What It Is
A Double Chin Treatment refers to a set of non-surgical or minimally invasive procedures aimed at reducing fat under the chin (submental fat) and tightening sagging skin around the jawline. A double chin is caused by genetics, weight gain, aging, or skin laxity, and it often makes the face look heavier or older.
In Korea, where the V-line jaw contour is a beauty standard, double chin treatments are extremely popular. Clinics combine fat reduction, skin tightening, and collagen stimulation therapies to achieve a slimmer, sharper jawline. Options range from injection-based treatments to RF tightening, HIFU, and thread lifts.
Why It’s Done
Patients undergo double chin treatments for both aesthetic improvement and anti-aging benefits:
➝ Fat reduction → Removes excess fat under the chin.
➝ Jawline definition → Creates a sharp, youthful V-line.
➝ Skin tightening → Corrects sagging skin caused by aging.
➝ Facial balancing → Improves proportion between the face and neck.
➝ Preventative care → Younger patients undergo treatment early to maintain a slim profile.
➝ Confidence boost → A well-defined jawline enhances overall attractiveness.
In Korea, the double chin is often seen as detracting from facial harmony, making treatment highly sought after by both men and women.
Alternatives
There are multiple approaches to double chin reduction, depending on the cause (fat vs. skin laxity):
- Injection Treatments
- Lipolysis injections (Kybella, Lipo-Dissolve) → Dissolve fat cells chemically.
- Deoxycholic acid injections → Permanent fat reduction with gradual results.
- Energy-Based Devices
- HIFU (Shurink, Ultherapy, Doublo) → Targets deep SMAS layer, lifts and tightens.
- Thermage FLX (Monopolar RF) → Firms lax skin and improves elasticity.
- Venus Legacy RF / EndyMed RF → Stimulates collagen and reduces mild fat.
- Thread Lifts
- PDO/PLLA/PCL threads → Mechanically lift sagging chin skin, restore jawline.
- Surgical Alternatives
- Liposuction → Removes fat instantly but invasive.
- Neck lift → Corrects severe sagging.
In Korea, the most common approach is combination therapy, where fat reduction injections are paired with HIFU or threads for both slimming and tightening.
Preparation
Preparation for double chin treatment depends on the method chosen:
➝ Consultation & analysis → Doctors use imaging to measure fat thickness and skin laxity.
➝ Medical history review → Patients disclose health conditions, prior treatments, and medications.
➝ Stop blood thinners → Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and supplements 5–7 days before (with doctor’s advice).
➝ No alcohol or smoking → For at least 48 hours before treatment.
➝ Skincare prep → Discontinue retinoids, acids, and harsh treatments 3–5 days before skin-based procedures.
➝ Numbing → Applied before injections or device-based treatments.
How It’s Done
The procedure depends on the chosen treatment:
1. Lipolysis Injections (20–40 minutes)
- Numbing cream or local anesthesia applied.
- Multiple small injections of fat-dissolving solution into the chin area.
- Swelling for a few days, then gradual fat breakdown.
2. HIFU / Ultherapy / Shurink (30–45 minutes)
- Ultrasound energy delivered deep into skin.
- Creates thermal injury to stimulate collagen and lift tissue.
- Comfortable with mild tingling sensations.
3. RF Tightening (Thermage, Venus Legacy, EndyMed) (30–60 minutes)
- RF energy heats dermis to 55–65°C, tightening collagen fibers.
- Multipolar or monopolar RF used depending on goals.
4. Thread Lifts (45–75 minutes)
- Threads inserted under chin with cannulas.
- Provides immediate mechanical lifting of sagging skin.
- Collagen stimulation continues over months.
Treatment plan:
- Injections → 2–4 sessions spaced 3–6 weeks apart.
- HIFU/RF → 1–2 sessions annually.
- Threads → 1 session, maintenance every 12–24 months.
Recovery
Recovery varies by treatment but is generally minimal compared to surgery:
- Injections → Swelling for 3–7 days; results appear over 4–8 weeks.
- HIFU / RF → Redness or mild swelling for 24–48 hours.
- Threads → Bruising and tenderness for 1–2 weeks.
Aftercare recommendations:
➝ Apply ice packs after injections or threads.
➝ Avoid heavy chewing, saunas, or strenuous activity for 1–2 weeks (threads/injections).
➝ Maintain hydration and a balanced diet.
➝ Use SPF 50+ sunscreen on treated areas.
In Korea, many clinics provide aftercare serums, LED therapy, or herbal teas to promote healing.
Complications
Double chin treatments are safe but risks depend on method:
- Injections → Bruising, swelling, temporary hardness, rarely nerve irritation.
- HIFU / RF → Temporary redness, mild tingling, rare burns.
- Threads → Dimpling, bruising, thread visibility, rare infection.
- Surgery (liposuction/neck lift) → Longer downtime, risk of scarring.
Korean clinics minimize risks with FDA/KFDA-approved products, advanced imaging, and highly experienced practitioners.
Treatment Options in Korea
Korea is a global leader in non-surgical contouring, and double chin treatments are highly advanced.
1. Common Treatments in Korea
- Lipolysis injections (Kybella, Lipo-Dissolve) → Widely used for fat reduction.
- Shurink HIFU → Popular for lifting and tightening.
- Thermage FLX → Improves skin elasticity.
- PDO/PLLA/PCL threads → For jawline definition.
- Combination therapies → Threads + HIFU + injections for holistic results.
2. Popular Patient Groups
- 20s–30s → Use injections or HIFU for early prevention.
- 40s–50s → Use combination therapies for both fat reduction and tightening.
Final Thoughts
Double Chin Treatment in Korea offers a wide range of non-surgical solutions tailored to each patient’s anatomy and goals. From fat-dissolving injections to HIFU tightening, RF therapies, and thread lifts, Korean clinics provide customized treatment plans that deliver a slimmer, more defined jawline without downtime.
By integrating multiple modalities, Korean dermatologists ensure results are natural, long-lasting, and harmonious with overall facial features. For patients seeking a safe, effective, and minimally invasive alternative to surgery, double chin treatments in Korea are among the most advanced options worldwide.
