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A double chin, or submental fullness, is one of the most common cosmetic concerns for adults of all ages. It can appear even in people who are fit, healthy, and at a normal body weight—often due to genetics, age-related skin changes, or natural fat distribution patterns. Because of this, most people find that diet and exercise alone cannot reliably remove a double chin.
Chin liposuction is one of the most effective and long-lasting treatments for reducing fullness beneath the chin and reshaping the jawline. At Berkeley Square Medical in London, chin liposuction is a highly sought-after procedure for patients who want a sharper profile, improved facial balance, and permanent fat reduction.
Below, we break down the causes of a double chin, how chin liposuction works, what to expect before and after treatment, risks, alternatives, and who makes an ideal candidate.
Chin liposuction is one of the most effective and predictable ways to permanently remove a double chin and enhance jawline definition.
Genetics, ageing, and natural fat distribution are the most common reasons people develop submental fullness, even at a healthy weight.
Diet and exercise rarely reduce chin fat because it cannot be spot-targeted.
The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthetic, takes under an hour, and requires only a few days of downtime.
Results develop gradually over 6–12 weeks and are long lasting, provided weight is kept stable.
Ideal candidates have good skin elasticity and localised fat under the chin; those with significant loose skin may need a neck lift instead.
Side effects such as swelling, bruising, and numbness are expected but temporary; serious complications are rare when performed by a qualified surgeon.
Non-surgical alternatives like Kybella, CoolSculpting, radiofrequency, and ultrasound treatments can help mild fullness but offer less dramatic results.
Genetics strongly influence fat distribution. Some people naturally accumulate fat beneath the chin regardless of their body fat percentage. If double chins run in your family, you are more likely to develop one even at a healthy weight.
Weight fluctuations can contribute to submental fullness, but even at your ideal weight, stubborn fat pockets under the chin may remain due to hereditary factors.
As collagen and elastin decrease with age, the skin loses firmness. This can make the chin and neck area appear fuller or sagging, even if the fat layer is small.
Neck and chin fat cannot be “spot reduced.” For many patients, even significant weight loss has little impact on this area, which is why surgical treatment remains the most predictable and effective solution.
Chin liposuction is a precise cosmetic procedure that permanently removes fat deposits under the chin and along the upper neck. Using a thin cannula and suction device, the surgeon contours the jawline to create a slimmer, more sculpted appearance.
The procedure typically takes 25–45 minutes, is performed under local anaesthetic, and involves minimal downtime.
Tumescent Liposuction (most widely used): Local anaesthetic and saline solution are injected to numb the area and make fat easier to remove.
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL): Ultrasonic energy liquefies fat before extraction.
Laser-Assisted Liposuction (LAL): Laser energy melts fat, potentially tightening the skin slightly.
Your surgeon will recommend the safest and most effective technique for your anatomy.
You will undergo:
Most patients go home the same day.
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Swelling
Bruising
Tightness or numbness under the chin
Mild discomfort
Temporary skin irregularities
These usually resolve within 1–3 weeks.
Infection
Prolonged numbness
Small contour irregularities
Minor scarring
Asymmetry
Temporary skin rippling
A top search query is: “Can you die from chin liposuction?”
Death from chin liposuction is extremely rare. Modern liposuction techniques use local anaesthetic, meaning risks associated with general anaesthesia are avoided. Choosing a qualified, GMC-registered surgeon and following all pre- and post-operative instructions keeps risk extremely low.
You may be a good candidate if you:
Have a double chin caused by fat, not just loose skin
Have reasonable skin elasticity
Are at a stable weight
Want permanent removal of submental fat
Are in good general health
Have realistic expectations
Chin liposuction is not ideal if:
You have significant skin laxity
Your neck bands (platysmal bands) are prominent
You want dramatic neck lift results without addressing skin or muscle
In these cases, a neck lift or combined procedures may be more suitable.
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At Berkeley Square Medical:
Procedures are performed by leading consultant surgeons with advanced expertise in facial and neck contouring.
You will receive tailored treatment plans based on your anatomy and goals.
All procedures include comprehensive aftercare and follow-up support.
We operate to the highest safety and hygiene standards in the UK.
For enhanced definition, some patients benefit from combination treatments:
Ideal if you have excess or sagging skin along the neck or jawline.
Tightens vertical neck bands.
Improves mid-face sagging and enhances jawline definition when paired with chin lipo.
Radiofrequency
Ultrasound
Laser tightening
These help when skin elasticity is mild to moderately reduced.
Non-surgical options are suitable for mild to moderate fullness or for patients not ready for surgery.
Uses deoxycholic acid
Requires 2–6 sessions
Swelling is common
Permanent fat cell destruction
Freezes fat cells
No downtime
Results appear in 1–3 months
Firms mild skin laxity
Requires multiple sessions
Does not remove fat
Tightens deeper tissues
Gradual improvements
If your double chin is mainly caused by fat, liposuction remains the most predictable and powerful option.
For more information please visit our Liposuction page.
A double chin is often caused by genetics, natural fat distribution, and age-related changes in skin elasticity. Even people at a healthy weight can store extra fat under the chin or develop mild sagging that makes the area look fuller.
You are usually a good candidate if you have localised fat under the chin, relatively firm and elastic skin, are in good general health, and have realistic expectations. If you have significant loose skin or banding in the neck, your surgeon may recommend combining chin lipo with a neck lift or other tightening procedure.
Chin liposuction is typically done under local anaesthetic with or without light sedation. The surgeon makes 1–2 tiny incisions (often under the chin), inserts a fine cannula, and gently removes the fat. The procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes and most patients go home the same day.
You can expect swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness for the first 1–2 weeks. A supportive chin strap is usually worn during this time. Many patients return to desk work within a few days, while exercise and heavy lifting are avoided for about 2–3 weeks. The jawline refines over 6–12 weeks as the swelling settles.
Yes, the fat cells removed during chin liposuction do not grow back. However, remaining fat cells can still enlarge with weight gain, so maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle is important to preserve your results long term.
Common, temporary side effects include bruising, swelling, numbness, and mild discomfort. Less common risks include infection, contour irregularities, prolonged numbness, or skin laxity if the skin does not retract well. Choosing an experienced, board-certified surgeon and following aftercare advice greatly reduces the likelihood of complications.
Yes. Options such as fat-dissolving injections (e.g. Kybella), CoolSculpting, radiofrequency, and ultrasound-based treatments can help mild to moderate fullness. They usually require multiple sessions, have more subtle results than surgery, and may not be suitable if loose skin is the main concern.
Patient Journey We are here to guide you to make the right decision for your well-being. If you are considering an aesthetic change to your appearance, we know that it’s one of the most important and personal decisions you wish to make. Therefore you need to be certain that the medical advice you receive is […]
Patient Aftercare All cosmetic surgery procedures at Berkeley Square Medical come with a comprehensive aftercare package and a 24-hour service so you can be assured you are always under the care and guidance of our surgical team. All your immediate aftercare is included in the cost of your surgery so there are no hidden extras in our […]
If you are considering Cosmetic Surgery, we understand that it's probably one of the most important decisions you're likely to make, therefore, you need to be sure it's right for you and you receive professional and independent advice about your procedure.
Our Philosophy We began our journey setting foot in the highly fashionable area of Berkeley Square, Mayfair where luxury fashion, galleries and five-star hotels all conveniently meet to set the example for world-leading client services and experience. Our goal was to create a cosmetic surgery practice that would not only exceed patients’ expectations but provide […]
