Double chin liposuction: The key to a chiseled jawline

We all know that awful feeling of opening the camera on our phones to try to take a picture, only to see ourselves staring back from an unflattering angle, often with a double chin. In our digital age, we're constantly aware of our appearance, whether it's due to seeing ourselves in the reflection of our phones, taking selfies or posting videos on social media. The unintentional hyper-focus on what we look like on camera or in social media often means a fixation on the flaws that we see in our own appearances.

One of the most common perceived flaws that tends to become the focus of both men and women is the appearance of a double chin. Whether it's due to genetics, excess fat or loose skin, a double chin can be a point of self-consciousness for many people. Luckily, many solutions within the specialty of plastic surgery can help patients achieve the slim, chiseled jawline of their dreams, including a trending procedure known as submental liposuction, also commonly referred to as double chin liposuction.

What are these procedures, and are they effective at reducing the appearance of a double chin? Do they work for every patient? What kind of results can patients expect? To dive further into the fascinating topic of double-chin liposuction and other methods to achieve a slimmer, more chiseled jawline, we reached out to ASPS Member Surgeons Lara Devgan, MD, and Richard Reish, MD, FACS.

Plastic surgery for double chins growing in popularity

The boom in popularity around double-chin focused procedures can be directly correlated with the rise of the digital age.

"This procedure has grown in popularity immensely in the past five years, mostly due to FaceTime, Zoom meetings, cameras, lots of selfies – that's what's been driving the patient demand for this," said Dr. Reish. "Truly, the video-oriented selfie through mediums online."

Additionally, there is no single patient profile that is best suited for double chin liposuction – patients of any age and gender can be good candidates for this type of surgery.

"Submental fullness – or a 'double chin' – is one of the most common concerns among patients seeking facial contouring," said Dr. Devgan. "I see patients of all ages and genders who feel that excess volume under the chin makes them look heavier or older than they are."

Plus, this procedure is relatively minimally invasive.

"This is a really neat procedure that can be done with minimal downtime," said Dr. Reish. If it is a standalone procedure, I will do it under local anesthesia. This is really attractive for patients, as they do not have to get full medical clearance and do not need to go under general anesthesia. This procedure also does not take too long to perform."

Basics of double chin liposuction

The first step before the procedure is for the patient to meet with their chosen surgeon to discuss the best approach to treat their double chin.

"Preoperatively, we assess skin quality, fat distribution, and facial anatomy to determine candidacy and surgical planning," said Dr. Devgan.

A double chin liposuction procedure follows a fairly standard process, akin to many other liposuction procedures.

"A patient will come in and get numbed with local anesthesia," said Dr. Reish. "I will then make a small, port-sized incision (maybe 3mm) that is invisible to the naked eye. I will perform this procedure with a handheld lipo, which uses a handheld lipo canula, for more control. It is super important to not excessively remove all the fat when doing this. This is why I will not recommend using power lipo. If you remove too much fat, it can lead to a lot of contour irregularity and loose skin in the area, which is not good for the long-term result."

Some surgeons may also opt to perform an adjunctive chin augmentation procedure in conjunction with double chin liposuction to enhance the appearance of the jawline and chin.

"Interestingly, I find that the best results from this type of procedure come from taking the fat out, processing it and putting it right back into the chin as a chin fat graft," said Dr. Reish. "Basically, you are taking fat from underneath the chin and putting it into the actual chin itself to give it more projection and sharpness. It will give that more chiseled appearance that patients want, with more definition under the chin and on the chin itself. This is a really neat combination procedure that I usually recommend for most patients."

Following the procedure, patients can expect to see immediate results, although the complete results will come later.

"Patients typically see a visible improvement in contour within the first week, but the final results evolve gradually," said Dr. Devgan. "By about four to six weeks, the majority of swelling subsides, and the improved jawline definition becomes more apparent. Collagen remodeling and skin tightening continue for several months post-procedure, yielding the most refined results around the three-month mark."

Other options for addressing a double chin

Double chin liposuction may not the best approach for some patients, but there are other options available.

"For patients with skin laxity or poor elasticity, I typically recommend a surgical neck lift to address fat, muscle and chin together," said Dr. Devgan. "In cases where structural deficiency of the chin contributes to the appearance of a double chin, a chin implant or injectable chin augmentation and jawline augmentation can provide projection and improve the overall balance of the lower face."

In addition to surgical options, there are minimally invasive options available that can help treat the appearance of a double chin.

"Nonsurgical options can also help reduce submental fat in carefully selected candidates, though results are more gradual," said Dr. Devgan. "Ultimately, treatment plans are highly individualized. The goal is to combine techniques to achieve both harmony and longevity in the outcome."

In the age of the digital selfie and seemingly endless online Zoom meetings, it's easy to get hyper-focused on one aspect of your appearance. For many men and women, it is the appearance of a double chin. Whether it's due to genetics, excess fat, loose skin or a combination of the three, patients no longer need to live with feeling self-conscious. Thanks to trending procedures such as double chin liposuction, chin augmentation and noninvasive options, patients can effectively achieve the chiseled, toned jawline of their dreams with a high level of satisfaction to go along with it.

To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.