Ditch the Double Chin: 5 Non-Surgical Options Explained

There's a distinct reason many of us angle our camera phones above us when we're taking a selfie or having someone else take a photo — it's more flattering for your face and chin! If you've ever seen a double chin photo of yourself you were probably tempted to hit the little trash can icon and delete it.

Some of us actually have double chins, while for others it can be an optical illusion in a photo. Either way, it's a situation where two are not better than one, and there are only so many times you can wear a turtleneck or scarf to hide it.

A recent survey from the American Society of Dermatological Surgery found that 70% of those surveyed were bothered by fat under their chin and neck.¹

What Is a Double Chin?

While you might think “I know it when I see it" when it comes to a double chin — what you think looks like a double chin on you can be imperceptible to someone else — there's a medical term for it. "Submental fullness" refers to the excess fat that creates a double chin.² Yes, your double chin is likely made of extra fat unless it's caused by fluid retention from a health issue.²

What Causes a Double Chin?

It's easy to blame those pandemic pounds on a fuller face but there are a number of factors that can contribute to a double chin. (And yes, you can blame your parents.)

• Genetics: If your family members have large necks and double chins, you'll be more likely to have one.
• Age: Skin that sags and loosens as you age can contribute to how your neck and chin look. Here's how you can look younger with a facial procedure.
• Weight: Having a few extra pounds on our frame often contributes to a fuller face and double chin.
• Anatomy: If you have a shorter jawline, you could be more susceptible to a double chin. A weak jawline can make it look like you have a double chin, too. Here's some insight on how you can improve your jawline with injectables or plastic surgery.
• Posture: From holding your head down while on a phone, or looking down while using a laptop or device.³
• A health issue: Kidney disorders, Cushing's disease, an underactive thyroid, saliva gland inflammation and even a sinus infection can cause you to look like you have a double chin.³

5 Non-Surgical Ways to Get Rid of a Double Chin

Once you've established why you have a double chin, you can learn how to get rid of it with injectable options and surgical options. Make sure you research a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area and read their reviews before committing to a non-surgical fat-reduction procedure for your double chin. If you're considering a facial filler, discover which facial filler is right for you.

Can you get rid of a double chin without surgery? Yes! Here are the best fat-dissolving injections for your chin:

1. Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy involves targeted injections of deoxycholic acid to damage fat cells.⁴ It's a non-surgical fat reduction procedure, also called injection lipolysis.⁵ Deoxycholic acid is a bile acid and is injected into the skin area on the neck to help break down fatty tissue.

The medical professional administering this injection will inject you with local anesthesia first, then inject the medication in a grid pattern under your chin.⁵ You'll need multiple injections (approximately three to six) of deoxycholic acid to correct the submental fullness, spaced out every month to a month and a half. The fat will naturally be removed by your body over the next few weeks.⁴

Most patients see results six to eight weeks after their initial treatment. The results should be long-lasting unless the patient gains weight.⁵

The average cost of each injection of lipolysis is $941 in the U.S.⁶

2. Cryolipolysis

This fast way to get rid of a double chin involves cryolipolysis. During this hour-long minimally-invasive body contouring treatment, a handpiece placed at the chin targets fat cells with near-freezing temperatures. This damages the fat cells' membranes so they die off naturally and are eliminated by the body.³

Many people will see results over the next few weeks, although full results may take from three to six months to develop.⁷

The average cost of a cryolipolysis treatment averages between $750 and $1,000 retail, but it depends on how many sessions you will need, on which area of the body you're having the treatment, and the area of the country you live in.⁸ In some cases, the price for this treatment can be as high as $4,000.

3. Phosphatidylcholine

Phosphatidylcholine, along with deoxycholic acid, dissolves fat deposits.⁹ It is best for specific or targeted areas, like double chins, jowls and cellulite reduction. Treatment is done two to four weeks apart and patients often require two to six treatments.¹⁰

4. Laser lipolysis

Also called radiofrequency lipolysis, this non-surgical procedure uses laser energy that heats fat cells and disrupts them with an applicator. This procedure can reduce the volume of fat in a particular area. It's done without anesthesia.

While some patients might see results in about six weeks, they are often apparent three months after the procedure.¹¹ Some treatment costs vary depending on how many "handpieces" are required — larger surfaces like the abdomen require two to four so the chin area might require one to two.¹¹ Here's more on how to get rid of cellulite.

The average cost of laser lipolysis is $250 and up per handpiece.¹²

Ready for a bigger lift? Learn more about the types of facelifts and facelift costs.

5. Exercise

While some infomercials and social media influencers might have you believe otherwise, you can't “spot train" and do targeted exercises to lose fat in one area. Particularly your neck, so stop with all that jaw action while you're reading this!

The best way to get rid of a double chin naturally is to reduce overall fat with a healthy diet and exercises that target your whole body. If your double chin is caused by a health problem like one of those mentioned above, talk to your doctor about treatment options. Want to pamper your face? Learn more about the types of facials to get your skin glowing.

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for a Double Chin Removal

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for double chin removal and related expenses not covered by health insurance.* Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go, and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts, and videos.

Author Bio

Diana Kelly Levey is a freelance journalist, content marketing writer and author with more than 15 years of experience covering health and wellness.