How to get rid of double chin: Banish the Dilemma 2025

Why a Double Chin Affects More People Than You Think

How to get rid of double chin is one of the most common cosmetic concerns people face today. According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, as many as 68 percent of people are bothered by submental fat—the medical term for that extra layer beneath the chin.

Quick Answer: Double Chin Removal Methods

• Lifestyle Approaches:

  • Weight loss through diet and exercise
  • Improved posture and reducing “tech neck”
  • Facial and neck muscle exercises

• Non-Surgical Treatments:

  • Injectable fat dissolvers that destroy fat cells
  • Energy-based devices (radiofrequency and ultrasound) for skin tightening
  • Minimal downtime with gradual results

• Surgical Solutions:

  • Chin and neck liposuction for fat removal
  • Neck lift for loose skin and muscle banding
  • Chin implants for profile improvement

A double chin can make you appear older or heavier than you actually are, even if you’re at a healthy weight. The causes range from genetics and aging to weight fluctuations and poor posture. While diet and exercise can help some people, they don’t work for everyone—especially when genetics or loose skin are the primary culprits.

The good news? There’s no shortage of proven solutions available today, from simple lifestyle changes to advanced medical procedures that deliver dramatic, lasting results.

I’m Dr. Sarah Yovino, a double board-certified, master injector specializing in non-surgical medical aesthetics and whole body rejuvenation at Ideal Face & Body in Beverly Hills. With years of experience helping patients understand how to get rid of double chin through both non-surgical and surgical approaches, I’ve seen which treatments deliver real results. Let me walk you through your options, from the simplest to the most advanced.

How to get rid of double chin terms to learn:

• chin fat reduction surgery
• non-surgical chin reduction
• chin liposuction price

Understanding the Causes of a Double Chin

Before we dive into solutions, let’s explore why a double chin appears in the first place. It’s often not just one factor but a combination of several, making it a common concern for many of us.

• Genetics: Sometimes, it’s just in our genes. If your parents or other family members have submental fullness, you might be predisposed to it, regardless of your weight. Our jawline shape and the way fat is distributed can be hereditary.
• Aging Process: As we age, our skin naturally loses elasticity and collagen. This leads to sagging skin around the neck and jawline, contributing to the appearance of a double chin. The muscles in our neck can also weaken over time.
• Skin Laxity: This is directly related to aging but can also be influenced by rapid weight loss. When skin loses its firmness, it can hang loosely, creating the illusion of extra fat even if there isn’t much.
• Weight Fluctuations: While not the only cause, excess body fat often accumulates under the chin, forming submental fat. Weight gain can certainly make a double chin more pronounced, and even in otherwise slender individuals, a higher body fat composition can contribute.
• Anatomy: The structure of our jawbone and the position of our airway can also play a role. A naturally recessed chin or certain anatomical features can make the area under the chin appear fuller.
• Poor Posture: Constantly looking down at screens, a phenomenon often dubbed “tech neck,” can weaken the muscles in the neck and jaw. Over time, this can cause the skin and fat under the chin to sag, making a double chin more visible.

Understanding these underlying causes helps us determine the most effective approach for you. For more insights into the science of neck muscles and their role, you can explore resources like this article on the science of neck muscles.

At-Home Strategies: Diet, Exercise, and Posture

For many, the first step in tackling a double chin involves lifestyle adjustments. These methods are appealing because they are accessible and can offer overall health benefits. While they might not be a magic bullet for everyone, especially if genetics or significant skin laxity are at play, they’re always a great foundation.

