Double Chin Removal Surgery
A double chin is excess fat or loose skin that has accumulated under the chin. Double chin removal surgery is not the name of a single procedure; different surgical methods are used depending on the cause of the double chin. The doctor decides at the examination which method is suitable. Results vary from person to person.
What Causes a Double Chin?
Several factors play a role in the development of a double chin, and they are often present together:
- Fat accumulation under the chin: excess weight and genetic predisposition can increase this accumulation.
- Skin laxity: skin elasticity decreases with age and the skin under the chin may sag.
- Laxity of the neck muscles: when the thin muscle at the front of the neck loosens, vertical bands may become visible on the neck.
- Chin structure: a receding chin can make the angle between the chin and the neck look less defined.
A swelling felt at the front of the neck, however, may not be a double chin; it may be due to a different health problem such as enlargement of the thyroid gland. In this case, an assessment by a doctor is needed before any aesthetic procedure.
What Is Assessed at the Examination?
At the examination, the amount of fat under the chin, the elasticity of the skin and the degree of sagging, the condition of the neck muscles and the chin structure are assessed. General health, medicines being used and smoking are asked about. Once the cause of the double chin has been determined, it is planned which method, or which combination of methods, will be used.
Surgical Methods Used for Double Chin Removal
Double Chin Liposuction
Excess fat under the chin is removed with thin cannulas through small incisions. It is considered for people with good skin elasticity whose double chin consists mainly of fat. It is usually performed under local anaesthesia. Liposuction does not correct sagging skin. For details you can read our article Double Chin Liposuction and our liposuction page.
Neck Lift
If there is marked sagging of the skin under the chin or laxity of the neck muscles, excess skin is removed and the loosened muscles are tightened. When needed, it can be combined with liposuction. It is a more extensive operation and the recovery period is longer. For details you can read our article Neck Lift Surgery: Procedure, Recovery and Risks and our neck lift page.
Treatments for the Chin Structure
When the chin is receding, filler or fat injection applied to the tip of the chin can help the jawline look more defined and make the double chin less noticeable. These treatments do not reduce the fat under the chin; when needed, they are planned together with other methods. For detailed information you can read our chin filler and fat injection pages.
Does Losing Weight Get Rid of a Double Chin?
If the double chin is due to excess weight, losing weight in a healthy way can also reduce the fat under the chin. However, fat accumulation due to genetic predisposition does not always decrease noticeably with weight loss, and skin laxity does not improve with weight loss; after rapid weight loss, sagging may become more noticeable. Fat under the chin cannot be reduced with exercise or creams.
Recovery and Risks
The recovery period depends on the method used. Swelling, bruising and mild pain are expected in the first days. An elastic band around the area under the chin may be worn for the period recommended by the doctor. The doctor determines when to return to daily life and work.
Like any surgical procedure, double chin removal operations have risks. Bleeding, infection, skin irregularities or asymmetry, changes in sensation, noticeable scarring and risks related to anaesthesia may occur. The risks should be discussed in detail with the doctor before the procedure. For non-surgical options you can read our article Non-Surgical Double Chin Treatments.
Author: Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın