Issue 9.10
“Does your CHIN hang low…does it wobble to and fro…can you tie it in a knot…can you tie it in a bow?” This version of an old-time favorite song often reminds me of my patients’ chief complaint. Unfortunately, as we age, everything begins to “hang low, wobble and jiggle” in all the wrong places.
Female patients are most bothered by those pesky sags and bags – especially the neck and chin. My patients often say, “I decided to come see you the day I looked in the mirror and thought my MOTHER was looking back at me.” Some refer to this neck sagging as the “Gobbler deformity” because they think they look like a turkey.
Bulk or fullness because of fat deposits, commonly called a “double-chin,” is also often the patient’s concern. Double chins are often a family trait, not just a sign of being a little overweight. That being said, let’s talk “TURKEY.” What can be done to make this saggy/baggy neck disappear?
A double chin due to fat deposits can be improved by reducing the fat with liposuction. You’ll see ads for lipo-contouring, tumescent lipo, quick-lipo, cool-lipo, lipo-sculpture etc. Essentially, all are just liposuction. The training and education of the person doing the liposuction should be your most important concern. Although the chin is a small area, it should not be cared for by any “Joe” who owns a liposuction machine.
Loose chin and neck skin can be tightened by several methods. Let’s examine the least invasive to the most significant and effective:
· Chemical peels come in different strengths and depths of penetration.
· Laser skin resurfacing can tighten loose skin more deeply than chemical peels.
· CO2 and Fraxel lasers cause skin to contract and reduce lines and wrinkles.
· String lifts have been shown to make a nice improvement, but the results are very short-lived and very costly.
· Surgical neck lifts will permanently remove skin and give the longest results. These should only be performed by plastic surgeons.
Remember to be evaluated by a plastic surgeon who is board certified in the specialty of Plastic Surgery. Less trained “cosmetic-surgeons” do not recognize that some skin looseness is caused by underlying muscle bands. Many disappointed patients do not know there is a significant difference in training, experience and expertise.
Dr. Marcus L. Peterson graduated from BYU and attended Medical School at USUHS in Bethesda, Md. He is board certified in both General Surgery and Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. His practice is at the Center for Advanced Plastic Surgery in St. George, Utah. To ask Dr. Peterson any questions regarding plastic surgery, e-mail him at mpeterson@infowest.com or call him at 435-628-2895.