Double chin lift: a solution for sagging?

What is a double chin lift?

The skin laxity beneath the chin is characterised by a sagging of the skin that loses tone and elasticity, resulting in a droopy, flaccid appearance. This phenomenon primarily arises from natural ageing, which leads to a progressive reduction in the production of collagen and elastin, proteins essential for maintaining skin firmness. Other contributing factors include weight fluctuations, heredity, and sun exposure over prolonged periods or even 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 thus operates on two levels: it removes surplus fat accumulated under the skin while tightening lax tissue. This dual action redefines the jawline, refines the profile and enhances the overall appearance of the neck and face. The operation requires the expertise of a qualified surgeon, supported by an experienced medical team, and must be performed in an appropriate clinical setting to ensure patient safety.

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How is the double chin lift procedure carried out?

It is important to understand that an appointment for a double chin lift cannot be arranged at the last minute. Like any surgical procedure, this operation requires rigorous preparation and compliance with several essential steps.

The first step is to consult a qualified healthcare professional capable of performing this type of procedure. During this appointment, the surgeon explains to the patient how the operation will proceed, the potential risks and the stages to follow post-operatively. The patient must also provide precise information about their medical history, allergies and ongoing treatments so that the surgeon can assess their suitability for the procedure. If surgery is feasible, a period of physical and mental preparation is necessary. This phase may include recommendations such as giving up smoking or alcohol, or temporarily discontinuing certain medications or foods that could influence the success of the operation. The double chin lift is generally carried out under local or general anaesthesia. The surgeon then makes small incisions, located beneath the chin or inside the mouth, through which he introduces cannulas to suction away excess fat. Subsequently, the neck muscles are tightened to improve muscle tone, and the excess skin is removed to ensure a harmonious aesthetic result.

The benefits of this procedure include a refined facial silhouette, tightened skin and an overall rejuvenated appearance. By correcting the skin laxity, the double chin lift provides visible results immediately after the operation, which are durable when the procedure is successful. Upon completion of the operation, a dressing or bandages are applied to the incised areas to limit swelling and promote healing. The patient receives detailed postoperative care instructions and attends regular follow-up consultations to ensure attentive monitoring of the recovery process.

Double chin lift using tensor threads is a less invasive option than a conventional facelift for reducing skin laxity. Inserted beneath the skin by means of fine needles or cannulas, these threads gradually stimulate collagen production, thus firming tissues in areas such as the neck or face. The bidirectional barbed threads provide better engagement and support of the skin thanks to small barbs oriented in two opposing directions. There are two main types: barbed threads, which offer moderate traction suitable for mild to moderate laxity, and cone threads, which deliver stronger traction and are suitable for more pronounced laxity or for more visible lifting effects.

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

Following a double chin lift, a slight swelling is generally observed. This postoperative symptom is common and tends to resolve naturally within a few days. However, as with any surgical procedure, certain complications may arise, although they remain rare. These can include the onset of bruising (ecchymoses), infections, abnormally heavy bleeding, persistent scarring, temporary or permanent numbness of the treated area, or an allergic reaction to the anaesthesia. Although these adverse effects are infrequent, they should be taken into account before the procedure. In the vast majority of cases, the operation proceeds without complication, the double chin lift being a technique well mastered by experienced plastic surgeons.

A study conducted between 2018 and 2019 on 58 patients, divided into three groups according to the treated areas, allowed the analysis of 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 represented 17.3% of cases. Post-operative complications were rigorously assessed by the surgeons. The most frequently observed adverse effects were bruising (30%, i.e. 17 cases), followed by pain (17.2%, i.e. 10 cases), swelling (6.9%, i.e. 4 cases) and dimpling (1.7%, i.e. 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.