Information on double chin reduction and tightening
A double chin results from a combination of fat under the chin, skin laxity, muscle structure and jaw bone structure. So the cause of the appearance is first identified at the examination. If fat predominates, lipolysis methods are considered; if there is also laxity, methods aimed at tightening are considered. Two methods are used in our clinic: injection lipolysis and endolaser.
Treatment details
Duration: Injection lipolysis takes about 15–30 minutes; endolaser takes about 45–60 minutes including local anaesthesia.
Who it is for: Adults with limited fat under the chin and a stable weight; for endolaser, also mild to moderate laxity.
Number of sessions: Injection lipolysis usually 2–4 sessions, 4–6 weeks apart; endolaser is mostly a single session. The final plan is set by the physician after the examination.
Injection lipolysis
A substance that affects fat cell membranes is injected into the fat under the chin. A meta-analysis of randomized trials reported a reduction in submental fat with deoxycholic acid; the same analysis noted that side effects are common and that industry funding may affect results. Marked swelling, pain, numbness and firmness are common afterwards; rarely, a temporary asymmetric smile due to involvement of a facial nerve branch may occur.
Endolaser
Laser energy is delivered under the skin through a thin optical fibre, aiming for changes in fat tissue and a tightening response in connective tissue. Details are given on the Endolift / Endolaser service page. Risks include bruising, swelling, temporary numbness, burns and contour irregularity.
Who may not be suitable?
Marked excess skin, significant overweight, active infection, pregnancy and breastfeeding, bleeding tendency and previous surgery in the area are assessed separately.
Frequently asked questions
Does double chin reduction cause weight loss?
No. It is a local treatment, not a weight-loss method.
Which method suits me?
It is decided at the examination according to fat, skin laxity and expected recovery time.
When is the result seen?
It is assessed weeks later once swelling settles; the tightening response may develop over months.
This text is for general information only and is not a personal diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Suitability is decided after a medical history and examination. Results vary from person to person; no particular result can be guaranteed.
References
- Inocêncio GSG, et al. Efficacy, safety, and potential industry bias in using deoxycholic acid for submental fat reduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2023. PMID: 37806137.
- Furtado GRD, et al. Scientific evidence on the impact of endolaser in aesthetics: scoping review. Lasers Med Sci. 2025. PMID: 40116960.
