woman having double chin

Double Chin Removal and Neck Liposuction in Singapore

Refine your jawline. Restore your confidence.

A double chin, clinically known as submental fullness, develops when targeted fat pockets accumulate beneath the chin or when the structural support of the skin and underlying muscles softens over time. It tends to blur the definition of your jawline and make the lower face appear heavier, which is particularly noticeable in side profiles or when looking downward. 

For those looking to remove a double chin in Singapore, Argent Plastic Surgery offers both surgical and non-surgical options, performed by Dr Lee Hanjing, a fellowship-trained plastic surgeon at Mount Alvernia Hospital. The appropriate approach to a double chin reduction depends on the degree of submental fat, the condition of the overlying skin, and your individual anatomy. Whether you are considering neck liposuction, non-surgical double chin fat removal, or a combined approach, consult Dr Lee, with no obligation to proceed. 

woman having double chin

What Causes a Double Chin?

A double chin does not always reflect an individual’s body weight. Many patients present with persistent fullness due to a unique blend of structural and developmental factors: 

  • Hereditary traits: Some individuals are predisposed to storing fat in the submental area, regardless of overall body composition. The structure of the jaw also matters. A smaller or retruded chine, one that sits slightly further back than average, can make the neck appear fuller because the jawline provides less structural support for the tissue beneath it.
  • Ageing: From our late 20s, we lose approximately 1 to 1.5% of collagen each year. Over time, the skin and supporting tissues become lax, contributing to visible laxity along the jawline. 
  • Lifestyle and weight fluctuations: Weight gain can contribute to fat deposits under the chin, while subsequent weight loss may leave behind loose skin that does not fully retract.
  • Posture: Prolonged forward head positioning, whether from desk work, device use, or habitual slouching, gradually weakens the muscles of the neck and chin. Over time, reduced muscle tone in the submental area can contribute to a softer, less defined jawline. 

Because the underlying cause differs from person to person, the appropriate approach when considering a double chin removal is not the same for every individual. At Argent plastic surgery clinic, a thorough assessment of whether surgical or non-surgical procedure is appropriate is discussed individually during each consultation. 

Treatment Options for Double Chin Removal

At Argent Plastic Surgery, we offer a range of double chin removal options in Singapore, from non-surgical approaches to surgical refinement, selected according to the degree of fat accumulation, skin laxity, and your personal goals.

Surgical Options

Where there is moderate to significant submental fat structural deficiency, or skin laxity that non-surgical options are unlikely to address adequately, surgery may be more appropriate. 

  • Neck Liposuction (Chin Lipo / Double Chin Lipo): Targeted removal of submental fat through small incisions, restoring a defined neck and jawline contour. At Argent, this is performed using VASER liposuction, an ultrasound-assisted technique that uses ultrasonic energy to emulsify fat cells before gentle suction through a cannula. This approach also stimulates collagen in the surrounding tissue, which may contribute to skin tightening in the treated area. Further detail on liposuction techniques is available on the Argent liposuction page. 
  • Chin Implants: Enhance chin projection and improve the overall balance of the facial profile, and may be performed alongside liposuction to address both structure and submental fat together. 
  • Neck Lift: For patients with significant skin laxity where liposuction alone is insufficient, a neck lift removes redundant skin and tightens underlying musculature.

Non-Surgical and Minimally Invasive Options

For patients with mild to moderate submental fullness and good skin tone and elasticity, the following treatments may be considered. They are performed under local anaesthesia with generally minimal downtime.

  • Sygmalift / HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound):
    Targets deep tissue layers with focused ultrasound energy to tighten and stimulate collagen production, subtly lifting the jawline over several sessions.
  • Neurotoxin Injections: Relaxing the mentalis muscle (chin muscle) reduces the downward pull at the chin, creating a smooth and balanced contour.
  • Chin Fillers: Restore projection and improve jawline definition, indirectly tightening the appearance of mild skin laxity.
  • Submental Threadlift: Uses dissolvable threads to provide a lifting effect and stimulate collagen production in the surrounding tissue over the weeks that follow. 
  • Facetite / Morpheus8: Utilises radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis (RFAL) and microneedling RF to melt fat, tighten skin, and enhance jawline definition. These may be used as standalone minimally invasive treatments or in combination with surgical chin liposuction.

These procedures can also be done concurrently or sequentially to improve the overall results. The approach suited to your anatomy is determined during the consultation.

