Patient Interview: Submental Liposuction Experience
Posted January 30, 2023 in Board Certification, Plastic Surgery Advice, Surgical Procedures, Uncategorized
Have you ever wanted to do something about that stubborn pocket of fat beneath your chin, but find losing weight hasn’t gotten you the desired effect? The submental area (under the chin) is nearly impossible to target with diet and exercise alone. Below is an interview with one of our patients who received liposuction to the chin and neck, and her experience during the procedure.
Why did you want to get liposuction to the chin and neck?
I had under the chin and neck liposuction with Dr. Stoeckel in August 2022 with local anesthesia. I wanted to get it done before my wedding, just so that I could look and feel my best for the pictures on my wedding day. It’s completely normal to have a little fat in this area, but it is impossible to get rid of and target that fat with exercise.
What was your surgery day like?
The procedure was not very long and Dr. Stoeckel did an amazing job. I was led to the OR by the nursing team (who are all fantastic), and they helped me get comfortable before the procedure started. Dr. Stoeckel came in and numbed my neck and chin with lidocaine so that I would not feel anything, and to make me as comfortable as possible. After I was numb, Dr. Stoeckel began the procedure and inserted a canula to remove the fat from the underside of my chin and neck. I also used the ProNox machine during my surgery and that helped me feel more relaxed.
(Note: ProNox is a self-administered “laughing gas” composed of oxygen and nitrous oxide, which patients at our office may use during local or aesthetic procedures to help ease their anxiety and discomfort.)
After he was done, the nurse placed a compression wrap around my head and I went home with my husband. I kept the wrap on for about a week, and at my one-week post-operative appointment Dr. Stoeckel said I didn’t need to wear it anymore.
How was your recovery at home?
I did experience some heavy bruising on my neck, which is completely normal with liposuction procedures. Some things that I found helped me during recovery at home were taking Arnica Montana supplements, and applying Reform and Repair from Alastin Skincare, a skin care product that is formulated to help accelerate the healing process. I used that for about three weeks and saw a huge difference in how fast the bruising was going away.
How do you feel now?
It has been about six months since my surgery, and I do not regret it at all! In fact, if I were to ever fluctuate in weight, I would definitely want to get it done again. It seems like such a small thing, but once that little bit of extra fat was gone, I felt like a weight was lifted off me that I didn’t even know I was carrying. I feel more confident taking pictures now and I love my results.
This patient’s before and after photos, taken roughly 3 months apart.
If you are interested in liposuction or any of the other procedures we offer, please call our office or send in an inquiry here. To learn more about liposuction, check out our informational page and gallery of before and after photos.