Lifestyle tips for how to get rid of a double chin

• Overall Weight Management: If your double chin is primarily due to excess fat, reducing your overall body weight can make a significant difference. This isn’t about crash dieting, but rather a sustainable approach to healthy living.
• Balanced Diet: Focus on nutrient-rich foods that support weight loss and overall health. Incorporate fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains. Mindful eating, avoiding processed foods, and controlling sugar intake are crucial. We generally advise against eating fewer than 1,200 calories a day, adjusting for your specific body size and activity level.
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of water is essential for overall health and can aid in weight management. It helps your body function optimally and can reduce fluid retention.
• Consulting a registered dietitian: For personalized guidance on nutrition and weight management, partnering with a registered dietitian can be incredibly beneficial. They can help you create a custom meal plan to reach your goals.
• General Physical Activity: Regular exercise contributes to overall fat loss, which in turn can reduce submental fat. Incorporate a mix of cardio (like walking, cycling, or swimming) and strength training into your routine. Even 10-15 minutes of daily activity can set you on the right path.
• Posture Correction: Being mindful of your posture can make an immediate visual difference and, over time, strengthen supporting muscles. Sit and stand up straight, keeping your head aligned with your spine.
• Reducing “Tech Neck”: Try to hold your phone or tablet at eye level to avoid constantly craning your neck downwards. This simple change can alleviate strain on neck muscles and prevent further sagging.

The Truth About Facial and Jaw Exercises

Many people wonder if targeted exercises can help with a double chin. While these exercises can help tone and strengthen the muscles in your jaw and neck, it’s important to manage expectations. They primarily focus on muscle toning rather than direct fat reduction. Think of it like doing crunches for your abs—they strengthen the muscles, but won’t eliminate a layer of fat if your diet isn’t also in check.

However, strengthening these muscles can improve the appearance of your jawline and neck, making the area look firmer. Here are a few exercises you can try:

• Chin Lifts: Tilt your head back, looking towards the ceiling. Pucker your lips as if you’re trying to kiss the ceiling and hold for 5-10 seconds. Relax and repeat.
• Jaw Jut: Tilt your head back slightly. Push your lower jaw forward until you feel a stretch under your chin. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax.
• Pucker Up Exercise: With your head tilted back, look at the ceiling. Pucker your lips as if you’re kissing the ceiling to stretch the area beneath your chin. Stop puckering and bring your head back to its normal position.
• Neck Stretch: Gently tilt your head to one side, bringing your ear towards your shoulder. Hold, then repeat on the other side. This helps improve flexibility and can alleviate tension.

While these can be helpful, it’s crucial to perform them correctly to avoid overworking or straining the dozens of muscles in your jaw and neck. Incorrect technique can even lead to complications like temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ). If you experience any pain, stop immediately and consult a healthcare professional.

Advanced Non-Surgical Treatments at Ideal Face & Body

When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, or if you’re seeking more targeted and noticeable improvements, non-surgical treatments offer effective solutions for how to get rid of double chin. These options are excellent for individuals who prefer to avoid surgery, have moderate submental fat, or are looking for skin tightening benefits. We offer a range of advanced non-surgical treatments right here in Beverly Hills, designed to deliver gradual yet significant results with minimal downtime.

Injectable Fat Dissolvers

One of the most popular and effective non-surgical methods for reducing a double chin is through injectable fat dissolvers. These treatments work by directly targeting and destroying fat cells beneath the chin.

• Mechanism of Action: The most well-known injectable is Kybella®, which uses a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid. This is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When injected into the submental fat, it permanently destroys fat cells. Once these cells are destroyed, they can no longer store fat, leading to a noticeable reduction in fullness under the chin.
• Multiple Sessions May Be Required: To achieve optimal results, several treatment sessions are typically needed. Most patients receive between two to six treatments, spaced about four to six weeks apart, allowing the body to process the destroyed fat cells.
• Common Side Effects: You can expect some temporary side effects such as swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, and redness at the injection site. These usually subside within a few days to a couple of weeks. Serious side effects, though rare, can include nerve injury in the jaw (leading to an uneven smile or facial muscle weakness) or trouble swallowing. It’s crucial to have this treatment performed by an experienced professional like those at Ideal Face & Body.
• FDA Information: Kybella is the first and only FDA-approved injectable for the treatment of submental fat. For comprehensive safety information, you can refer to the official FDA information on injectable treatments.

Energy-Based Devices (Radiofrequency & Ultrasound)

Beyond injectables, energy-based devices provide another excellent non-surgical avenue for addressing a double chin, particularly when skin laxity is a concern. These technologies work by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes.

