How to Get Rid of a Double Chin

Posted in CoolSculpting®, Facelift, Facial Procedures, Facial Rejuvenation, Liposuction

A double chin can affect people of all ages and body types, and contrary to popular belief, weight gain is just one of several possible causes. This blog post takes a look at what contributes to submental fullness and the treatment options available.

Many individuals believe that the appearance of a double chin is caused by weight gain. Although weight gain can be a factor, your age, diet, posture, and genetics can all contribute to the appearance of a double chin. Luckily, there are a variety of options when it comes to getting rid of a double chin. Our experienced plastic surgeon in Orange County, Dr. Daniel Mills, and our team at Aesthetic Plastic Surgical Institute offer surgical and non-surgical treatments to reduce unwanted excess fat or inelastic skin in the upper neck region.

What Actually Causes a Double Chin?

Understanding the root cause of a double chin is the first step toward choosing the most effective treatment. While many people assume excess weight is always to blame, the reality is more nuanced. Submental fullness, which is the clinical term for a double chin, can develop due to a combination of factors:

• Genetics: Some individuals are simply predisposed to storing fat beneath the chin, regardless of their overall body weight or lifestyle habits.
• Age: As the skin loses collagen and elasticity over time, it becomes less capable of “bouncing back,” which can cause the neck and jawline area to appear softer and less defined.
• Posture: Consistently looking downward — particularly due to prolonged screen time — can weaken the muscles of the neck and chin area, contributing to the appearance of fullness over time.

Identifying which of these factors is driving your concern helps Dr. Mills determine the most appropriate treatment path, whether non-surgical, surgical, or a combination of both.

Can Exercise and Diet Alone Eliminate a Double Chin?

Diet and exercise can reduce overall body fat, which may help slim the appearance of a double chin, but for many patients, stubborn submental fat simply doesn’t respond to lifestyle changes. This is especially true when genetics are a primary factor. Targeted exercises that engage the neck and jaw muscles (such as chin tilts or tongue presses) may offer minor toning benefits, but they cannot tighten loose skin or eliminate localized fat deposits the way medical treatments can.

For patients who have already reached or maintained a healthy weight but continue to struggle with submental fullness, a consultation with Dr. Mills can clarify whether a clinical solution is the right next step.

Treatment Options for a Double Chin

There are many options to choose from when it comes to diminishing the appearance of a double chin. Dr. Mills can help you determine which procedure may be best for your needs and aesthetic goals.

Here are a few options that may be recommended to you based on the primary source of your aesthetic concern:

CoolSculpting^®

Submental CoolSculpting is a non-surgical fat reduction treatment that may appeal to patients who are looking for potential options to address mild to moderate fullness under the chin without incisions, anesthesia, or downtime. The treatment works by applying controlled cooling to the area beneath the chin, targeting and destroying fat cells without harming the surrounding tissue. The body should then gradually eliminate those cells naturally over the weeks following treatment. CoolSculpting^® is FDA-cleared for submental fat reduction and is typically best suited for patients who are close to their ideal weight but have localized fat beneath the chin that has proven resistant to diet and exercise. Results should develop progressively and multiple sessions may be recommended depending on the degree of fullness being addressed.

Submental Liposuction / Neck Liposuction

Neck liposuction and submental (beneath the chin) liposuction are highly popular surgical options that are often well-suited for individuals with more significant or unevenly distributed excess fat in the neck and chin area. During neck/submental liposuction, a small hollow cannula is inserted into the treatment area to suction out the excess fat cells, allowing Dr. Mills to precisely sculpt the contours of the neck and jawline. For patients who struggle to reduce stubborn submental fat through diet and exercise alone, liposuction offers a more immediate and definitive solution. Because the fat cells are physically removed, results are typically long-lasting. With a healthy lifestyle, the improvements can be maintained for many years.

Facelift

Individuals who want to get rid of inelastic skin on the neck may be recommended a surgical facelift. This treatment can be an ideal option to get rid of a double chin caused by loose, excess skin rather than excess fat. Dr. Mills eliminates inelastic tissue and tightens the remaining skin so patients can have a more youthful and contoured appearance that can last many years.

Combining Treatments for Optimal Results

In some cases, the most effective approach to eliminating a double chin involves more than one treatment. For example, a patient with both excess submental fat and mild skin laxity may benefit from combining submental liposuction with a procedure that addresses skin tightening. Similarly, patients pursuing a facelift for loose neck skin often achieve more comprehensive rejuvenation when the underlying fat is also addressed.

Dr. Mills evaluates each patient’s anatomy carefully and takes the time to understand their goals before making any recommendations. His priority is always to suggest a treatment plan that can produce natural-looking, harmonious results. A personalized consultation is the best way to determine which option or combination of options can deliver the outcome you’re looking for.

If you would like to explore the treatment options available for double chin reduction, please contact our practice to schedule an in-person or virtual consultation.

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