Non-Surgical Double Chin Treatments

"Melting a double chin" is a common expression used for non-surgical treatments aimed at fullness and laxity under the chin. Most of these treatments aim to tighten the skin; they do not noticeably reduce the fat under the chin and are not a substitute for surgical methods. The doctor decides at the examination which method is suitable. Results vary from person to person.

When Are Non-Surgical Methods Considered?

Non-surgical methods are usually considered for people who have mild or moderate laxity under the chin and who do not want surgery or are not suitable for surgery. If there is marked fat accumulation under the chin, marked sagging of the skin or laxity of the neck muscles, the effect of these methods remains limited; in this case surgical methods may come into consideration.

Non-Surgical Methods Used for a Double Chin

Mesotherapy

Mixtures of active ingredients such as vitamins, minerals and hyaluronic acid are injected in small amounts into the middle layer of the skin with very fine needles. It aims to support skin quality and hydration. Its effect on localised fat and marked sagging is limited. A plan of several sessions is usually made and the effect is not permanent. Redness, swelling and small bruises may occur at the needle points; less often, allergic reactions, small lumps in the skin and infection may develop. For detailed information you can read our mesotherapy page.

Focused Ultrasound Treatments

HIFU and microfocused ultrasound concentrate ultrasound energy at specific depths beneath the skin, creating heat and stimulating collagen production. They aim to tighten the skin in cases of mild to moderate laxity along the jawline, under the chin and on the neck. The treatment is usually completed in a single session and the result appears gradually, usually within a few months. Redness, swelling, tenderness and tingling are common; less often, bruising, temporary numbness or temporary weakness due to nerve involvement, and rarely burns, scarring or hollowing due to thinning of the fatty tissue may occur. For detailed information you can read our HIFU and skin tightening with microfocused ultrasound pages.

Radiofrequency

Controlled heat produced by radio waves warms the deep layers of the skin, supports collagen production and helps tighten skin with mild laxity. Several sessions are usually needed. Temporary redness, mild swelling and tenderness are common; less often, burns or blisters, changes in skin colour and temporary numbness may occur. For detailed information you can read our radiofrequency page.

Which Method Is Suitable for Whom?

In mild to moderate skin laxity, focused ultrasound or radiofrequency may be considered.
Mesotherapy may be considered to support skin quality; its effect on fat accumulation is limited.
If there is marked fat accumulation under the chin, liposuction may be considered.
If there is marked sagging of the skin or laxity of the neck muscles, a neck lift may be considered.

These treatments are not performed, or are postponed, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in the presence of active infection or skin disease in the treatment area, and in some chronic illnesses. People with electronic devices such as pacemakers and those using blood thinners should inform the doctor.

When Do Results Appear and How Long Do They Last?

In device treatments, the result appears gradually because collagen production takes time. With mesotherapy, the effect usually becomes noticeable once the session plan is completed. None of these treatments stops ageing; how long the effect lasts depends on age, skin structure and lifestyle, and the treatment can be repeated if the doctor considers it necessary. Keeping a stable weight and protecting the skin from the sun help maintain the result.

When non-surgical methods are not sufficient, you can read our articles Double Chin Removal Surgery and Double Chin Liposuction for surgical options.

Author: Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın