Table of contents

• Understanding Submental Fullness: The Clinical and Psychosocial Profile
• A Clinical Guide to Double Chin Reduction Procedures
• Non-Surgical and Minimally Invasive Interventions
• Surgical Solutions
• Comparative Analysis of Double Chin Procedures
• Best Clinics in Korea for Double Chin
• Navigating the Medical Tourism Journey in South Korea
• Patient Experiences and Outcome Analysis
• Conclusion
• References

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Submental fullness (a “double chin”) is a common cosmetic concern shaped by genetics, weight changes, aging, and anatomy. Effective options range from non-surgical treatments like Fat Dissolving Injections and CoolSculpting® to surgical solutions such as Face Liposuction and a Neck Lift. This guide explains how each option works, who it suits best, and what recovery looks like. It also explores why South Korea is a leading destination for these procedures, covering costs, patient journey, bundled services, and key risks—including the problem of “ghost doctors”—so patients can make informed, safe choices.

Understanding Submental Fullness: The Clinical and Psychosocial Profile

Definition, Terminology, and Pseudonyms

Submental fullness is the medical term for excess subcutaneous fat beneath the chin, commonly called a “double chin.” A rare synonym is “buccula.” It can disrupt facial balance, create a sagging fold, and make someone appear older or heavier than they are.

Etiology: A Multifactorial Condition

• Genetics: Many people store fat under the chin regardless of overall weight, and lifestyle changes often do not reduce it.
• Weight gain: Excess weight can enlarge or increase fat cells, including under the chin.
• Aging and skin laxity: Collagen and elastin decline with age, causing laxity and a “crepey” texture that can reveal or worsen a double chin—even without much fat.
• Other factors: Poor posture and environmental damage (sun, smoking) further weaken skin structure.

The Psychological Impact on Patients

Surveys show most people are bothered by fullness under the chin. Beyond aesthetics, it can lower self-esteem and lead to camera avoidance and social discomfort. Because submental fullness often resists diet and exercise, many patients feel it is “out of my control”—making medical intervention a way to regain confidence and control over appearance.

A Clinical Guide to Double Chin Reduction Procedures

Non-Surgical and Minimally Invasive Interventions

Fat Dissolving Injections

Kybella® is a prescription form of deoxycholic acid that destroys fat cells in the submental area. Treatment requires multiple sessions spaced at least a month apart. Expect swelling, numbness, and bruising for days to weeks; rare risks include nerve injury and tissue damage. Results appear gradually as the body clears the destroyed fat cells.

CoolSculpting®

CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis (controlled cooling) to freeze fat cells, which the body then eliminates over several weeks to months. It is FDA-cleared for fat reduction and skin tightening, helpful for mild skin laxity. There are no incisions or anesthesia, minimal downtime, and results develop over two to three months.

Fat Dissolving Laser

Technologies like SmartLipo use laser energy via a tiny incision to liquefy fat for removal and stimulate collagen for skin tightening. Sessions are typically quick (around 30 minutes), and most patients return to work within a few days.

Double Chin Thread Lift

This minimally invasive lift uses barbed or coned threads to reposition tissue and stimulate collagen. It provides an immediate lift with fuller results in about three months. Because technique matters, choose an experienced provider; ultrasound guidance can help map nerves and vessels to reduce risk.

Surgical Solutions

Face Liposuction

Chin liposuction removes fat under the chin and along the jawline through small incisions using a cannula. It is suited to patients with good skin elasticity so the skin can retract. Recovery involves a chin strap and compression; bruising and swelling commonly last one to two weeks, with final contour visible by three to six months.

Neck Lift

A Neck Lift (lower rhytidectomy) addresses excess skin, muscle laxity, and fat for a smoother, firmer profile. Incisions are typically behind the ears and along the hairline; sometimes a small incision is made under the chin. Recovery is one to two weeks for most; scars are permanent but usually well concealed.

Comparative Analysis of Double Chin Procedures

The best option depends on whether the concern is primarily fat, skin laxity, muscle banding, or a combination—plus the patient’s tolerance for downtime and invasiveness.

Table: Double Chin Procedures at a Glance

Procedure	Invasiveness	Primary Mechanism	Ideal Candidate Profile	Average Recovery Time
Fat Dissolving Injection	Non-Surgical	Fat Destruction	Mild-to-moderate fat, good skin elasticity	1-2 weeks of swelling/bruising
CoolSculpting®	Non-Invasive	Fat Freezing, Skin Tightening	Mild-to-moderate fat, mild skin laxity	Minimal to no downtime
Fat Dissolving Laser	Minimally Invasive	Fat Destruction, Skin Tightening	Small pockets of fat, mild skin laxity	A few days
Double Chin Thread Lift	Minimally Invasive	Skin Lifting, Collagen Stimulation	Mild-to-moderate skin laxity	A few days
Face Liposuction	Surgical	Fat Removal	Excess fat, good skin elasticity	1-2 weeks
Neck Lift	Surgical	Fat Removal, Skin & Muscle Tightening	Significant fat, skin laxity, muscle banding	1-3 weeks

