Want to get rid of that double chin for good? Find out which methods actually work.
Sick of seeing a double chin in photos? Fed up with pinching stubborn fat under your jawline? If you want a sharper chin profile, the key is targeting the underlying fat pads.
This guide covers surgical and nonsurgical methods to slim and define your jawline, with insights on cost, recovery time, risks, and what to expect after chin fat removal so you can make the most informed decision.
What Are the Methods for Chin Fat Pad Removal?
There are surgical options like chin liposuction and submentoplasty to permanently remove fat, and nonsurgical options like Kybella injections, CoolSculpting, and Ultherapy to gradually reduce fat without surgery.
Chin liposuction is the most common and effective surgical method for eliminating a double chin. During this minimally invasive procedure, Dr. Darren Smith makes small incisions under the chin and inserts a thin cannula device to suction out excess fat.
With his extensive experience and surgical skill, Dr. Smith can precisely sculpt and contour the chin and jawline area through liposuction.
When performed properly, chin liposuction can permanently remove fat and enhance the chin profile for up to a decade, provided the patient maintains their weight. Recovery after chin liposuction takes around 1-2 weeks.
Results are initially obscured by swelling but become apparent over 2-3 months as swelling subsides. Some benefits of chin liposuction include:
- Permanently removes fat cells under the chin
- Enhances definition of the jawline and chin profile
- Minimally invasive procedure with small incisions
- Local anesthesia or sedation; no general anesthesia needed
- Little downtime; return to normal activities within 2 weeks
For more significant fat deposits and skin laxity, Dr. Smith may advise submentoplasty. This advanced procedure combines chin liposuction to remove fat with:
- Surgical excision to cut out excessive skin
- Tightening of the platysma neck muscles
- Reshaping of the entire jawline and neck
Through a small incision under the chin, submentoplasty allows for dramatic contouring and sculpting results. However, it involves a longer recovery period than chin liposuction alone.
Besides chin liposuction, Dr. Smith also complements it with other procedures for even more tailored and effective solutions. Here are a few examples:
- Chin Liposuction + VASER: VASER stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance. It is an advanced ultrasound technology used along with liposuction to break up and remove fat.
- Chin Liposuction + FaceTite: FaceTite uses radiofrequency energy to tighten skin and stimulate collagen production in addition to removing fat.
- Chin Liposuction + VASER + FaceTite: A combination treatment of all three procedures.
Nonsurgical Options for Fat Reduction
For those seeking nonsurgical options, you can consider:
- Kybella injections: Contains deoxycholic acid to gradually dissolve fat under the chin when injected monthly. Causes mild side effects like swelling and bruising at the injection site.
- CoolSculpting: Uses cold applicators placed on the skin to freeze and eliminate fat cells without surgery. Requires multiple treatments over 1-4 months.
- Ultherapy: Focused ultrasound to lift and tighten loose neck skin. Usually needs a series of sessions.
While these nonsurgical methods involve minimal downtime, they produce more subtle improvements compared to surgical chin fat removal procedures.
Maintaining weight stability and following Dr. Smith’s post-procedure instructions are important to get the best, longest-lasting results from any chin fat reduction treatment. With his expert care, you can finally achieve the sculpted, confident chin profile you desire.
Combine chin liposuction with FaceTite for contoured results plus tighter skin from Dr. Smith. Schedule a consultation now!
How Effective Is Chin Fat Pad Removal?
For significant submental fat deposits, Dr. Smith has found chin liposuction to be highly effective. By surgically removing fat cells under the chin, liposuction can dramatically sculpt and contour the area for an enhanced jawline and reduction of a double chin.
For mild to moderate fat, Dr. Smith may use nonsurgical injections like Kybella, which contains deoxycholic acid to dissolve localized fat when injected monthly.
A 14-year study on Kybella injections showed good efficacy in treating double chins through this nonsurgical method. However, results may not be as customized or dramatic as surgical fat removal in some cases.
What Is the Average Cost of Chin Fat Pad Removal?
The average cost of chin fat pad removal ranges from $2,500-$3,500 for surgical options like chin liposuction, and $600 per session for nonsurgical injections like Kybella, which requires multiple treatments.
