Dr. Alberto Henao M.
Facial Plastic Surgery
LIPOPAPADA
Double chin liposuction is a cosmetic surgery designed to remove the fat that accumulates from the chin to the neck. It is frequently a surgery that is combined with the correction of submental sagging by means of a mini-cervical lift for better results.
This operation is especially demanded by people who have a very open angle of the neck, which, with the accumulation of fat, looks like an obese neck.
Diagnostic Appointment
The surgical plan must be carried out by the surgeon and the patient in common agreement, establishing the defects to be corrected, the expected results and the way to achieve them.
Within the pre-surgical study, photographic analysis is basic to make an adequate diagnosis of the patient's alterations, planning and successful management, it works as a kind of map for the otolaryngologist during the performance of the surgery and also serves to compare postoperative results. Through the photographic analysis, your surgeon can carry out the study and take the pertinent measurements of the facial components that are going to be operated, and also make a projection of the expected results for each patient.
These photographs must be taken by a professional, from various angles and in different positions, and according to each surgeon, be used for the study in digital media or printed on paper.
It is also important to carry out the relevant laboratory tests to be evaluated by the anesthesiologist and take all the necessary precautions.
The recommendations given by the surgeon should be followed to the letter:
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Do not consume medications that contain salicylic acid (Aspirin) and derivatives.
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Not have smoked at least 20 days before surgery.
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Report possible allergies to medications.
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Maintain realistic expectations regarding the results of the surgery.
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Not having ingested alcoholic beverages 5 days before.
You are a perfect candidate if:
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You have an accumulation of fat in the lower part of the jaw, which is not just skin.
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If you want to give the contour of the face a slimmer look.
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When the lower part of your jaw is overweight, you are not suffering from this.
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Process
It is a procedure that is performed under general anesthesia. Depending on the case, it will be necessary to perform a small liposuction to remove the fatty tissue accumulated under the skin. In young patients, it may be sufficient to improve the appearance of the neck.
Other patients require additional tissue tension under the skin, which can be done with the help of an endoscope, which is a rigid lens that allows the surgeon to directly view the tissues on a screen. Subsequently, skin management is performed according to the needs of the patient, it is possible to dry excess skin or relocate the tissues.
Having the patient in a surgical position, a special liquid solution called a tumescent solution is infiltrated into the neck. This has special components that minimize pain and the possibility of bleeding.
Subsequently, small incisions of approximately 5 mm are made; These are located in inconspicuous places, one in each infralobular fold (below the ear) and the other in the submental region in the midline, generally coinciding with a natural wrinkle.
Subsequently, aspiration microcannulas are used, with which the excess fat in this region will be aspirated. The procedure must be done very carefully, ensuring that the extraction of fat is precise and symmetrical in the different areas of the neck. Finally, small sutures are placed at the incision sites, thus ending the double chin surgery.
After the procedure, a bandage and an elastic band will be placed to maintain compression.
Postoperative and care after a Lipopada
In the postoperative period, the discomfort is very slight and recovery is quick. In just one week the patient gets a normal appearance. The results of the liposuction of the double chin together with the correction of the submental sagging are definitive. The patient must be responsible with his diet with a healthy and balanced diet.
Medical recommendations:
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The use of the belt is recommended for 15 days as long as possible
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You should consume soft food the first two days, after which your diet may be normal.
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You should maintain rest at home for the first 2 to 5 days.
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Although the pain is usually minimal, a painkiller and an antibiotic are included in the formulated medications, you should take them according to the indications noted in the formula.
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To facilitate the resolution of inflammation, you should not expose yourself to direct sunlight for the first month.
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During the time you are awake you should avoid lying down. During the first week it is advisable to sleep with the pillow elevated.
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Do not lift heavy weights or do intense physical activity for at least a week. You can start running or non-contact exercises after 2 weeks. It is advisable to wait 4 weeks to practice more intense exercises.
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Remember to follow the prescribed treatment.
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The patient must wear a compression or chin guard at least 20 hours a day for the first 5 days and then only at night, the following 15 days.
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Pieces of gauze can be placed between the incisions and the compression garment during the first hours after surgery, to absorb the drainage of the tumescent anesthetic solution.
The above are general indications. Remember that the success of the surgery depends largely on the postoperative care. In general terms, you can return to your activity in a period of 2 to 5 days, as long as you are not exposed to severe physical effort or high risk of trauma or blows to the face.