• Skin Tightening: Technologies like radiofrequency (RF) and ultrasound deliver controlled energy to the deeper layers of the skin, where collagen and elastin are produced. This energy creates a thermal effect that causes existing collagen fibers to contract and stimulates the production of new collagen.
• Collagen Stimulation: The boost in collagen and elastin production helps to firm and lift loose skin, improving overall skin quality and reducing the appearance of sagging.
• Heat Energy: Both RF and ultrasound devices use heat energy to achieve their effects. This heat can not only tighten skin but also, in some cases, contribute to fat reduction by damaging fat cells, which are then naturally cleared by the body.
• Gradual Skin Improvement: Results from energy-based treatments are typically gradual, appearing over several weeks to months as new collagen is formed. While a single session can provide some improvement, a series of treatments might be recommended for optimal outcomes.
• Benefits List:
  • Non-invasive with little to no downtime.
  • Stimulates natural collagen production.
  • Improves skin elasticity and firmness.
  • Can contour the jawline and reduce submental fullness.
  • Provides a more youthful and sculpted appearance without surgery.

How to Get Rid of a Double Chin with Surgical Procedures at Ideal Face & Body

For individuals with significant submental fat, considerable skin laxity, or those seeking more dramatic and long-lasting results, surgical procedures offer the most comprehensive solutions for how to get rid of double chin. At Ideal Face & Body in Beverly Hills, these procedures are performed by our highly skilled, board-certified surgeons, Dr. Sarah Yovino and Dr. Justin Yovino, who specialize in facial aesthetics and body contouring.

Chin and Neck Liposuction (Precision Sculpt)

Liposuction of the chin and neck is a highly effective surgical procedure for removing localized fat deposits that contribute to a double chin.

• Fat Removal: This procedure directly removes excess fat cells from under the chin and along the jawline, creating a more defined and sculpted profile.
• Contouring the Jawline: Beyond just fat removal, liposuction allows for precise contouring, enhancing the natural lines of your jaw and neck.
• Small Incisions: The procedure involves making tiny, inconspicuous incisions, typically hidden under the chin or behind the ears. A small cannula (a thin, hollow tube) is then inserted to gently suction out the fat.
• Awake Liposuction Techniques: At Ideal Face & Body, we specialize in advanced techniques, including “Precision Sculpt” awake liposuction. This means that in appropriate cases, the procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, allowing for real-time patient feedback and a more comfortable experience, often with a quicker recovery compared to general anesthesia.
• Precision Sculpt: Our unique Precision Sculpt method emphasizes meticulous fat removal and artistic contouring to achieve natural-looking, refined results custom to your individual facial structure.
• For more detailed information on this procedure, you can visit our page on chin and neck liposuction services.

Neck Lift

When a double chin is accompanied by loose, sagging skin, muscle banding in the neck, or deeper wrinkles, a neck lift (lower rhytidectomy) may be the most appropriate solution.

• Addresses Loose Skin and Muscle Banding: This procedure not only removes excess skin but also tightens the underlying neck muscles (platysmaplasty) and can remove fat. It effectively addresses the “turkey wattle” appearance and vertical bands that can form in the neck.
• More Extensive Than Liposuction: A neck lift is a more comprehensive procedure than liposuction alone, as it targets both fat and skin laxity. Incisions are typically made behind the ears and possibly under the chin, allowing the surgeon to lift and tighten the skin and muscles.
• Recovery Process: Recovery typically involves some bruising, swelling, and discomfort for about two weeks. Patients may need to wear a compression garment. While initial results are visible once swelling subsides, the final outcome can take several months to fully mature.
• You can find more detailed information regarding this procedure on our neck lift procedures page.

Chin Implants

Sometimes, the appearance of a double chin is exacerbated by a weak or recessed chin projection. In such cases, a chin implant can dramatically improve the overall facial profile and diminish the perceived prominence of submental fullness.

• For a Weak or Recessed Chin: Chin augmentation with an implant can create better balance with other facial features, making the chin appear stronger and more defined.
• Improves Facial Profile: By enhancing the chin’s projection, the jawline becomes more distinct, and the neck appears longer and more neat, indirectly reducing the appearance of a double chin.
• Creates a Stronger Jawline: The implant is typically made of a biocompatible material and is custom-selected to fit your anatomy and aesthetic goals. It is placed through a small incision, often inside the mouth or under the chin.
• To learn more about how this procedure can benefit your facial aesthetics, please visit our page on chin augmentation.

