Tips for Selecting a Plastic Surgeon
If you’re reading this article, you may have a double chin and have probably already considered chin liposuction. But first things first: a double chin is caused by localized deposits of excess fat beneath your chin (in the submental area) and, sometimes, the jawline.
Your chin and neck play a significant role in your appearance; a well-defined neck and chin create a more youthful appearance. If you are close to your ideal weight but still can’t get rid of your double chin despite a diet and healthy lifestyle, chin liposuction is a great option if you’re the right candidate. However, it’s essential to consider several factors when selecting the right plastic surgeon in New York City.
New York is a hub for top plastic surgeons with additional training and expertise in various subspecialties, including head and neck and facial procedures. However, it is crucial to accurately assess each plastic surgeon you may be considering. This article provides key information to help you find the best NYC plastic surgeon for removing excess chin fat through chin liposuction.
Understanding Chin Liposuction: The Basics
Chin liposuction, also known as “chin lipo,” is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that generally uses a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. However, some surgeons elect to perform this procedure under IV sedation ( also known as twilight anesthesia) or even general anesthesia.
A surgeon will make a small incision under the chin in a relatively hidden area during a chin liposuction procedure. If you also have excess fatty deposits under the jawline, then an extended chin liposuction may be performed. For this type of chin liposuction, you may have a tiny incision on each side behind your earlobes. Through these incisions, the surgeon inserts a small cannula, a hollow tube attached to a suction machine, and carefully removes excess fatty deposits, resulting in a well-defined chin and jawline.
Non-surgical options to remove excess fat deposits beneath the chin, like Kybella or CoolSculpting, offer less predictable results, especially if skin elasticity is poor. Ideal candidates for chin liposuction have good skin elasticity, don’t smoke, and have realistic expectations.
Why Choosing the Right NYC Plastic Surgeon Matters
Getting the desired results in Chin Liposuction largely depends on selecting the right plastic surgeon to perform the procedure. The benefits of choosing a plastic surgeon with experience or specialization in chin liposuction include better outcomes, a natural-looking appearance, and a lower risk of complications. Meanwhile, choosing an inexperienced surgeon involves many risks for patients, including complications like an uneven contour, excessive bruising, prolonged recovery, and poor cosmetic results.
How to Select a Top Plastic Surgeon for Chin Liposuction in NYC?
Qualified surgeons performing chin liposuction and related facial cosmetic surgeries in New York City typically have extensive and specialized training. Here’s a breakdown of the post-graduate training pathways that can lead to a specialty in plastic surgery:
Plastic surgery residency
After medical school, a plastic surgery residency can be completed through two pathways. The first is a six-year residency integrating general and plastic surgery training. The second involves completing a five-year general surgery residency, followed by a two— to three—year independent residency in plastic surgery. Both pathways provide comprehensive training in reconstructive and aesthetic procedures involving the face, breast, body, and extremities.
Otolaryngology (ENT) residency
Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeons perform cosmetic surgeries on the face and neck. They complete a five-year residency focusing on head and neck anatomy, surgery, facial reconstruction, and cosmetic procedures. They often pursue further training in facial plastic surgery through a fellowship.
Fellowship training for top NYC chin liposuction plastic surgeons
After completing plastic surgery residency, surgeons can pursue additional training, such as a fellowship in their specific area of interest, which usually lasts an extra year after residency. Surgeons who specialize in plastic surgery work on the face and neck, using advanced techniques for procedures such as chin and neck liposuction. They receive thorough training in advanced methods, including facial rejuvenation, chin and neck contouring, and facelifts. They also learn reconstruction, eyelid surgery, and rhinoplasty, which reshapes the nose. Additionally, they train with fillers and injectables.
A fellowship-trained surgeon offers greater technical precision and a deeper understanding of subtle facial anatomy differences, which can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications for their patients.
Credentials to Look For When Choosing a Top NYC Surgeon for Chin Lipo
- Completion of an accredited plastic surgery or otolaryngology residency
- Board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS)
- Fellowship training in plastic surgery of the face
Meet Dr. John Mesa, a NYC Plastic Surgeon specializing in extended chin liposuction.
Dr. Mesa, a native of Colombia, received his MD degree from the Universidad de Antioquia in Colombia, South America. He then came to the United States to train in General Surgery at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and subsequently in Plastic Surgery at Pennsylvania State University.
