A “double chin” is a common term for submental fullness, or extra volume beneath the chin that can soften the jawline and make the lower face appear heavier. It can be frustrating when this area remains prominent despite weight loss, exercise, and otherwise healthy habits, but several cosmetic treatment options can help depending on whether the concern is caused by fat, skin laxity, facial structure, or a combination of factors.
Double Chin Treatment in New York City
At Scarpidis Aesthetics on the Upper West Side, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ulysses H. Scarpidis evaluates the entire lower face, chin, jawline, and neck before recommending the correct treatment plan for your double chin. During your first visit, he will review your medical history, examine the tissues contributing to the fullness, discuss the changes you would like to see, and explain which surgical or non-surgical options may be appropriate.
Because more than one anatomical issue can contribute to a double chin, the most effective plan may involve a single procedure or a thoughtful combination of treatments.
Chin Liposuction
Chin liposuction is often an excellent choice when the main concern is a localized pocket of fat beneath the chin. Through small access points, Dr. Scarpidis uses a fine cannula to remove unwanted submental fat and refine the transition between the chin, jawline, and upper neck.
For appropriate patients, Dr. Scarpidis performs chin liposuction as an awake procedure in his Manhattan office using local anesthesia. If fullness extends beyond the area immediately beneath the chin, neck liposuction may also be considered.
Jawline Contouring
Sometimes the appearance of a double chin is influenced not only by fat but also by the shape and definition of the jawline itself. Jawline contouring focuses on improving the lower facial profile and might involve liposuction, injectable fillers, laser-based treatments, or a combination.
Liposuction reduces fatty tissue obscuring the jawline, while dermal fillers add definition in selected areas when facial structure contributes to a weak or recessed contour. Energy-based laser treatments may also be considered when skin quality is part of the problem. The right strategy depends on whether the goal is to remove volume, add structural definition, improve skin quality, or address more than one issue at once.
Kybella
Kybella is a non-surgical injectable treatment specifically designed to reduce fat beneath the chin. Its active ingredient, deoxycholic acid, breaks down targeted fat cells so the body can gradually clear them over time.
Kybella may appeal to patients who want to avoid surgery and have a relatively focused area of submental fat. Treatment generally requires a series of injections, and the degree of improvement develops incrementally rather than immediately.
Facelift or Neck Lift
Facelift or neck lift surgery might be more appropriate when loose skin, tissue descent, or broader signs of aging are bigger factors contributing to a double chin rather than fat tissue. These procedures address structural concerns that fat-reduction treatments cannot fix.
A neck lift tightens and reshapes tissues beneath the jaw and through the neck, while a facelift addresses sagging along the lower face and jawline. For some patients, liposuction may also be incorporated into facelift or neck lift surgery when excess fat is present as well as skin laxity.
Make a Plan With Dr. Scarpidis
The best way to treat a double chin depends on what is actually creating the fullness and how the surrounding facial features influence your profile. Contact Scarpidis Aesthetics to schedule a complimentary discovery call and learn which combination of chin liposuction, jawline contouring, injectable treatment, or facial surgery may be appropriate for your goals.
*The content/images on this website are not a guarantee of individual results. Individual results may vary. The information provided on this site is for general informational purposes only, and does not replace the need for a formal consultation with a plastic and reconstructive surgeon before undergoing a surgical procedure or skin care treatment.