Can Chin Liposuction Get Rid of a Double Chin?

Medically Reviewed April 2023, by Claire Clarke - Head of Surgical Services for The Harley Medical Group

Glancing in the bathroom mirror or reviewing those recent family photos and being met with the surprise of unwelcomed fullness under the jaw is an experience that many people have suffered. A double chin is a result of excess fat tissue or skin underneath the jaw that is a common cause of self-consciousness and discomfort.

Fortunately, a double chin is not something that needs to be accepted and there are solutions that can alter the contours of the jaw and restore self-confidence. In this article we will shed light on the causes of a double thin, some of the available treatments and some examples of results.

What causes a double chin?

It is a common misconception that the sole cause of a double chin is weight gain and that only overweight people are affected. However, there are several factors that come together as a group of causes that impact a diverse range of people at various points in their life.

• Fat excess – Clearly if there is an increase in the amount of fat tissue in an area, the skin around it will expand to accommodate. In the submental region of the neck (the section between underneath the chin and just above the Adam’s apple) even a small amount of fat can reduce jaw definition and lead to loss the curvature beneath the chin.
• Skin laxity – part of the normal ageing process involves loss of skin tension and leads to sagging. When this occurs in the submental region it can lead to the appearance of a double chin.
• Weakening of the platysma – In a similar way to loss of tension in the skin with age, a broad, sheet-like muscle in the neck called platysma becomes weaker with advancing age. When this muscle becomes weak it can worsen the skin sagging already present in the neck.

How do you get rid of a double chin?

The ideal double chin treatment for any individual depends on the cause. A double chin that is caused by excess fat can be treated effectively using liposuction. A technique known as tumescent liposuction is used commonly to treat the chin area as it is useful in removing smaller volumes of fat. In many cases this type of liposuction requires only local anaesthesia and an overnight hospital stay would not be necessary. Whilst recovery times vary depending on the individual, it is expected that a full recovery would be made within 1-2 weeks.

If a double chin is caused by excess loose neck skin or a dysfunctional platysma muscle, a neck lift procedure (or platysmaplasty) may be more appropriate. During this procedure any unnecessary excess skin is removed, resulting in a tightened, rejuvenated appearance.

If you would like to discover more about how The Harley Medical Group can help you to achieve the results you desire, book a free no-obligation consultation to discuss your circumstances with an experienced patient advisor.