Cost of Surgical Chin Fat Removal
For patients wanting dramatic, permanent submental fat reduction, Dr. Smith offers surgical options like:
- Chin liposuction: Removes fat surgically through small incisions under the chin. Costs $2,500-$3,500 on average. Does not include operating room and anesthesia fees.
- Chin contouring surgery: Reshapes the chin bone for augmentation and projection. Averages around $2,000 based on the extent of modification needed.
- Buccal fat removal: Eliminates fat pads in the cheeks. Ranges from $2,000-$5,000 on average.
- Submentoplasty: Combines procedures like chin liposuction and platysma muscle tightening. Pricing depends on the techniques involved.
While surgical chin enhancement has a higher upfront investment, it can permanently reshape the area and achieve dramatic improvements in one treatment.
Cost of Nonsurgical Chin Fat Reduction
For those seeking non-invasive options, Dr. Smith offers:
- Kybella injections – Cost per session is around $600. Most patients require 2-4 monthly treatments.
- CoolSculpting – Each treatment cycle averages $1,200. Multiple sessions are often needed.
What Is the Recovery Time for Chin Fat Pad Removal?
For surgical options like chin liposuction or genioplasty (chin contouring surgery), patients should expect:
- Return to work: 1-2 weeks on average
- See final results: Takes 3-6 months as post-procedure swelling gradually subsides
After nonsurgical buccal fat removal (cheek reduction):
- Resume normal activities: Within 5-7 days
- See final results: Around 4-12 weeks once swelling dissipates
For non-invasive treatments like CoolSculpting:
- Return to normal routine: Immediately or within a few days
- Notice results: Starts within 3 weeks, optimal results in 2-3 months
What Are the Risks Associated with Chin Fat Pad Removal?
Common minor risks of chin fat pad removal include temporary swelling, bruising, pain, and numbness, while rarer but serious risks include nerve injury, bleeding, and asymmetry if too much fat is removed on one side.
Common Minor Side Effects
- Swelling, bruising, pain, numbness at the treatment site. These typically resolve within 2-4 weeks.
- Small risk of minor infection at the incision site, easily treated with antibiotics.
Uncommon but Serious Risks
- Nerve injury causing temporary or permanent facial muscle weakness or numbness. Proper surgical technique minimizes this risk.
- Injury to salivary glands or ducts. Can require further treatment to manage fluid accumulation and infection risk.
- Excessive bleeding or hematoma after surgery, requiring additional treatment.
Long-Term Risks
- Removing too much fat can lead to a hollow, prematurely aged appearance later in life as facial fat naturally diminishes.
- May need fat grafting eventually to replace volume lost from fat removal procedures.
What to Expect After Undergoing Chin Fat Pad Removal?
Expect swelling, bruising, and numbness for the first 24 hours, then swelling peaks around day 3 before improving. Results emerge over 4-6 weeks as swelling resolves. No visible scarring since the incisions are inside the mouth.
| Time Period | Symptoms/Instructions |
| First 24 hours | Swelling, numbness, tenderness, and bruising are common but temporary. Use alcohol-free mouthwash and brush gently. |
| First week | Swelling and bruising peak around day 3 then improve. Avoid strenuous activity and sleep with your head elevated. Stick to a soft food diet. |
| Longer-term | Results become noticeable within a few weeks as swelling resolves over 4-6 weeks. There is no visible scarring since incisions are inside the mouth. |
Other Considerations
- While uncommon, risks like nerve damage, infection, or asymmetry can occur. Choosing an expert surgeon minimizes risks.
- Removing too much fat can lead to a gaunt look later in life as facial fat naturally diminishes.
See why patients prefer Dr. Smith’s facial enhancements with his signature chin liposuction techniques. Schedule your visit today!
FAQs
Can chin fat pad removal improve jawline definition?
Yes, chin fat pad removal can improve jawline definition by removing excess fat under the chin and along the jawline. This highlights the natural bone structure for a slimmer, more sculpted look. The results are permanent in most cases.
Is chin fat pad removal a permanent solution?
Yes, chin fat pad removal is typically a permanent solution for reducing a double chin. The procedure removes fat cells from under the chin which do not regrow. Maintaining a healthy weight can help ensure long-lasting results.
