How to Get Rid of a Double Chin: What Works

Marcelle Pinheiro
Clinical review: Marcelle Pinheiro Physiotherapist CREFITO- 2 170751- F
Created by: Tua Saude editing team
Key points
  • A double chin can be caused by fat buildup, genetics, weight gain, aging, or loose skin after significant weight loss.
  • Non-surgical options include collagen-rich foods, exercise, a healthy diet, firming creams, and cosmetic treatments.
  • Liposuction or a neck lift may be recommended when lifestyle changes and non-surgical treatments are not enough.

How to get rid of a double chin involves a combination of lifestyle changes, skin care, and medical treatments that help reduce fat and improve skin firmness under the chin. Common non-surgical options include collagen-rich foods, regular exercise, firming creams, and cosmetic procedures like radiofrequency or lipolysis.

A double chin usually forms due to fat buildup below the chin, which can be linked to genetics, weight gain, or age-related skin laxity. In some cases, it may also develop after significant weight loss, when the skin loses elasticity and begins to sag.

For more noticeable cases, procedures like liposuction or a neck lift to remove excess fat and skin may be recommended. Additional strategies, like posture adjustments and cosmetic techniques, can also help reduce its appearance.

double chin

Non-surgical methods

Some ways to reduce the appearance of a double chin include: 

1. Eating more collagen-rich foods

Eating collagen-rich foods may help reduce the appearance of a double chin caused by loose or sagging skin. Collagen can help improve skin firmness and elasticity, which may help prevent age-related skin laxity from getting worse.

Foods rich in collagen include red meat, chicken, fish, and gelatin. It is also important to eat foods that support collagen production, such as pineapple, lemon, oatmeal, watercress, and whole grain rice.

2. Exercising regularly

Regular aerobic exercise can support weight loss throughout the body, including the neck area. According to the CDC, physical activity increases the number of calories the body uses for energy and can help support weight loss when combined with reduced calorie intake. This may reduce the appearance of a double chin.

Walking, running, swimming, and strength training can also help with weight control when done regularly and with guidance from a personal trainer. Maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent a double chin from becoming more noticeable.

3. Maintaining a healthy diet 

Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet means prioritizing fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, legumes, and healthy fats. This can support weight loss and fat burning, which may help reduce the appearance of a double chin.

It is also important to limit simple carbohydrates and processed foods, such as cakes, cookies, sausage, bacon, prosciutto, salami, and mortadella. Reducing salt intake and drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day can also help.

Read more about foods to include and avoid on a weight loss diet, and explore a sample 3-day meal plan.

4. Applying firming creams

Firming creams may help improve skin firmness and reduce sagging under the chin. These creams often contain ingredients like collagen, elastin, vitamins, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, retinol, vitamin E, dimethylaminoethanol lactate, or Matrixyl synthe.

For best results, the cream should be gently massaged into clean, dry skin every day, preferably at night.

Natural face masks made with avocado, peach, or rose water may also help tone the skin and reduce sagging.

5. Getting cosmetic procedures

Some non-surgical cosmetic treatments can help reduce the appearance of a double chin, such as:

  • Radiofrequency: This treatment uses heat to help reduce localized fat, stimulate blood circulation, and make the skin firmer. Results are usually gradual and become more visible over time.
  • Laser treatment: Nd:YAG and diode lasers may help reduce fat under the chin and improve the contour of the neck.
  • Deoxycholic acid: According to the FDA, deoxycholic acid injection is approved to improve the appearance of moderate to severe fullness under the chin caused by submental fat in adults. It should only be performed by a trained professional.
  • Mesotherapy: This treatment is a series of weekly injections with substances that help drain fluids, reduce fat, and firm the skin, typically done over 6 to 10 sessions.
  • Cryolipolysis: This treatment uses cold temperatures to freeze fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated by the body through the lymphatic system.
  • Lipocavitation: This procedure uses ultrasound waves to help break down localized fat and may be recommended for larger double chins.

Facial lymphatic drainage may also help reduce swelling in the chin and neck area, improving the appearance of a double chin.

Double chin surgery

Some surgeries can remove a double chin more effectively, especially when non-surgical treatments are not enough.

1. Liposuction

Chin lipo is a cosmetic surgery that removes fat through small incisions in the neck. It is usually recommended for people with excess fat under the chin who did not see improvement with lifestyle changes or non-surgical treatments.

This procedure is done in a hospital or surgical clinic, usually under general anesthesia.

2. Neck lift

A neck lift may be recommended when a double chin is caused by excess skin in the neck area, which can happen after major weight loss or with normal aging. This surgery removes extra skin and repositions the neck muscles.

In some cases, a neck lift can be done together with a facelift for a more balanced appearance.

Recovery from a neck lift or chin liposuction usually takes about 2 weeks for most daily activities. Swelling and bruising are common, and the doctor may recommend wearing a compression garment and, in some cases, lymphatic drainage to help reduce swelling.

Double chin exercises

There is not enough evidence to show that specific double chin exercises can eliminate fat under the chin. These exercises may help tone the neck muscles, but they do not directly remove fat cells in this area.

Fat loss cannot be targeted to one specific part of the body. Total-body exercise, such as walking, running, swimming, or strength training, can support overall weight loss and help reduce the appearance of a double chin.

How to conceal a double chin

In addition to cosmetic treatments and surgery, some techniques can help make a double chin less noticeable, such as:

  • Applying makeup: A powder slightly darker than the skin tone can help define the jawline. Eye makeup may also draw attention to the upper face, while lighter or neutral lip colors can keep the lower face less prominent.
  • Keeping hair shoulder-length or longer: Hair that falls below the chin can help elongate the face and draw attention away from the chin area.
  • Growing a beard: A fuller beard can help cover the area under the chin and make a double chin less noticeable.
  • Avoiding tight necklaces: Tight necklaces or chokers can draw attention to the neck and chin area.
  • Maintaining good posture: Keeping the back straight and the shoulders back can help elongate the neck and improve the appearance of the chin area.
  • Wearing V-neck tops: V-neck tops can make the neck appear longer and help balance the appearance of the lower face.

These techniques do not get rid of a double chin, but they may help reduce its appearance.

Update History
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References
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  • AbbVie Inc. Kybella (deoxycholic acid) injection, prescribing information. AbbVie Inc.. 2024. Accessed 28 May 2026 https://www.rxabbvie.com/pdf/kybella_pi.pdf
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