The Scoop on Submental Lipo: Everything You Need to Know About Double Chin Removal

Why So Many People Are Turning to Double Chin Liposuction

Double chin liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that permanently removes stubborn fat beneath the chin to create a more defined jawline and profile. It typically takes 30-60 minutes, requires only local anesthesia, and delivers visible results within 1-3 months.

Quick Facts About Double Chin Liposuction:

• What it treats: Excess submental fat (the fat directly under your chin)
• Procedure time: 30-60 minutes
• Anesthesia: Local anesthesia with optional sedation
• Recovery time: 1-2 weeks to return to normal activities
• Results: Visible within 1 week, final results in 1-3 months
• Longevity: Permanent fat cell removal (with stable weight)
• Cost range: $1,200 – $12,000 depending on location and surgeon

It happens suddenly. You’re scrolling through photos, hopping on a Zoom call, or catching your reflection in the mirror—and there it is. That soft fold beneath your chin that won’t budge, no matter how much you diet or exercise.

You’re not alone. As many as 68% of people are bothered by their double chin, according to industry research. The rise of video platforms like Zoom and FaceTime, plus the constant selfie culture, has made us more aware of our profile than ever before. In fact, plastic surgeons now perform more than 50,000 double chin removal procedures in the United States each year.

A double chin can result from genetics, weight fluctuations, aging, or simply how your face is structured. For many people, this area remains stubbornly resistant to traditional weight loss methods. That’s where double chin liposuction comes in—a proven, minimally invasive solution that permanently removes those fat cells and reshapes your jawline.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about the procedure, from how it works to what recovery looks like, so you can make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you.

What is Double Chin Liposuction and How Does It Work?

Double chin liposuction, often referred to as submental liposuction, is a cosmetic procedure designed to remove excess fat from beneath the chin and along the jawline. The goal is to create a more defined and sculpted profile, reducing the appearance of a “double chin.” It’s considered a minimally invasive procedure because it involves small incisions and typically doesn’t require extensive surgery.

Here’s how it generally works:

1. Local Anesthesia: First, we administer local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. This ensures you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. In some cases, light sedation may also be used to help you relax.
2. Tumescent Fluid: A special fluid, known as tumescent fluid, is then injected into the fat beneath the chin. This fluid is a mixture of saline, lidocaine (a numbing agent), and epinephrine (which helps to constrict blood vessels, minimizing bleeding and bruising). The fluid also “plumps” the fat cells, making them easier to remove.
3. Small Incisions: Tiny, strategically placed incisions (often just a few millimeters long) are made, usually under the chin or behind the earlobes, to minimize visible scarring.
4. Cannula Insertion: A thin, hollow tube called a cannula is inserted through these incisions.
5. Fat Removal and Sculpting: We gently move the cannula back and forth to break up the fat cells. Once dislodged, the fat is then suctioned out using a vacuum pump or syringe. This process allows us to carefully sculpt the area, creating a smoother, more chiseled jawline. The fat cells removed during this process are gone for good.

The entire procedure typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes. The immediate removal of fat provides a visible improvement in contour, with final results evolving over a few months as swelling subsides and the skin tightens. You can learn more about various procedures for this area from trusted medical sources like Hopkins Medicine.

Who is an Ideal Candidate?

While double chin liposuction is a popular and effective solution, it’s not for everyone. The best candidates typically share several key characteristics:

• Good Skin Elasticity: This is crucial! After fat removal, your skin needs to have enough elasticity to retract and conform to your new, more defined contours. If you have significant skin laxity, liposuction alone might not achieve the smooth results you desire, and we might recommend additional procedures.
• Localized, Stubborn Fat: You’re bothered by excess fat deposits under your chin that simply won’t respond to diet and exercise. This fat often creates a “double chin” appearance even if you’re otherwise at a healthy weight.
• Good Overall Health: Ideal candidates are in good physical health and do not have any medical conditions that could impair healing or increase surgical risks.
• Stable Weight: While liposuction permanently removes fat cells, significant weight gain after the procedure can cause remaining fat cells to expand, potentially diminishing your results. Maintaining a stable weight ensures long-lasting outcomes.
• Realistic Expectations: It’s important to understand what the procedure can and cannot achieve. We’ll discuss your goals thoroughly to ensure they align with realistic outcomes.
• Non-Smoker: Smoking can significantly hinder the healing process and increase the risk of complications. We recommend quitting smoking well in advance of your procedure.
• Bothered by Submental Fullness: You genuinely feel self-conscious about your double chin and desire a more defined jawline and neck profile.

