A submental wedge excision is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from beneath the chin to improve the contour of the neck and jawline. It’s commonly performed to address a “double chin” or skin laxity in the submental area, often as part of neck rejuvenation. Dr. Digenis makes a small incision in the natural crease under the chin, allowing discreet removal and tightening of tissues. This technique delivers a sharper, more defined neck profile with minimal visible scarring and can be combined with liposuction or a neck lift for enhanced results. In some instances, this procedure can be done in the office.
DEFINE Your JAWLINE
with a Submental Wedge by Dr. Digenis
DEFINE Your JAWLINE
with a Submental Wedge by Dr. Digenis
A submental wedge excision is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from beneath the chin to improve the contour of the neck and jawline. It’s commonly performed to address a “double chin” or skin laxity in the submental area, often as part of neck rejuvenation. Dr. Digenis makes a small incision in the natural crease under the chin, allowing discreet removal and tightening of tissues. This technique delivers a sharper, more defined neck profile with minimal visible scarring and can be combined with liposuction or a neck lift for enhanced results. In some instances, this procedure can be done in the office.
Who is a candidate for a Submental Wedge?
Ideal candidates for a submental wedge excision are individuals with moderate to significant skin laxity or fullness under the chin, often due to aging, weight loss, or genetics. It’s especially beneficial for patients who have loose skin that won’t respond well to liposuction alone. Candidates should be in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and desire a more defined neck and jawline without undergoing a full facelift. This procedure is commonly chosen by both younger patients with hereditary fullness and older patients seeking targeted neck refinement.
Characteristics of the Best Candidates
- Visible Submental Fullness or Skin Laxity – Presence of loose, excess skin or fat beneath the chin (often referred to as a “double chin”).
- Good Skin Elasticity (to some degree) – While the procedure removes skin, some elasticity enhances healing and results.
- Stable Weight – Candidates should be at or near a stable, healthy weight to avoid post-surgical skin changes.
- Non-Smoker – Smoking can impair healing and increase risk of complications, so non-smokers are preferred.
- Good Overall Health – No major medical conditions that would interfere with surgery or recovery.
- Realistic Expectations – Understanding the limitations and benefits of the procedure, with a clear cosmetic goal.
- Not a Candidate for or Not Interested in a Full Neck Lift – Often chosen by those who want focused treatment without more
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What is the recovery process after a Submental Wedge?
Recovery after a submental wedge excision typically involves mild swelling, bruising, and tightness under the chin, with most patients resuming light activities within a few days. Sutures are usually removed within a week, and any visible incision is discreetly hidden in the natural crease under the chin. Most swelling resolves within 1–2 weeks, with final contour results becoming more defined over the following months.
Immediately After
Right after surgery, patients can expect mild to moderate swelling, bruising, and a sensation of tightness beneath the chin. A compression bandage is typically applied to support the healing tissues and help control swelling. Discomfort is usually minimal and well-managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients are encouraged to rest, keep their head elevated, and avoid any bending or lifting during this early phase.
First Week after Surgery
During the first week of recovery, patients should continue to take it easy while gradually engaging in light activity like walking. Stitches are often removed between days five and seven, and the small incision—placed discreetly in the natural crease under the chin—typically begins to heal well. Swelling and bruising may still be present but usually begin to diminish by the end of the week. Some improvements in the neck contour may already be noticeable, although the area may still feel firm or slightly tight.
Next Few Weeks after Surgery
Most patients can resume normal activities, including light exercise. Swelling continues to diminish. You will have a faint line where the sutures were that will continue to diminish. Dr. Digenis advises keeping out of direct sunlight and wearing broad brimmed hats for several, several weeks after your procedure. You should keep any exercise to light activity until instructed otherwise.
Submental Wedge FAQ
Click a question below to see the answer for some of the most common questions we receive from potential clients.
A Submental Wedge is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and/or fat from under the chin to improve the contour of the neck and jawline, often used to address a “double chin” or laxity in the submental area. In most cases, this can be performed in-office with an oral narcotic.
Ideal candidates have noticeable fullness or loose skin under the chin, are in good health, and want targeted neck refinement without undergoing a full neck lift or facelift.
The incision is typically placed in the natural crease under the chin, making it discreet and well-hidden as it heals.
It usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours and may be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
Most patients experience mild swelling, bruising, and tightness under the chin, with initial recovery taking 1 to 2 weeks and full results appearing over several months.
Yes, a compression bandage or chin strap is often recommended for the first few days to help reduce swelling and support the healing tissues.
Many patients feel comfortable returning to work and light social activities within 5–7 days, depending on the level of bruising and swelling.
Results are long-lasting, especially if the patient maintains a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, though natural aging will continue over time.
Yes, it’s often combined with neck liposuction, platysmaplasty (muscle tightening), or even a lower facelift for more comprehensive rejuvenation.
As with any surgery, risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, or asymmetry, but these are rare when performed by an experienced surgeon.
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