The Combined Standard: FaceTite + Chin Liposuction

For patients with moderate to significant submental fat and some degree of skin laxity, chin liposuction combined with RFAL (Facetite) and Morpheus8 skin tightening allows for customised jawline sculpting and neck contouring tailored to each patient's facial anatomy, addressing both the fat and the skin in a single procedure.

This combined treatment:

  • Removes excess fat deposits through gentle suction
  • Tightens and contracts loose skin via controlled radiofrequency energy
  • Stimulates collagen production for gradual firming over time

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia or light sedation, if preferred. Three incisions, one beneath the chin and one near each jaw angle, allow for proper access. Once healed, the marks are typically barely noticeable.

The entire procedure takes about 1.5 hours, and results can last 5 to 10 years depending on individual lifestyle and skin quality.

Who Is Suitable for Double Chin Removal?

Suitability for double chin treatment in Singapore depends on the degree of submental fullness, skin quality, and overall health. Patients broadly fall into two groups. 

Suitable for Non-Surgical or Minimally Invasive Treatment:

  • Mild to moderate submental fullness
  • Good skin tone and elasticity
  • Preference to avoid surgical downtime or anaesthesia

Suitable for Surgical Chin Liposuction:

  • Moderate to significant submental fat accumulation
  • Some skin laxity, though not severe sagging
  • Preference for a single procedure
  • Good general health and fitness for local anaesthesia or sedation
  • Stable weight

Patients with very significant skin excess or severe laxity may not achieve the result they are hoping for through liposuction alone. In these cases, a neck lift may be the more appropriate option, and Dr Lee Hanjing will advise on this honestly at consultation.

During the consultation, Dr. Lee Hanjing will evaluate factors such as:

  • The amount and distribution of submental fat
  • Degree of skin laxity
  • Chin projection and jawline structure
  • General health and lifestyle factors

Together, you will discuss realistic goals and select the treatment plan that best aligns with your anatomy and expectations.

If you are bothered by a heavy or undefined jawline, book a consultation to explore the most suitable treatment option for you.

Double Chin - Image 1

Consultation and Assessment

Your consultation at Argent Plastic Surgery is conducted personally by Dr. Lee Hanjing, a fellowship-trained plastic surgeon.

During this session:

  • Your general health, concerns, and goals are discussed in detail.
  • The submental area is examined to assess the amount and distribution of submental fat, degree of skin laxity and tissue quality, and chin projection and overall jaw and neck anatomy 
  • 3D imaging with the Quantificare camera is used to visualise your profile and support surgical planning.
  • Dr. Lee will then explain the range of treatment options, detailing the benefits, limitations, and expected recovery of each.

This transparent and personalised process allows you to make an informed and confident decision about your treatment.

Double Chin - Image 1

Recovery After Double Chin Removal

Recovery is generally smooth. You can expect:

  • Swelling: Mild to moderate swelling is common for the first 2 - 3 weeks and subsides gradually over time. Anti-swelling medications are provided to help manage this. 
  • Compression: A supportive neck strap should be worn to to help reduce swelling and support the tissue as it heals. 
  • Discomfort: Pain is generally minimal and adequate analgesia is provided to keep you comfortable through the early recovery period. 
  • Downtime: Most patients are able to resume their normal activities within a few days, while strenuous exercise should be avoided for about 2 weeks.

Dr. Lee and her team will guide you closely throughout your recovery, ensuring you are comfortable and healing well.

Preparing for Your Procedure

Preparation varies depending on the treatment chosen. 

  • For treatments under local anaesthesia, fasting is not necessary.
  • For procedures under sedation, you will need to fast for at least 6 hours prior and arrange for someone to accompany you home after. Regardless of the anaesthesia type, it is advisable to avoid blood-thinning medications and alcohol for at least 48 hours before your appointment. 

All details will be explained during your pre-procedure review to ensure you are well-prepared and confident on the day of treatment.

Cost of Double Chin Removal in Singapore

The cost of double chin removal in Singapore varies depending on the treatment chosen and the extent of the procedure.

Non-surgical options such as HIFU, submental threadlift, and chin fillers are priced per session, with costs depending on the treatment type and the number of sessions recommended following your assessment.

The price of double chin removals varies depending on whether Facetite and Morpheus8 are included, the type of anaesthesia used, and facility and anaesthesia fees at Mount Alvernia Hospital. 

All cosmetic procedures are not MediSave-claimable, and a detailed cost breakdown is provided following your consultation, once a treatment plan has been discussed and agreed upon, with no obligation to proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions about Double Chin Removal