Upon completing his residency training, Dr. Mesa pursued a fellowship in subspecialty craniofacial surgery, focusing on the reconstruction of pediatric and adult faces, at the prestigious University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He then pursued a second fellowship in aesthetic surgery (cosmetic surgery of the face and body) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham under the mentorship of world-renowned Plastic Surgeon Dr. Luis O. Vasconez. Dr. Mesa also completed a third fellowship in plastic surgery research at Harvard’s Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA. He remains active in various professional organizations for the advancement of the science and art of plastic surgery.
- Dr. Mesa is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), which is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
- The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the largest and oldest society of plastic surgeons in the world. Its members must be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. ASPS is recognized as an authoritative source of knowledge in the field. Dr. Mesa has been an active member of the organization, serving on the Education Committee.
- He is a member of the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons, which represents surgeons in the United States who specialize in reconstructing bones and soft tissues and enhancing facial features. As a member of the ASMS board, he has represented residents and fellows.
- Dr. Mesa is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the world’s leading organization devoted entirely to advancing the practice of cosmetic plastic surgery and cosmetic medicine of the face and body through continuing education, research, and training. The Aesthetic Society is comprised of over 4,000 members. Active Members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (USA) or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and have undergone extensive training in a wide range of surgical and nonsurgical aesthetic procedures. Members have access to the latest advances in the field.
- Dr. Mesa is also a distinguished member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), the premier global organization for elite board-certified plastic surgeons specializing in aesthetic procedures. Membership in ISAPS is highly selective, granted only to surgeons who have passed a rigorous peer-review process and demonstrated exceptional training, ethics, and commitment to excellence. This prestigious affiliation means that when you choose Dr. Mesa for your chin liposuction procedure, you are trusting your care to a surgeon recognized worldwide for delivering the highest standards in safety, artistry, and results.
Other Doctors Who May Advertise Chin Liposuction
Unfortunately, many doctors who are not board-certified in plastic or facial plastic surgery, or even surgery, may advertise and perform facial cosmetic procedures. These can include:
- Family medicine or general practitioners (GPs)
- Internists
- Obstetrician/gynecologists
- Emergency medicine doctors
- Dentists or oral surgeons
Be wary of physicians with unclear or vague specialty listings such as “cosmetic surgery” or “aesthetic medicine.” These labels are often used by healthcare providers who haven’t had formal plastic surgery training and do not qualify to take plastic or facial plastic surgery board exams that the American Board of Medical Specialties recognizes.
Some doctors and other healthcare providers, including nurse practitioners, might advertise treatments such as Botox, fillers, Kybella, laser resurfacing, minor liposuction, thread lifts, or other minimally invasive facial procedures. They usually receive limited training from short, weekend-style courses or industry-sponsored seminars, rather than rigorous, accredited surgical training.
Risks of choosing untrained providers to remove your double chin
- There is a higher risk of complications that include infection, scarring, nerve injury, and bleeding.
- Poor aesthetic outcomes (unevenness, unnatural appearance, minimal improvement)
- Limited capability to handle complications or emergencies properly
Red flags to help you spot doctors without adequate training and expertise in chin lipo
- Their credentials are vague and unrelated to facial plastic surgery.
- They may offer a broad range of unrelated procedures.
- Their prices may be significantly lower than market rates or “specials.”
- The office or facility is not accredited for surgical procedures.
Do Dermatologists Perform Chin Lipo?
Dermatologists focus on skin health and mainly perform non-surgical and minimally invasive facial procedures. Many have extensive training in injectables, such as Botox and dermal fillers like Juvederm and Restylane, as well as treatments like Kybella injections and non-surgical skin tightening. Some dermatologists also finish fellowships in cosmetic dermatology or Mohs micrographic surgery. Dermatologists might also perform surgical procedures, including minor lifts, removal of skin lesions, or small-volume liposuction.
However, dermatologists do not usually perform extensive surgical facial procedures, such as large-volume liposuction of the chin or neck, or neck lifts. If you are considering seeing a dermatologist for chin fat removal, you should confirm that their surgical training and experience with liposuction of the chin are fairly extensive.
The bottom line is to choose a top NYC plastic surgeon with appropriate training and credentials.
