- Eyelid Surgery
- Rhinoplasty
- Submental Liposuction
- Introduction
- How It Is Done
- Patient Photographs
- What to Expect After Surgery
- Complications
- Care After Surgery
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Chin and Jawline Enhancement
- Facelift
- Liposuction
- Male Breast Reduction
- Calf Augmentation
- Laser Hair Removal
- Complete Facial Rejuvenation
Submental Liposuction - Complications
They include:
- Seroma. Any time an area of skin is undermined, there is the potential for accumulation of fluid. Surgeons call this a "dead space" which is an unnecessarily bleak term. Fluid accumulates in this space because the lymphatic circulation has been traumatized by surgery. These tiny, invisible veins normally drain fluid out of the tissues, emptying into the venous circulation. These little vessels regenerate quickly, but for a short time, there may be a backup of fluid. Drains are used to allow this fluid to come out, so that it does not accumulate under the skin and form a "seroma." For some operations where a large area is undermined, such as an abdominoplasty, surgeons almost always use drains. However, the area under the chin is small enough that it is usually possible to avoid using a drain. Occasionally, a patient will develop a seroma that I treat by simply inserting a needle in the office and draining the fluid. Fortunately, the skin is still numb so it doesn't hurt much. I may have to repeat this several times at subsequent office visits. Eventually the lymphatics take over and the fluid accumulation stops. See K.O. Age 39.
- Hematoma. This is an unusual complication signaled by increased swelling of the neck shortly after surgery. If this develops, you need to call the office right away and come in to be seen. If there is a hematoma, this will probably require a return trip to the operating room. If this complication is recognized and treated promptly, the result should not be compromised, although there will be more than the usual amount of bruising.
- Persistent swelling: Sometimes it can take months for the swelling to subside and for the "induration" to clear. I usually take photographs three months after surgery because there will be a visible reduction in swelling between the one month and three-month visits. Patience is a virtue that is very well rewarded when the swelling goes away!
- Asymmetry. For experienced plastic surgeons, noticeable asymmetry is rare, but it does occasionally occur. It may be treated with a touchup liposuction, possibly under local anesthetic.
- Scarring: Sometimes, the scar heals with an area of thickening that makes it more noticeable. It may be revised under local anesthetic if it is conspicuous.
- Nerve injury. Sensory nerves are traumatized by the surgery. This happens to everyone and is expected, so it is not really a complication. Sometimes, the motor nerve to the muscles of the lower lip is bruised by the liposuction and may take a while to recover, usually a few months. This causes temporary weakness of the muscle that pulls down on the lower lip, causing asymmetry.