When a Neck Lift or Other Procedures Might Be Better

Sometimes, the concern isn’t just excess fat. If you have significant skin laxity, loose, sagging skin, or prominent platysmal bands (the vertical cords in the neck), double chin liposuction alone may not be sufficient to achieve your desired results. In these cases, we might suggest alternative or complementary procedures:

• Neck Lift (Lower Rhytidectomy): If you have considerable loose skin or muscle banding, a neck lift can address these concerns more effectively. This procedure involves tightening the underlying neck muscles (platysmaplasty) and removing excess skin (cervicoplasty) to create a smoother, firmer neck and jawline. For some patients, a combination of liposuction and a neck lift offers the most comprehensive rejuvenation.
• Chin Implants: A weak or recessed chin can make a double chin appear more prominent. In such cases, a chin implant can improve the projection of your chin, creating better balance with your facial features and improving jawline definition. Chin implants are a growing procedure that can dramatically improve your profile. You can read more about the popularity of procedures like this on our blog: Chin Implants Named the Fastest Growing Procedure.
• J-Plasma (Renuvion): For patients with mild to moderate skin laxity, treatments like J-Plasma can be combined with liposuction to provide additional skin tightening. This technology uses helium plasma and radiofrequency energy to contract the skin from within.

During your consultation, we will thoroughly assess your unique anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals to recommend the best approach for you. Our goal is always to achieve harmony and longevity in your results.

The Procedure and Recovery: What to Expect

Starting on a cosmetic procedure like double chin liposuction involves a journey from initial consultation to final results. We believe in transparency and want you to feel fully informed every step of the way.

Preparing for Your Double Chin Liposuction

Preparation is key to a smooth procedure and recovery. Here’s what you can expect and what we’ll ask of you:

1. Initial Consultation: This is where it all begins. We’ll sit down with you to discuss your aesthetic goals, review your medical history, and perform a thorough examination of your face and neck. This helps us determine if double chin liposuction is the right procedure for you and to tailor a personalized treatment plan.
2. Medical History Review: We’ll go over any current medications, allergies, and past surgeries.
3. Quitting Smoking: If you are a smoker, we will ask you to quit several weeks before your procedure. Smoking can significantly impair healing and increase the risk of complications.
4. Avoiding Blood-Thinning Medications: We’ll provide a list of medications and supplements to avoid for at least two weeks prior to surgery, as they can increase bleeding.
5. Arranging for Post-Procedure Transport and Care: You’ll need someone to drive you home after the procedure and ideally stay with you for the first 24 hours. Plan to make arrangements for time off work and assistance with daily activities during your initial recovery.
6. Fasting Instructions: You will receive specific instructions regarding fasting before your procedure.

The Recovery Process

Recovery from double chin liposuction is generally straightforward, with minimal downtime compared to more extensive surgeries.

• Compression Garment: Immediately after the procedure, we will apply a compression garment or chin strap. This is crucial for minimizing swelling, promoting skin retraction, and supporting your new contours. You’ll typically need to wear this garment continuously for the first few days, and then for several hours a day for a few weeks, as instructed by us.
• Swelling and Bruising: Expect some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in the treated area. This is normal and will gradually subside. Most significant swelling resolves within four to six weeks, but minor swelling can persist for a few months.
• Mild Discomfort: Any pain is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medication if needed.
• Return to Work: Most patients can return to work and light daily activities within one to two weeks. The procedure can often be performed under local anesthesia as a standalone procedure, allowing for a quicker return to your routine.
• Avoiding Strenuous Activity: We advise avoiding strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least two weeks to prevent complications and ensure proper healing.
• Soft Food Diet: You might find it more comfortable to eat soft foods for the first few days if chewing causes discomfort.
• Visible Improvement: Patients typically see a visible improvement in contour within the first week after the procedure, once the initial bandages are removed. Final results continue to evolve gradually over three months as swelling completely resolves and the skin settles.

