Double Chin Reduction (Submentoplasty)

A double chin reduction, submentoplasty, or deep plane neck lift is a surgical procedure that removes or reduces fat, trims any sagging or excess muscle, and sculpts the central neck. This procedure provides a well defined transition between the chin and neck. It is ideal if you want to achieve a more contoured, slim, and defined jawline and neck.

Dr. Lisa Brostrom is a board-certified plastic surgeon with 26 years of experience and leads New Image Plastic Surgery with compassion and care. Her goal is to provide natural-looking results while also considering the emotional needs of her patients. Whether you are seeking aesthetic refinement or a complex reconstruction, Dr. Lisa Brostrom will combine her extensive training with genuine care and guide you through every step of the way to achieving your desired goals. Contact us online or call our office at (210) 640-6310 to schedule your personal consultation.

About Double Chin Reduction

Dr. Lisa Brostrom performs submentoplasty to address the underlying structures that contribute to fullness and an undefined contour beneath the chin. ⁽¹⁾ Rather than solely relying on liposuction to remove fat, the procedure involves carefully sculpting the neck from both the superficial and deeper layers. When necessary, superficial fat is excised. This enhances facial contours while avoiding the contour irregularities and excess scarring that liposuction can create. Dr. Brostrom then opens the platysma muscle to access and sculpt the deeper fat pad, which is frequently a significant contributor to fullness in this area. Depending on the patient’s anatomy, she may also trim droopy or prominent digastric muscles, address sagging portions of the submandibular glands when they extend below the level of the mandible, and remove excess platysma before performing a platysmaplasty. An internal corset performed with sutures to tighten the platysma. Submentoplasty does not address excess skin; patients with significant skin laxity generally require a comprehensive deep-plane face and neck lift to address both the deeper tissues and excess skin.

Benefits

A double chin reduction offers a range of aesthetic and physical benefits by targeting and eliminating excess submental fat while trimming and tightening the muscles of the central neck. These results can deliver a sharper profile and a more youthful appearance. Additional benefits include:

Candidates

If you are experiencing a “double chin” appearance, which is often related to excess, sagging muscle and excess fat found under the muscle and want to achieve a sharper, more defined jawline, this procedure may be ideal for you. If you are close to your ideal body weight but struggle with fullness under the chin that is resistant to diet and exercise, you are younger than 40 and are a non-smoker, you have good skin elasticity, and are in relatively good health, you may be a good candidate for this procedure. If you have hanging or loose skin, you will achieve a better outcome with a face and neck lift. Dr. Lisa Brostrom will determine your candidacy during a consultation.

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation, Dr. Lisa Brostrom will evaluate your medical history and discuss your goals for your procedure. She will also perform a physical evaluation of your neck noting the presence of fat and sagging muscle and the quality of skin elasticity. She will create a personalized treatment plan to include the surgical details, total cost, and pre-/post-operative details. Her goal is for you to feel confident and comfortable before undergoing this transformative procedure. Contact us online or call our office at (210) 640-6310 to schedule your personal consultation.

Preparation

To effectively prepare for a double chin reduction, Dr. Lisa Brostrom advises that you:

Depending on your medical history and treatment details, you may have additional preparation instructions. Following all pre-operative instructions will allow for a smooth procedure and optimal outcomes.

Procedure

At the beginning of your procedure, Dr. Lisa Brostrom will thoroughly cleanse your skin and use a surgical marker to map out the fat deposits. You will also receive IV anesthesia to remain comfortably asleep throughout treatment. Dr. Lisa Brostrom will make one small incisio which will be hidden in the natural crease beneath your chin and possibly 2 tiny 3mm incisions beneath your earlobes for

liposuction of the jawline if it is indicated. She will insert the vibrating cannula through the incisions. It will emit rapid back-and-forth micro-vibrations to break up fat and then gently suction it out along the jawline or from a limited area over the sides of the neck . She will also tighten the muscle to sculpt a sharp, defined jawline and clean neck angle. Once there is a uniform appearance throughout your chin and jaw, she will neatly close the incisions with dissolvable or removable stitches and apply a sterile bandage to minimize post-operative swelling.

Recovery

Recovering from double chin reduction typically takes one to two weeks, with complete healing taking about three months. Within your first week, bruising, swelling, and a feeling of tightness will be present in the neck and chin area. You may return to non-strenuous work after a week. After two weeks, major bruising and initial swelling will fade, but residual firmness or minor numbness may persist. You must continue to wear your compression garment or chin strap, sleep with your head elevated to minimize swelling buildup, avoid heavy lifting or intense exercise, and consume a healthy and low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention. Your final results will when internal healing is complete and final jawline contours become fully visible, which is around three months.

Results

The results from a deep plane neck lift will appear as a more defined jawline, a slimmer neck profile, and permanent fat removal with a sculpted central neck. These positive changes may increase your self-esteem, improve your self-confidence, and create a sharper, leaner look from side and front angles.

Corresponding Procedures

In the case of significant skin laxity in addition to stubborn fat, patients may benefit from including these procedures in their double chin reduction:

Neck lift

A neck lift is a surgical procedure that enhances the appearance and contours of the neck. ⁽²⁾ This treatment tightens the muscles of the neck centrally but it also tightens the muscles of the neck from the sides while removing excess skin that can become pronounced due to aging and genetic factors.

Deep plane facelift

An extended deep plane face and neck lift is a more comprehensive variation of a standard facelift, which focuses on the full release of the SMAS layer from the deeper layers of the face and neck. ⁽³⁾ This procedure is ideal if you are experiencing excess or loose skin over the face and neck as a result of the natural aging process or after a significant amount of weight loss.

Cost of Double Chin Reduction in San Antonio

The total cost of your double chin reduction will vary depending on the severity of your stubborn fat, extent of sagging of the muscles of your neck, amount of excess skin, the surgical techniques Dr. Lisa Brostrom will utilize, and your overall goals. Dr. Lisa Brostrom and her team will provide you with a detailed cost quote during your personal consultation. If you are ready to transform your facial appearance, contact us online or call our office at (210) 640-6310 to schedule yours today!

FAQ

References

1. Rebelo A. Power-assisted liposuction. Clin Plast Surg. 2006;33(1):91-105, vii. doi:10.1016/j.cps.2005.08.008
2. Marten T, Elyassnia D. Neck Lift. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2018;45(4):455-484. doi:10.1016/j.cps.2018.06.002
3. Ackerman BM, Savalia NB. Systematic Approach to Deep Plane Facelift. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2025;49(16):4579-4586. doi:10.1007/s00266-025-04793-0