Addressing the “Double Chin:” Trends in Submental Contouring

Liposuction is commonly used to address submental fullness. This method, however, is dependent on the quality of the patient’s skin. Injury to the marginal mandibular nerve as well as over suctioning of the fat can lead to contour irregularities. Additionally, isolated submental liposuction may not address submental fullness and the aging face fully; thus, a cervicoplasty consisting of an open liposuction and platysmaplasty is considered superior [4,5]. Laser lipolysis is often performed with liposuction to achieve facial rejuvenation. The Nd: YAG or CO2 laser may be used by selecting single or multiple wavelengths to target the submental fat. Because of the unfavorable side effect profile associated with the thermal damage induced by the laser, this modality is not popular amongst aesthetic surgeons. Moreover, the surgeon must be careful not to damage the marginal mandibular nerve [6,7].