We’ll provide you with detailed post-operative instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and ensure you’re on track for fantastic results.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

While double chin liposuction is generally safe, like any surgical procedure, it carries potential risks and side effects. We will discuss these thoroughly with you during your consultation, drawing on information from reliable sources like Cleveland Clinic.

Here are some potential considerations:

• Asymmetry: Slight differences in contour between the two sides of the chin or neck.
• Temporary Numbness: You might experience temporary numbness or altered sensation in the treated area, which usually resolves over time.
• Contour Irregularities: Uneven skin contours, lumps, or bumps can occur, though skilled surgeons carefully sculpt the area to avoid this.
• Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of infection at the incision sites. We provide instructions for proper wound care to minimize this risk.
• Scarring: While incisions are small and strategically placed to be inconspicuous, any incision carries a risk of visible scarring.
• Bleeding and Hematoma: Excessive bleeding or a collection of blood under the skin (hematoma) can occur.
• Nerve Damage: Though uncommon, temporary or permanent nerve damage can lead to muscle weakness or changes in sensation.
• Anesthesia Risks: Any procedure involving anesthesia carries inherent risks, which we will discuss with you based on your health profile.
• Poor Healing: Factors like smoking or certain medical conditions can impair wound healing.
• Pain and Swelling: These are expected post-procedure, but persistent or severe pain should be reported.
• Unsatisfactory Results: Despite best efforts, results may not always meet expectations. Open communication about your goals is vital.

We prioritize your safety and will take every precaution to minimize these risks. It’s crucial to follow all pre- and post-operative instructions carefully and to communicate any concerns immediately.

Results, Costs, and Alternatives

Understanding the long-term outcomes, financial investment, and available alternatives is a vital part of making an informed decision about double chin liposuction.

How Long Do Double Chin Liposuction Results Last?

One of the most appealing aspects of double chin liposuction is the longevity of its results. When we remove fat cells from beneath your chin, those specific fat cells are gone for good. They don’t regenerate. This means that once the fat is removed and your new contour is established, it is considered a permanent change.

However, “permanent” comes with an important caveat:

• Impact of Significant Weight Gain: While the removed fat cells won’t return, if you experience significant weight gain after your procedure, the remaining fat cells in the treated area, and indeed throughout your body, can expand. This could potentially lead to new fat accumulation and a return to a less defined appearance in the chin area. This is why we emphasize maintaining a healthy, stable weight to preserve your fantastic results. Weight fluctuations have a larger and more immediate impact on jawline contouring than the natural aging process.
• Natural Aging Process: While liposuction addresses fat, it doesn’t stop the natural aging process. Over time, skin elasticity may decrease, and facial structures can subtly change. However, the fat reduction achieved through liposuction will continue to provide a more defined starting point for your profile as you age.

By following a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise, you can enjoy the benefits of your sculpted jawline for many years to come.

Comparing Lipo to Other Options Offered by Marc Malek MD

While double chin liposuction is incredibly effective for fat removal, it’s just one tool in our aesthetic arsenal. We offer a range of procedures to help you achieve your facial rejuvenation goals, and sometimes a combination approach yields the best results. Here’s a comparison of liposuction with other options available at our Scottsdale practice:

Procedure	Best For	Number of Treatments	Downtime	Results Timeline
Double Chin Liposuction	Localized fat deposits, good skin elasticity, defined jawline desired	1	1-2 weeks	Visible in 1 week, final 3 months
Neck Lift	Significant skin laxity, loose neck skin, platysmal bands, sagging jowls	1	2-4 weeks	Weeks to months, long-lasting
Chin Implant	Weak or recessed chin, improving facial balance and jawline projection	1	1-2 weeks	Immediate, final 3-6 months
CoolSculpting (Non-Surgical)	Mild to moderate fat, no skin laxity, prefer non-invasive, no downtime	2-4+ sessions	Minimal (redness, swelling)	Gradual over 2-4 months
Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation	Addressing fine lines, wrinkles, volume loss, or mild skin laxity without surgery (e.g., injectables, lasers)	Varies	Minimal to few days	Immediate to gradual

For those interested in non-surgical options, we also offer treatments like CoolSculpting which can target unwanted fat cells through controlled cooling, or other Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation techniques for a refreshed look. Our approach is always personal and artistic, ensuring we recommend the best solution for your unique needs.

