Double chin
A double chin disrupts the harmony of the facial contours and is often caused by genetic or age-related factors that cannot be influenced by exercise or diet.
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Important note
This article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis or advice. If you are unsure, or if you require a personalised treatment plan, it is essential that you consult a qualified specialist.
A double chin can significantly disrupt the harmony of the facial contours and often makes those affected appear older or heavier than they actually are. Whilst the internet is full of so-called miracle exercises, the causes are often genetic or age-related and cannot be influenced by exercise or diet. However, modern aesthetic medicine offers a range of highly effective procedures to remove a double chin in a targeted and permanent manner.
This guide sheds light on the various causes of a double chin and provides an objective comparison of the three leading professional treatment methods. We explain which method is best suited to which problem and help you make a safe and informed decision.
What is a double chin?
A double chin (medically known as submental fat) refers to a clearly visible accumulation of fatty tissue or pronounced sagging of the skin in the area between the lower jaw and the base of the neck. Visually, this blurs the defined chin-to-neck line and makes the lower part of the face appear fuller or „double“.
Whilst it is often associated with being overweight, its development is frequently also attributable to genetic predisposition, an individual’s bone structure or the natural ageing process.
What are the real causes of a double chin?
A double chin is not always just a question of weight. There are three main causes, which often occur in combination:
- Localised fat deposits: A genetic predisposition causes a stubborn layer of fat (submental fat) to form under the chin; this can occur even in slim people.
- Skin tightening: As we get older, the skin on the neck loses its elasticity and begins to sag. This leads to a „turkey neck“, even if there is hardly any excess fat.
- Anatomy: A receding chin or a low position of the hyoid bone can make a double chin appear more pronounced.
The limitations of exercises and home remedies
A realistic look at „chin-ups“ and the like.
Facial exercises and jaw exercises can strengthen the neck muscles, but they can do not burn localised fat tissue. If your double chin is caused by stubborn fat or sagging skin, exercise alone will not bring about any visible change. It is a good complement, but no substitute for medical treatment of the underlying problem.
The 3 most common treatments for reducing fat in the double chin area
Where stubborn fat deposits are the main cause, three procedures – ranging from minimally invasive to invasive – have become the standard of care.
- Method 1: The fat-dissolving injection (injection lipolysis)
Mechanism of action: An active ingredient (often based on deoxycholic acid) is injected directly into the fatty tissue of the double chin using fine needles. The substance breaks down the membranes of the fat cells, causing them to „leak“ and be broken down by the body via the lymphatic system.
Procedure: The treatment takes just a few minutes. To achieve the best possible result, it is usually necessary to 2 to 4 sessions This is necessary every 4–6 weeks.
- Method 2: Cold treatment (cryolipolysis)
Mechanism of action: A special small applicator draws the fatty tissue from the double chin into the device and cools it in a controlled manner to approximately -11 degrees Celsius. The fat cells die as a result of the cold (apoptosis) and are broken down by the body over the following weeks and months. The best-known procedure is CoolSculpting.
Procedure: A session lasts approximately 45 minutes. Depending on the severity, 1 to 2 sessions sufficient.
- Method 3: Liposuction
Mechanism of action: The Liposuction is the most invasive, but also the most effective, method. Under local anaesthetic, a fine cannula is inserted through tiny incisions in the skin, and the excess fatty tissue is permanently removed.
Procedure: The procedure takes around 45–60 minutes and is only one-off carried out.
A direct comparison of the three methods
| Characteristic | Fat-removal injection | Cryolipolysis | Liposuction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Result | Good to very good | Good | Excellent, very precise |
| In the long term? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Meetings | 2–4 | 1–2 | 1 |
| Downtime | 3–7 days (severe swelling) | 1–3 days (slight swelling) | 5–10 days (chin bandage) |
| Pain | Symptoms (burning, swelling) | Mild (chills, numbness) | Minor (under anaesthesia) |
| Costs | approx. €300–600 per session | approx. €800–1,500 per session | approx. €2,000–3,500 |
What can you do about sagging skin? (Turkey neck)
If the problem is not fat but primarily sagging skin, the methods mentioned above are less effective. In such cases, skin-tightening procedures are used:
Minimally invasive:
Radiofrequency needling or a Thread lift can improve skin quality and provide a slight firming effect.
Surgical:
Where there is a significant amount of excess skin, a surgical neck lift is usually the most effective solution.
Risks and financial protection
All the procedures mentioned are medical procedures and carry risks.
- Fat-removal injection: Severe swelling, bruising, temporary nerve irritation with the risk of an uneven smile.
- Cryolipolysis: Redness, swelling, numbness, and, rarely, hardening.
- Liposuction: Dents, unevenness, asymmetries, infections.
Should a complication require medically necessary follow-up treatment, the costs are usually not covered by health insurance schemes. A policy taken out in advance Consequential Costs Insurance is therefore an important form of financial security.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about double chins
That depends on the cause and your preference. Liposuction delivers the most precise and quickest results in just one session. Fat-dissolving injections and cryolipolysis are good non-surgical alternatives, but they require more time and/or sessions.
Yes. The fat cells that have been removed cannot return. However, if you put on a lot of weight, the remaining fat cells may enlarge.
Yes, there is a product that is specifically authorised in Germany for the treatment of submental fat (double chin). Make sure that your doctor uses a product that is authorised for this purpose.
Following a fat-dissolving injection, you can expect very noticeable swelling („turkey neck“) for several days. After cryolipolysis, the swelling is usually less severe. Following liposuction, a compression bandage must be worn for about a week.
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