Face
Submental Liposuction
Liposuction of the fat beneath the chin and along the upper neck to sharpen the jawline and the angle between the chin and neck. Appropriate for patients with a localized fat pocket and good skin elasticity, rather than loose skin or muscle banding.
Overview
Submental liposuction removes the subcutaneous fat that sits beneath the chin and along the upper neck — the tissue responsible for a soft or full under-chin contour. Through one small incision hidden in the crease under the chin, and sometimes one behind each earlobe, Dr. Azadgoli passes a fine cannula to suction the fat and refine the cervicomental angle, the line between the chin and neck that defines the lower face in profile. The procedure addresses fat only: it does not tighten muscle or remove skin, which is why candidate selection determines the result. A patient with isolated submental fat and skin that still retracts gets a clean, durable contour; a patient with significant skin laxity or visible platysmal bands needs a necklift instead. Dr. Azadgoli assesses skin quality and the underlying platysma muscle during consultation to determine which procedure, or combination, fits the anatomy. On its own it is a short outpatient procedure with a faster recovery than a necklift, and it is frequently combined with chin augmentation, a deep-plane facelift, or buccal fat removal when the goal involves more than fat alone.
Who it's for
The right candidate.
Patients with a localized pocket of fat under the chin and good skin elasticity — skin that still retracts on its own once the fat is removed. Most appropriate when the contour is driven by fat rather than loose skin or muscle. Not for patients with significant skin laxity, heavy platysmal bands, or fullness that is mostly skin and muscle; those are better served by a necklift.
Technique
How it's done.
Through a single incision hidden in the crease under the chin — and occasionally one behind each earlobe — Dr. Azadgoli passes a fine cannula to suction the submental and upper-neck fat in even, controlled passes. Working in a uniform layer avoids contour irregularities and keeps a smooth transition into the jawline. The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or under general anesthesia, depending on the case and whether it is combined with other work.
Where this happens
Our own surgery center.
One roof, one team.
Dr. Azadgoli operates at The Practice Healthcare's fully independent, on-property ambulatory surgery center — a Medicare-certified, physician-led facility recognized by Newsweek as one of California's top centers for independent, privately owned surgery.
Consultation, surgery, aftercare, and recovery all happen in one building, with the same team. No outside hospital. No new staff to meet the day of surgery. The same person who checked you in at the consult is there when you wake up.
What to expect
From consultation to recovery.
An outpatient procedure, typically under an hour on its own. A chin compression strap is worn most of the day for the first one to two weeks. Swelling and bruising are most visible in the first week and resolve over two to three weeks; the final contour settles over two to three months as the tissue redrapes. Most patients return to work within a week.
Patient results
Real cases.
Insurance & coverage
Patient Advocacy handles the paperwork.
Our advocacy team verifies benefits, pursues pre-authorizations, and appeals denials. You don't navigate insurance on your own.
Cosmetic procedures are generally not covered by insurance. For reconstructive or medically necessary work, our advocacy team verifies your benefits and presents the out-of-pocket estimate before anything is scheduled.
How we work with insurance
- 1 Verification by expertsOur advocacy team verifies your benefits before any procedure — so we know exactly what is and is not covered.
- 2 Patient advocacy & follow-throughWe aggressively pursue pre-authorizations, appeal denials when appropriate, and hold carriers accountable to their commitments.
- 3 Financial transparencyYou receive a clear written estimate of potential out-of-pocket costs. No surprises on the day of surgery.
- 4 Collaboration with carriersOur team handles documentation and communication directly with your insurance company.
- 5 Options & supportIf a procedure is not covered, we walk you through cash-pay options, financing, and other pathways to care.
FAQ
Common questions.
Will the fat come back?
The fat cells removed during liposuction do not regenerate. Significant weight gain can enlarge the fat cells that remain, so a stable weight preserves the result. For most patients at a steady weight, the contour is durable.
Do I need a necklift instead?
It depends on what is creating the fullness. If it is fat with good overlying skin, liposuction alone is enough. If there is loose skin or visible muscle banding, liposuction will not address it and a necklift is the better procedure. Dr. Azadgoli makes this assessment by examining skin quality and the platysma muscle in consultation.
Will there be a visible scar?
The incision under the chin is a few millimeters and sits in the natural shadow of the chin crease, where it becomes difficult to see once healed. Any incisions behind the earlobes are similarly hidden.
Can submental liposuction be combined with other procedures?
Yes — it is commonly paired with chin augmentation to strengthen a recessive chin, with a deep-plane facelift, or with buccal fat removal when the goal is broader lower-face definition. Combining means one recovery rather than several.
How is this different from Kybella or CoolSculpting under the chin?
Liposuction physically removes the fat in a single procedure with an immediate, predictable result. Non-surgical options like Kybella (an injectable) or cryolipolysis reduce fat gradually over multiple sessions and suit smaller deposits. Liposuction handles a larger volume and gives the surgeon direct control over the final contour.
Is there much downtime?
Less than a necklift. Most patients are back to work within a week and wear the chin strap under clothing or at home. Strenuous exercise waits two to three weeks.
How much does it cost?
Cost depends on whether it is performed alone or combined with another procedure, plus anesthesia and facility time. Our team provides a written estimate in consultation so there are no surprises.
Related procedures
Ready to discuss submental liposuction?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Azadgoli and her team to explore your options.
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