluated by the surgeons. The most frequently observed adverse effects were bruising (30%, 17 cases), followed by pain (17.2%, 10 cases), swelling (6.9%, 4 cases), and dimpling (1.7%, 1 case).

The double chin lift is contraindicated in cases of coagulation disorders, metabolic or autoimmune diseases, pregnancy, poor skin elasticity, or significant comorbidities. In the event of side effects, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional.