Submentoplasty

It was referred to by the ABC 20/20 news program in 1997 as the "weekend facelift". Submentoplasty is an ideal procedure for those patients with mild to moderate laxity of the neck with no significant jowling in the lower face. Dr. McMenamin refers to this procedure as “the younger person’s facelift” because it is most successful on those patients under the age of 45.

Submentoplasty rejuvenates the chin and neck area without the all of the incisions utilized in a traditional facelift. It can give dramatic results in those persons who still have good elasticity and integrity in their skin. The dissection is less, the incision is minimal, and the recovery is shorter than for a traditional facelift. With the introduction of the Smartlift™, laser assisted face lift, submentoplasty has become less popular. However, it may still be the best option for some patients.

The Procedure

Dr. McMenamin does this procedure in our accredited operating room under local anesthesia and IV sedation. No general anesthesia requiring intubation (tube put in the throat or nose) is used. An incision is made under the chin and tunnels are made on the neck and face with small tubes called cannulas and a small amount of fat may be suctioned away while liposculpting the area. The skin and fat layer is then lifted from the deeper tissue on the neck to allow visual sculpting of the deeper tissue. This accomplished, the incision under the chin is closed with suture and a compressive gauze dressing is applied. Over time, the incision will fade and become almost invisible.

For those patients with a weak or retracted chin, submentoplasty is an ideal procedure to combine with a chin implant. By augmenting the chin along with sculpting the neck, a very balanced and pleasing profile can be accomplished.

Recovery

The recovery from this procedure is similar to a traditional facelift except it is shorter in duration. You will graduate to an elastic facial support garment that you will wear 24 hours a day for about one week, then only at night for another 2 weeks. You will be asked to sleep elevated, as in a recliner chair, during the first week after surgery. Icing the area will help significantly with post operative swelling and pain along with taking Tylenol as directed. A stronger medication will be supplied to you in the event you need something stronger. Detailed post operative instructions will be given to you.

Longevity

For those persons who are good candidates for this procedure, results can last for 10 years or more depending on skin type, genetics, the result of normal aging, and other factors.

If you think submentoplasty may be a good procedure for you, or if you would like to discuss other options for rejuvenation of the neck and low face, please call the office. (916) 564-8888