Surgical vs. Non-Surgical: Which Path Is Right for You?

Deciding on the best approach for how to get rid of double chin can feel overwhelming given the variety of options. Both surgical and non-surgical treatments have their unique advantages and are suited for different concerns and desired outcomes. Here’s a comparison to help you understand which path might be right for you:

The choice between surgical and non-surgical options is highly personal. It depends on the severity of your double chin, your aesthetic goals, your tolerance for downtime, and your overall health. We often find that some patients benefit most from a combination of treatments to achieve a holistic rejuvenation.

A thorough consultation with Dr. Sarah Yovino or Dr. Justin Yovino at Ideal Face & Body in Beverly Hills is crucial. We will assess your unique anatomy, discuss your concerns, and help you understand all available options, guiding you towards the most effective and safest treatment plan for you.

Frequently Asked Questions about Double Chin Removal

We understand you likely have many questions about how to get rid of double chin. Here, we address some of the most common inquiries our patients have.

Who is a good candidate for double chin surgery?

Ideal candidates for double chin surgery generally share several characteristics that ensure both safety and satisfaction with the results. You might be a good candidate if you:

• Are in good overall physical health.
• Have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure.
• Possess significant submental fat that hasn’t responded to diet and exercise.
• Experience noticeable skin laxity or muscle banding in the neck area.
• Are a non-smoker, as smoking can impair healing and increase surgical risks.
• Have a weak or recessed chin that could benefit from structural improvement.

For more detailed information regarding candidacy for procedures like chin and neck liposuction, we invite you to review our general info on double chin surgery candidates.

How long does it take to see results from different treatments?

The timeline for seeing results can vary significantly depending on the type of treatment you choose:

• Injectable Fat Dissolvers: You’ll typically start to see initial results within a few weeks, with optimal outcomes appearing two to three months after your final session.
• Energy-Based Devices (Radiofrequency & Ultrasound): Because these treatments rely on your body’s natural collagen production, results are gradual. Improvements often begin to appear around two to three months post-treatment and continue to develop for up to six months.
• Surgery (Liposuction, Neck Lift, Chin Implants): While initial improvements are visible almost immediately after surgery once the initial swelling and bruising subside (typically within two weeks), the final, refined results can take several months to fully manifest as your body heals and settles.

Patience is key with all these treatments, as your body needs time to heal and adjust.

Can a double chin come back after treatment?

This is a common and excellent question! The answer depends on the type of treatment and your lifestyle post-procedure.

• For fat removal treatments (like injectables or liposuction): The fat cells that are destroyed or removed during these procedures are permanently gone. This means that the treated area should not accumulate fat in the same way again. However, if you experience significant weight gain after treatment, the remaining fat cells in the area (or elsewhere on your body) can expand. This could potentially lead to a recurrence of submental fullness, though typically not to the same extent as before.
• For skin tightening treatments (like energy-based devices or neck lifts): These procedures address skin laxity and muscle banding. While they provide significant and long-lasting improvements, the natural aging process will continue. Over many years, new skin laxity may develop, but the initial results are generally durable.

The key to maintaining your results, regardless of the treatment, is a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle. We always emphasize that these treatments are not a substitute for healthy habits, but rather a powerful tool to achieve the profile you desire.

Your Path to a More Defined Profile

We hope this extensive guide has shed light on the many effective ways to address a double chin. From simple lifestyle adjustments to advanced non-surgical and surgical procedures, there are proven solutions to help you achieve a more defined and confident profile.

At Ideal Face & Body in Beverly Hills, we are dedicated to helping you understand all your options and choose the path that best suits your unique needs and aesthetic goals. We pride ourselves on offering cutting-edge treatments, including our specialized “Precision Sculpt” awake liposuction, delivered with expertise and personalized care.

We empower you to take control of your appearance and feel your best. The first step towards banishing your double chin for good is a professional consultation. During this time, we will thoroughly assess your condition, discuss your concerns, and craft a bespoke treatment plan just for you.

Ready to explore your options and find how to get rid of double chin effectively? We invite you to schedule a consultation for chin and neck liposuction or any other treatment that interests you at Ideal Face & Body in Beverly Hills. Let us help you achieve the sculpted, youthful profile you desire.