Double Chin Reduction
Double chin reduction uses fat-dissolving injections to break down stubborn fat under the chin, helping to define the jawline and neck without surgery.
Book an appointment →Understanding Double Chin Reduction
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Background
How Did Double Chin Reduction Develop?
Fat under the chin (submental fat) can be hard to shift with diet and exercise, and liposuction was traditionally the main way to remove it. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, injectable formulations of phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholic acid became popular for small areas of fat, although they were not well studied at first.
Researchers later found that deoxycholic acid, a substance similar to a bile acid the body uses to break down dietary fat, was largely responsible for the fat-dissolving effect[2]. This led to large randomised controlled trials of deoxycholic acid specifically for fat under the chin[3].
Liposuctionthe traditional surgical optionPC + DCearly injectable fat-dissolving formulationsResearchdeoxycholic acid identified as the key activeTrialslarge randomised trials for the chin areaFigure 1. How fat-dissolving injections for the chin developed.
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Modern Scientific Perspective
How Does Double Chin Reduction Work?
Fat-dissolving injections act directly on fat cells in the treated area. Deoxycholic acid behaves like a detergent, disrupting fat-cell membranes[2].
Fat-dissolving injection
into fat under the chinMembrane disruptionDeoxycholic acid breaks down the membranes of fat cells in the treated area.Natural clearanceThe body’s inflammatory and healing processes clear the released fat over several weeks.Contour changeGradual reduction in fullness may give a more defined chin and jawline.Figure 2. How fat-dissolving injections are thought to reduce fat under the chin[2].
A meta-analysis of five randomised trials (1,838 participants) found that deoxycholic acid injections reduced fat under the chin more than placebo, with side effects that were mostly temporary and at the injection site, such as pain, bruising, numbness, redness and swelling[1]. These trials used a licensed deoxycholic acid medicine over several sessions, so results with other products may differ. Results vary between individuals, usually build over several weeks, and more than one session is typically needed.
References
- Cunha KS, Lima F, Cardoso RM. Efficacy and safety of injectable deoxycholic acid for submental fat reduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology. 2021;14(3):383–397. doi.org/10.1080/17512433.2021.1884070
- Rotunda AM, Suzuki H, Moy RL, Kolodney MS. Detergent effects of sodium deoxycholate are a major feature of an injectable phosphatidylcholine formulation used for localized fat dissolution. Dermatologic Surgery. 2004;30(7):1001–1008. doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2004.30305.x
- Jones DH, Carruthers J, Joseph JH, et al. REFINE-1, a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial with ATX-101, an injectable drug for submental fat reduction. Dermatologic Surgery. 2016;42(1):38–49. doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000000578
What you need to know
- 1Before your treatment
What to Prepare
10 days before:
- Avoid aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen), fish oil, ginkgo biloba, St John’s wort and high-dose vitamin E, as these may increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. A regular multivitamin and paracetamol are usually fine if not otherwise contraindicated. Please do not stop any medicine prescribed by your doctor without speaking to them first.
- Tell us if you have a history of cold sores (herpes simplex) on the face.
- Avoid dental procedures and direct sun exposure.
24 hours before:
- Avoid alcohol, as it can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.
- Avoid waxing, bleaching, tweezing or hair-removal creams on the area to be treated.
- Eat a small meal or snack before your appointment.
Please tell us if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have any allergies (including to soya, as some formulations contain soya-derived phosphatidylcholine), have a bleeding disorder or take blood-thinning medication, have an infection in the area, or have had surgery or other treatment in the area. Your practitioner will check that the treatment is suitable for you.
- 2During your treatment
What to Expect
- Your practitioner will assess the area, check that fat (rather than loose skin) is the main cause of fullness, and discuss possible side effects with you.
- The skin is cleansed and a grid may be marked under the chin to guide the injections.
- A series of small injections is given into the fat using a very fine needle.
- You may feel stinging, warmth or tingling for a short time afterwards.
- 3After your treatment
Aftercare
- For facial injections, keep your head upright and avoid touching the treated area for at least 6 hours.
- Avoid heat exposure such as sunbeds and saunas for at least 48 hours.
- Avoid strenuous activity or vigorous exercise for 24 hours.
- Avoid high-pressure activities such as diving and flying for 72 hours.
- Avoid any other facial treatment or massage for 1 month, and dental procedures for 2 weeks.
- No laser treatment for 2 weeks.
- Use SPF 50 daily.
Swelling under the chin is expected and can be quite noticeable for several days. Tenderness, bruising, numbness and firmness are also common and usually settle over the following weeks. Contact us if you notice difficulty swallowing, an uneven smile, or anything that concerns you.
Who double chin reduction is for
Double chin reduction is often chosen by people with a small to moderate amount of fat under the chin who would prefer to avoid surgery. These are some of the most common reasons our patients ask about it.
Stubborn chin fat
Fat under the chin that has not responded to diet and exercise.
Learn more →
Undefined jawline
A jawline that lacks definition because of fullness beneath it.
Side profile
A softer neck–chin angle in profile, which many patients would like to define.
Genetic fullness
A double chin that runs in the family, even at a healthy weight.
Non-surgical preference
People who would prefer to avoid liposuction and a long recovery.
Facial contouring
As part of a wider plan to refine the lower face, sometimes alongside masseter reduction.
Your practitioner will assess whether double chin reduction is right for you at your consultation. Results vary and are not guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
How many sessions will I need?
When will I see results?
Is there swelling afterwards?
Are the results permanent?
Is it suitable for everyone?
Still have a question? Ask our practitioners.
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