A personal consultation with a specialist is crucial to determining the optimal treatment. During this consultation, the causes of the double chin are analyzed, realistic expectations are discussed, and the most suitable method is recommended for each individual. This results in a natural-looking outcome that enhances personal well-being. Prof. Dr. med. Hisham Fansa or Dr. med. Sora Linder will be happy to advise you personally.
How to remove a double chin: What options are there?
Prof. Dr. med. Hisham Fansa
•
March 18, 2026
A double chin can significantly alter the facial profile – regardless of body weight or age. Many sufferers find it bothersome, as it makes the chin and neck contour appear soft or blurred. Thanks to modern aesthetic medicine, various methods are now available to treat a double chin effectively. This article explains Prof. Dr. med. Hisham Fansa, Chief Physician and Head of Plastic Surgery Zurich, explains the differences between surgical procedures for removing the double chin and which method is suitable for which initial situation.
Why does a double chin develop?
A double chin is a buildup of fat under the chin and on the neck. When the head is lowered, it creates the impression of having a "second chin." A double chin can have various causes:
- familial predisposition
- declining skin elasticity
- anatomical features of the chin and neck region
It is often a combination of several factors. Distinguishing between fat accumulation and skin laxity is crucial. While excess fat is frequently the primary concern in younger patients, decreasing skin elasticity plays an increasingly significant role with age. This differentiation is essential for choosing the right treatment method.
Surgical options for removing a double chin
Liposuction
The surgical Liposuction This procedure is one of the most effective methods for treating fat deposits under the chin. Excess fat is selectively removed through small, discreet incisions to clearly define the chin and neck contour. The method is particularly suitable for patients with good skin elasticity and a clearly localized fat deposit on the platysma muscle. Fat deposits below the muscle and loose skin, however, are not suitable candidates.
Benefits
- Precise and lasting reduction of fat tissue
- Clear definition of the chin and neck contour
- Immediate visible improvement after the swelling subsides.
Liposuction leads to a permanent reduction in fat cells in the treated area. The final result is usually visible after a few weeks, once the tissue has fully adapted.
In certain cases, it can be beneficial to combine liposuction with an "internal tightening" procedure using helium plasma (Renuvion®). The plasma tightens the connective tissue from within, without additional incisions. While this effect does not replace skin tightening with incisions, it significantly improves the outcome.
“Open fat removal” on the neck / double chin – definition of the cervicomental angle
Especially in younger patients with hereditary fat deposits in the neck and a pronounced double chin, it can be more effective to remove the fat "openly," meaning through a small incision under the chin. The advantage of this method is that we surgeons can work under direct vision. This allows us to precisely remove fat both on and under the platysma muscle. Through the same access point, we can also precisely contour deeper structures in the neck and tighten the muscle. Direct vision also allows us to reshape areas that would be difficult to address with a simpler approach. Liposuction are not reachable without damaging the deep structures in the neck.
If the skin is firm, no skin removal is necessary because the skin was previously convex due to the fat and now folds inwards (concave) after the fat removal. Therefore, there is no excess skin that needs to be removed.
Benefits
- Direct view of the anatomical structures
- Improved definition of the cervicomental angle (transition between chin and neck)
- Precise contouring of the neck, even in deeper tissue layers.
- Often no additional skin removal is required.
Neck lift
In cases of significant excess skin or markedly sagging tissue, liposuction alone is often insufficient. In such cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Tightening of the neck or chin area It can be beneficial. A neck lift allows for the removal of excess skin and tightening of the underlying structures to restore a harmonious and natural chin and neck contour. It is often recommended to combine this lift with a Facelift to combine. When neck skin is loose, facial skin is usually also loose, and jowls can disrupt the jawline. If only the neck is tightened in such a case, without including the face, the result will not be harmonious.
Benefits
- Sustainable tightening
- Significant profile improvement
- Particularly harmonious results when indicated.
This method is particularly suitable when minimally invasive procedures are not expected to yield satisfactory or long-term results.
Whether through open surgery or liposuction with Renuvion®, modern plastic and aesthetic medicine offers a variety of options for the targeted removal of a double chin. Crucial to success are a thorough medical assessment and a treatment plan focused on naturalness, harmony, and long-lasting results. Such a procedure on the neck and face should only be performed by plastic surgeons with extensive knowledge of the complex anatomy of the face and neck.
Consultation as the key to a natural result
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