To minimize your risk of complications and obtain the best cosmetic result, always choose a surgeon who is
- Certified in Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or Facial Plastic Surgery (ABFPRS), the only ABMS-recognized board certification in facial plastic surgery.
- Dermatologists should be fellowship-trained in cosmetic procedures and usually perform limited, minimally invasive treatments.
Always confirm your surgeon’s credentials. This is easy online; you can complete a request on the certifying board’s website. You should always feel comfortable asking a prospective plastic surgeon about their training, experience, and outcomes. Specific questions you should ask include how many chin liposuction procedures the surgeon has performed. Ask about the volume as a percentage of the practice.
Examine Before and After Photos of Chin Liposuction
Every top NYC plastic surgeon has a portfolio of before-and-after photos that demonstrate their work. Look through their before-and-after photos of chin liposuction procedures and other facial and neck treatments. This will help you determine whether you like their style and whether their sense of aesthetics aligns with yours. Look for consistent results with a natural appearance and focus on similar cases.
Even though the chin lipo procedure, depending upon the method, is performed similarly by every plastic surgeon, there is an art to determining how much fat to remove and where to remove it. These differences between surgeons can be subtle, but you can get a good sense of their vision by examining their work in photos. Looking through before-and-after images will also help you define your expectations.
Surgeons sometimes use different techniques. Below, we will examine the various liposuction techniques and when they are suitable for removing a double chin.
Read the Reviews When Selecting a Top NYC Plastic Surgeon
Read as many reviews as possible, but be sure to select reputable websites, such as Google, Google Maps, and the surgeon’s website. Instead of solely relying on magazine rankings or promotional awards, always cross-check a surgeon’s name through official medical boards, real patient reviews, and verified medical societies.
Are Magazine Rankings Reliable?
While magazine rankings, such as those from Allure or New York Magazine’s Top Doctors, can be appealing, their reliability varies significantly. Many magazine rankings and “Best Doctors” lists combine peer nominations and paid advertising.
Magazine Rankings: What to Know
- New York Magazine’s “Top Docs”: These listings are often reputable, peer-reviewed, and genuinely earned. However, some practitioners heavily advertise or market to their peers to boost visibility. Being listed can be a positive indicator, but always check it against other sources.
- Allure or similar lifestyle publications: Beauty and lifestyle publications often feature surgeons, sometimes based on paid advertising relationships or editorial choices. Listings in these magazines may reflect the surgeon’s public relations effectiveness rather than their surgical skill or patient outcomes.
Framed Certificates and “Top Doctor” Plaques: Are They Meaningful?
Some doctors prominently display certificates claiming to be “Best of” or “Top Rated.” These plaques and certificates are often commercially driven awards that require the doctor to pay a fee.
Clues to spotting meaningless awards:
- Ambiguous wording (e.g., “America’s Best Plastic Surgeon” that does not have a clear credentialing authority)
- The issuing organization is unfamiliar or has a very generic name.
- The doctor has multiple plaques or certificates from similarly vague-sounding organizations.
- It’s easy to do a quick web search to find awards available for purchase.
Better indicators of a top facial plastic surgeon
- Verified board certifications recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABPS, ABFPRS)
- Fellowship-trained surgeons specializing in facial procedures
- Consistently strong patient reviews on independent websites
- A robust portfolio of before-and-after patient photos
Initial Consultations with NYC’s Best Plastic Surgeons for Chin Lipo
After your initial research, schedule one or more initial consultations with your top choices for removing excess chin fat. You should feel comfortable and confident with the surgeon.
During this consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions. You can—and should—ask your surgeon about their experience performing chin liposuction. Experienced surgeons expect this question and will answer honestly and transparently.
· How many chin liposuctions have you performed in total?
· How many chin liposuctions have you performed in the past year?
· What techniques do you prefer, and why?
· Can you show recent before-and-after photos of patients similar to me?
A confident, qualified surgeon will comfortably provide this information without hesitation or defensiveness. Some serious red flags are vague answers, defensiveness, or refusal to share specific numbers.
This is a good time to ask any remaining questions about the procedure and the techniques the surgeon uses or recommends.
