Is Double Chin Surgery Safe with Local Anesthesia?
Looking into double chin surgery, but nervous about going under? Many people are now asking the same thing: Is double chin surgery safe with local anesthesia? It’s a fair question. The idea of staying awake during a surgical procedure may seem unusual. But when it comes to double chin removal, things have changed. More patients and plastic surgeons are moving away from general anesthesia—and for good reason. Let’s break it down and talk about why local anesthesia might be the better choice for double chin liposuction.
What is Double Chin Surgery?
Double chin surgery refers to neck liposuction or chin liposuction. It’s all about eliminating excess fat from the chin and neck area. Some people are born with a double chin. Others develop one with weight gain or age.
No matter the cause, it can affect your confidence. That’s where double chin removal surgery steps in. It can reshape your jawline, slim your neck, and give you a sharper look.
What Does Chin Lipo Involve?
Chin lipo, or double chin lipo, is a focused form of cosmetic surgery. The cosmetic or plastic surgeon uses small incisions, often hidden beneath the chin or behind the ears. Then, using a thin cannula, they suction out unwanted fat.
Please contact us today at (423) 328-9000 to set up an appointment for a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon from our team.
It’s generally a quick surgical procedure, often under an hour. Recovery is short, too. Most people go back to work in one to two weeks.
When needed, it can be paired with a neck lift to fix loose skin or sagging neck muscles.
Why Do People Choose Local Anesthesia?
Now, let’s return to the main question: Is double chin surgery safe with local anesthesia?
Yes, it can be. Local anesthesia is often safer than general anesthesia, especially for shorter procedures, such as chin liposuction.
With local anesthesia, you’re awake, but you are numb. You won’t feel pain, but you’ll be aware of what is happening. There’s no need for breathing tubes or extended recovery from sedation.
That’s a big plus for those who want to avoid the deeper sedation used in invasive plastic surgeries.
Benefits of Local Anesthesia for Chin Lipo
Here’s why so many people today are choosing chin lipo with local anesthesia:
- Lower risk than general anesthesia
- Faster time of recovery
- Fewer side effects like grogginess or nausea
- You can often go home shortly after the surgical procedure
It also gives the plastic surgeon more flexibility to interact with you during the process if needed. That can help with balance in the final result.
Is It Right for Everyone?
Not always. Double chin removal under local anesthesia is safe for most patients; however, some patients still benefit from deeper sedation.
If you’re nervous, have anxiety, or are having multiple procedures done at once (like a chin liposuction and neck lift together), your plastic surgeon may recommend another option.
But for many, staying awake and skipping general anesthesia is an easy yes.
What Happens During the Procedure?
During undergoing double chin liposuction with local anesthesia, the plastic surgeon will numb the area around your neck and chin. You’ll be lying down, relaxed, and pain-free.
They make small incisions, insert a cannula, and begin removing excess fat. You may feel some movement or pressure, but not pain.
Once the excess fat is removed, they close the small incisions. After that, they place a compression garment around your neck, and you’re done. No hospital stay needed.
What About Double Chin Surgery Recovery?
Healing after double chin lipo is generally smooth. With local anesthesia, your body doesn’t need to recover from sedation, so you’re mobile and alert right away.
Bruising and swelling are common but manageable. You’ll wear a chin strap for a few days to help with contouring and healing. You can return to normal activities in one to two weeks, sometimes even sooner.
Your final results appear gradually as swelling goes down. With the passage of time, you’ll notice a sharper jawline and smoother chin and neck contour.
Does It Help with Loose Skin?
That depends. Chin liposuction is best for those with good skin elasticity. If your skin bounces back easily, you’ll likely see great results.
But if you already have sagging neck muscles or loose skin, your plastic surgeon might suggest adding a neck lift. This focuses on removing excess skin and tightening deeper structures.
The good news? Even that can often be done under local anesthesia, depending on your situation.
Are There Any Risks Involved?
All cosmetic surgery carries some risk. However, the risks associated with chin liposuction under local anesthesia are generally low. Possible side effects may include:
- Temporary numbness
- Minor discomfort at the injection site
- Swelling
- Bruising
Infections or contour irregularities are rare, but they are possible. That’s why you should always choose an experienced plastic surgeon—ideally someone who specializes in aesthetic plastic surgery.
What Makes Someone a Good Candidate?
The best candidates for double chin liposuction under local anesthesia usually have:
- Good overall health
- Realistic expectations
- Mild to moderate excess fat under the chin
- Firm skin with decent elasticity
Your cosmetic or plastic surgeon will assess your skin quality and anatomy before deciding if local anesthesia is a good fit for your procedure.
How Do I Choose the Right Plastic Surgeon?
Look for someone board-certified in aesthetic plastic surgery or facial cosmetic surgery. Ask about their experience with local anesthesia and chin lipo.
You should also ask for before-and-after photos. Ask how many cases they’ve done. Ask what happens if you feel uncomfortable during the procedure.
Feeling confident in your plastic surgeon’s skills and communication is key.
Final Thoughts
So, is double chin surgery safe with local anesthesia? Yes, for many people, it is.
Double chin removal with local anesthesia is gaining popularity, and for good reason. It has less downtime, it’s low-risk, and still delivers big results.
If you’re looking to refine your profile without going under, this is the solution for you. Talk to a trusted specialist. Ask questions. And find out if double chin lipo with local anesthesia is right for you or not.
You don’t have to live with that double chin if it’s bothering you. Safe options exist, and they might be easier than you think.
Sculpt & Lift with Dr. Jim Brantner, MD
Refine your look from head to toe. Call Jim Brantner, MD, for advanced surgical solutions that help you feel more confident in your skin. From facial enhancements like Eyelid Surgery, Facelifts, Brow Lifts, and Rhinoplasty, to body contouring options such as thigh lifts, Upper Arm Contouring, and Neck Lifts, Dr. Brantner delivers results with precision.
We also offer personal wellness procedures, including Vaginal Tightening and Vaginal Rejuvenation, to restore comfort and confidence. Call us today and schedule your appointment.
What Our Paients Are Saying About Us..

