Facial Liposuction — Jawline and Under-Chin Contour

Cellon Dermatology Clinic, Cheongdam, Seoul — Ultrasound is used to loosen fat before removal, which allows the layer to be reduced evenly rather than in patches. The aim is a defined jaw and chin line. The judgement that matters most is not how much fat can be removed, but how much should remain.

Why over-removal is the main risk

Removing too much fat leaves the skin without support, and firmness after surgery can end up worse than before. Removing too little leaves the weight that caused the sagging in the first place. The objective is to remove only the fat that is actually contributing to the contour problem, which is a judgement made per patient rather than a fixed volume.

Ultrasound-assisted removal limits disruption to tissue other than fat, which supports an even result and a shorter recovery than mechanical suction alone. Swelling and bruising still occur.

Who this is for

  • Submental fullness that folds when the head tilts forward
  • Fat accumulation around the lower jaw
  • Marked jowling or double chin
  • Jawline that has descended with age
  • Patients who prefer not to have an implant or foreign material placed

Procedure summary

Facial Liposuction
ItemDetails
Procedure timeApproximately 1 hour; confirmed at consultation
AnaesthesiaLocal anaesthesia with sedation, or general anaesthesia depending on extent
Hospital staySame-day discharge in most cases
Recovery / downtimeSwelling and bruising for 1 to 2 weeks; contour settles over about 3 months
CompressionFacial compression garment worn as instructed
IncisionsSmall, placed where they are least visible
Suggested stayCellon recommends staying in Korea at least 7 days after surgery
Performed byDr. Kang Seunghoon, board-certified dermatologist

How the procedure works

  1. Consultation — fat distribution, skin elasticity, and jaw structure are assessed, and the volume to be removed is planned.
  2. Preoperative marking and photography.
  3. Tumescent infiltration, then ultrasound application to loosen fat.
  4. Removal by hand-controlled technique, with fat deliberately left where support is needed.
  5. Compression garment and recovery care; review over about 3 months.

Indications and contraindications

Best candidates
Adults with submental or jawline fat and reasonable skin elasticity who want contour definition without an implant.
Limited benefit
Where sagging is caused by skin laxity rather than fat, removing fat alone will not correct it and may worsen it. In those cases lifting or a skin-tightening approach is considered instead, either alone or in combination.
Contraindications
Pregnancy, uncontrolled bleeding disorder, significant cardiac or pulmonary disease, active infection, unrealistic expectation of the result.
Side effects
Swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, and firmness are expected. Less commonly contour irregularity, asymmetry, or prolonged swelling. Rare but serious risks include infection, bleeding, nerve injury affecting the lower lip, and anaesthesia-related complications. All adverse events should be reported to the clinic.

Frequently asked questions

Will my face look smaller?

The jaw and chin line become more defined as the fat layer is reduced. How much change is visible depends on how much of the fullness was fat rather than skin laxity or bone structure.

What if my sagging is from loose skin, not fat?

Removing fat will not correct it and can make it worse. This is assessed before surgery, and a lifting approach may be recommended instead or in combination.

How long is the recovery?

Swelling and bruising for 1 to 2 weeks, with the contour settling over about 3 months.

Will there be a visible scar?

Incisions are small and placed where they are least visible. They fade over time.

Is it done under general anaesthesia?

It depends on the extent. Local anaesthesia with sedation is often sufficient; general anaesthesia is used where the case requires it.

Can foreign patients have this?

Yes, with planning. Cellon recommends staying in Korea at least 7 days after surgery so recovery can be reviewed before a long flight.

What are the risks I should know about?

Swelling, bruising, and numbness are expected. Contour irregularity and asymmetry are less common. Infection, bleeding, nerve injury affecting the lower lip, and anaesthesia-related complications are rare but serious. These are reviewed at consultation.

Regulatory references