You can discuss whether chin liposuction is the best option for removing excess fat from your chin. The surgeon will want to discuss your expectations for the surgery openly. They may suggest other procedures, such as Necktite or even a neck lift, if you have considerable loss of skin elasticity. Sometimes, they may also recommend a non-surgical option, such as Kybella or CoolSculpting, if you have a very small double chin.
At this visit, the surgeon will explain the procedure and tell you what to expect during the recovery process. If necessary, you can discuss costs and explore potential financing options. Some offices have links to third-party healthcare providers, such as Caremark.
Next Steps After Finding a Top NYC Facial Plastic Surgeon
If you feel confident with the surgeon’s credentials, experience, and bedside manner, it’s time to review your calendar and schedule your chin liposuction procedure. You can call the office or book on the surgeon’s website.
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Chin Liposuction Techniques
There are several ways to remove chin fat, such as traditional liposuction. Each method has benefits depending on your needs, skin type, and what you want to achieve. Let’s explore some common chin liposuction techniques:
Traditional (tumescent) liposuction
- Procedure: The surgeon injects a solution containing an anesthetic and epinephrine (to minimize bleeding and discomfort). They will then use a thin tube (cannula) to suction fat from the localized deposits in the chin and jawline.
- Benefits: Tumescent liposuction has been used for many years and has a proven track record of results. It is safe, effective, and requires only minimal incisions.
- Ideal candidates are patients with good skin elasticity and moderate amounts of submental fat.
Laser-assisted liposuction (SmartLipo, PrecisionTx)
- Procedure: Laser-assisted liposuction uses laser energy to generate heat, which liquefies the excess fat cells before they are removed through a cannula. The laser stimulates skin tightening by remodeling collagen.
- Benefits: Simultaneous fat removal and moderate skin tightening, less trauma to surrounding tissue.
- Ideal candidates: patients with mild-to-moderate skin laxity who want to tighten their skin.
Dr. Mesa does not recommend laser-assisted chin liposuction due to the significant internal scarring it can cause beneath the skin. This scarring often leads to contour irregularities and, in many cases, makes it difficult or even impossible to perform a second liposuction procedure if a revision becomes necessary.
Radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (FaceTite, NeckTite RFAL)
- Procedure: Radiofrequency-assisted liposuction delivers controlled radiofrequency energy beneath the skin to melt fat, tighten skin, and encourage collagen growth.
- Benefits: This liposuction method effectively removes fat and notable skin tightening. It is minimally invasive and requires a quicker recovery than a surgical facelift.
- Ideal candidates are patients with mild to moderate skin laxity who seek more defined contours without a surgical facelift.
This is Dr. Mesa’s preferred technology for patients who require skin tightening with their chin liposuction or for those seeking the most refined results. Unlike laser-assisted liposuction, which can create significant internal scattering and limit future treatment options, radiofrequency-assisted liposuction offers excellent skin tightening while preserving the tissues. This means that if a touch-up or a revision is needed, a second liposuction or additional tightening procedure can still be performed safely and effectively.
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction
- Procedure: Ultrasound waves break down fat cells, which can then be gently removed through the cannula, minimizing injury to surrounding tissues.
- Benefits: Ultherapy offers more precise fat removal and is gentler on surrounding tissues than traditional chin liposuction, resulting in smoother, more defined contours.
- Ideal candidates: Patients seeking targeted contouring with less bruising and swelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of my friends and family have had cosmetic surgery procedures and recommend their plastic surgeons. Should I take their advice?
It may be helpful, but it’s important to remember that a surgeon who has performed breast reductions or tummy liposuction may not have extensive experience with chin liposuction.
I’ve found a top plastic surgeon who is well-qualified to perform my chin liposuction, but his office staff seemed rude. What should I do?
That’s a good question. If you’re happy with the surgeon but uncomfortable with the office staff, you can schedule a consultation with another surgeon. You should also consider that the staff you encountered may have just been having a bad day, although that is never an excuse to behave unprofessionally. You can always bring it up with the surgeon, and if their response is inadequate, consider another option. Ideally, they would respond with some concern.
Closing Thoughts
Making the right choice for your chin liposuction means trusting a surgeon who combines advanced skills with meticulous attention to detail. With Dr. Mesa’s extensive training, triple fellowship specializations, and experience in facial procedures, you can move forward with confidence, knowing that your chin liposuction will be performed with precision, safety, and natural-looking results.