I had BR surgery 2months ago, I had the anchor procedure. I had absolutely no problems at all, no pain, very little swelling and the results are amazing, with the added bonus that my back , neck, and shoulders no longer hurt. Even at just 2months my scars are hardly noticeable. I would recommend Dr Brantner to anyone , he and his staff are wonderful . I could not have had a better experience.

I highly recommend Dr. Brantner to any woman that wants a breast augmentation. I'm very pleased with my results. they look amazing and feel wonderful. If I ever need anything done in the future, I will sure be back to see Dr. Brantner. Thank you so much for taking good care of me!

Dr. Brantner and his associates are all amazing! They are very kind, smart, and honest people I highly recommend Dr. Brantner. They took great care of me and my needs from start to finish.

friendly and he takes time to answer any questions I may have and was even so kind as to take a phone call from me and he alleviated all concerns in a kind, gentle manner. Dr. Brantner and his staff were absolutely fantastic!!!!!! They made me feel soooooo comfortable before and after surgery. I highly recommend him to anyone looking to have a breast reduction.

Dr. Brantner is a highly skilled surgeon. I am so happy that I decided to go to him. After being in a car accident my nasal bones and surrounding bones had to be reconstructed. The first surgeon who worked on me did a terrible job and had zero bedside manner. That is when I sought out Dr. Branner, he not only did an amazing job fixing everything the first Doctor messed up, he also made it look better than it did originally. I would highly recommend him to anyone.
testimonials
I went to Dr Brantner for reconstruction revision. I'm very, very pleased with the results. The staff were wonderful. I can't thank them enough for taking care of my surgery and making me feel and look so much better!!! I would highly recommend Dr Brantner.
Great surgeon! Every employee in the office is wonderful and helpful. I have nothing but great things to say about Dr Brantner, Win, and all of the staff.
Talk to us