Understanding the Costs

The cost of double chin liposuction can vary significantly, typically ranging from about $1,200 to $12,000. This wide range depends on several factors, including:

• Surgeon’s Fee: This accounts for the surgeon’s expertise, experience, and the complexity of your case.
• Anesthesia Costs: The type of anesthesia used (local with sedation vs. general) and the duration of the procedure will impact this.
• Facility Fees: The cost associated with using the surgical facility.
• Pre- and Post-Operative Care: This can include follow-up appointments, compression garments, and any necessary medications.
• Geographic Location: Costs can differ based on the region. In Scottsdale, Arizona, our prices reflect the high standard of care and expertise we provide.

Cosmetic procedures like double chin liposuction are generally not covered by health insurance companies, as they are considered elective. We encourage you to discuss all potential costs during your initial consultation, and our team can provide information on financing options available. For more details on financial considerations, you can visit our Resources page.

How to Choose the Right Surgeon

Selecting the right surgeon for your double chin liposuction is perhaps the most critical decision you’ll make. This procedure requires not only technical skill but also an artistic eye to achieve natural-looking, beautiful results. Here’s what we believe you should look for:

• Board Certification: Always choose a surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This signifies that they have met rigorous standards for training, experience, and ethical practice.
• Extensive Experience: Look for a surgeon with a proven track record specifically in facial procedures and liposuction. Experience translates to a deeper understanding of facial anatomy and refined surgical techniques.
• Specialization in Facial Procedures: A surgeon who specializes in the Face will have a nuanced understanding of facial aesthetics and how to achieve balanced, harmonious results.
• Before-and-After Photo Gallery: Reviewing a surgeon’s gallery of previous patients can give you a strong indication of their aesthetic style and the quality of their work. Look for results that appear natural and align with your own goals.
• Patient Reviews: Testimonials and reviews from past patients can offer valuable insights into the surgeon’s approach, their team’s support, and the overall patient experience.
• The Artistic Approach of Dr. Marc Malek: At our practice, Dr. Marc Malek uses a personal and artistic approach to deliver fantastic, long-lasting results. He focuses on patient comfort, convenience, and promoting a healthy lifestyle for proportionally balanced bodies. His philosophy emphasizes sculpting and enhancing your natural features to achieve a refreshed, youthful look without appearing “overdone.” You can learn more about his background and philosophy on his About Marc Malek, MD page.

When you choose us, you’re not just getting a procedure; you’re partnering with a team dedicated to your safety, comfort, and satisfaction.

Conclusion: Defining Your Jawline and Your Confidence

The journey to a more defined jawline and a boost in self-confidence can begin with double chin liposuction. We’ve seen how eliminating that stubborn submental fullness can transform not just a profile, but a person’s entire outlook.

This minimally invasive procedure offers a safe and effective solution for those bothered by a double chin that resists diet and exercise. With permanent fat removal, minimal downtime, and beautifully sculpted results, it’s no wonder its popularity has soared, especially in our video-centric world. Imagine feeling confident on your next Zoom call or in every selfie you take—no more strategic angling or scarves needed!

We pride ourselves on providing exceptional plastic surgery care right here in Scottsdale, Arizona, utilizing a personal and artistic approach to deliver fantastic, long-lasting results. Our focus is always on your comfort, convenience, and helping you achieve a proportionally balanced and confident appearance.

If you’re ready to explore how double chin liposuction can redefine your profile and boost your self-esteem, we invite you to take the next step. Schedule a consultation with us to discuss your Liposuction goals and learn more about Getting Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale. Let us help you unveil the confident, chiseled jawline you’ve been dreaming of.