Best Clinics in Korea for Double Chin

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for double chin:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery	Four purpose-built floors integrating consultation, surgery, and post-op skincare; led by Dr. Jeong Jae Yong (President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons) and Dr. Kim Taek Kyun (board-certified, award-winning 3D implant researcher); research-driven team that publishes and teaches globally; celebrated for rhinoplasty and facial contouring; rigorous safety standards and attentive communication; harmony-first planning for natural, lasting outcomes; premier Gangnam location.	Double-chin synergy using liposuction, V-line jawline refinement, chin projection via facial implant, and skin-tightening with face lift or thread lift; 3D implant planning; comprehensive, single-venue care with post-operative skincare.
PangPang Clinic	Dedicated exclusively to thread lifting; backed by the world’s first and only Thread Lifting Research Institute; invited international lectures; individualized consultation at the Thread Lifting Consultation Center with meticulous pre-op design and ultrasound visualization; access to 31 specialized, functional threads; safety-focused materials, minimal downtime, results that typically last a year or more; Gangnam, Seoul.	Thread lifting combinations (lifting, assist, tightening, volumizing) to sharpen the cervicomental angle, correct early jowls, and tighten lax submental skin; complementary Minute Lifting and PIM Injection; ultrasound-guided planning.
365mc Hospital	Specialized obesity treatment hospital focused on body contouring and fat reduction; leader in double-chin contouring; 20+ years, 18 clinics, 22 main doctors; experience from 5 million treatments and 3000+ surgical liposuctions; hospital-level safety recognized by the Korean Health Ministry Seal; Microsoft-collaborative Motion-Capture and AI Assisted Liposuction System (M.A.I.L.); personalized 1:1 Recovery Center care and a structured 7-week post-op program with hyperbaric oxygen and dietary consultations; comprehensive nutrition counseling and app-assisted diet management.	Surgical liposuction leaving only essential fat for optimal contour; LAMS (Local Anesthetic Minimal-Invasive Liposuction) combining targeted fat extraction with fat-dissolving injections for immediate, visible results with minimal downtime and no scarring; M.A.I.L. System real-time surgical feedback.

THEPLUS Plastic Surgery

THE PLUS Plastic Surgery, set along Garosu-gil in Gangnam, Seoul, delivers world-class, research-driven care across four purpose-built floors that integrate consultation, surgery, and post-operative skincare. Led by internationally recognized director surgeons Dr. Jeong Jae Yong and Dr. Kim Taek Kyun—board-certified educators who publish widely and teach peers globally—the clinic is celebrated for rhinoplasty and facial contouring, unwavering safety standards, and attentive doctor–patient communication. With Dr. Kim’s award-winning research on 3D implants, Dr. Jeong’s leadership as President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, and a team active in major medical societies and symposiums, THE PLUS applies a harmony-focused philosophy to achieve natural, lasting outcomes—making it a standout destination for refining the jawline and addressing a double chin.

• Double-chin mastery through facial contouring synergy: tailored combinations of liposuction, V-line jawline refinement, chin projection via facial implant, and skin-tightening with face lift or thread lift address submental fat and laxity comprehensively.
• Harmony-first planning: Dr. Kim’s belief in balancing facial features ensures double-chin correction complements the chin, jawline, and nose for a cohesive, natural profile.
• Leadership you can trust: Dr. Jeong (President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons) and Dr. Kim (board certified, global society member, award-winning 3D implant researcher) run annual educational sessions and are sought-after speakers at international forums.
• Research-backed precision: surgeons regularly publish in journals and textbooks; Dr. Kim’s “Rebuilding Nose” and 3D implant work reflect meticulous anatomical planning that translates to accurate chin–neck contouring.
• Safety and experience: a highly experienced team with over a decade in practice, active in leading societies including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, upholds rigorous safety protocols and quality standards.
• Comprehensive, single-venue care: four dedicated floors streamline diagnostics, surgery, and recovery, including post-operative skincare that supports smooth healing and sharper jawline definition.
• Full spectrum of relevant options under one roof: V-line surgery, facial implant (chin), liposuction, face lift, and thread lift allow customized solutions for different causes of a double chin.
• Natural, lasting outcomes: Dr. Lee’s board-certified expertise and clinic-wide ethos prioritize results that look refined yet authentic and endure over time.
• Internationally recognized educators: ongoing webinars and live-surgery invitations—even through global challenges—demonstrate up-to-date techniques and peer-validated quality.
• Premier Gangnam location: an accessible hub for local and international patients seeking high-level double-chin and jawline refinement.

You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website

PangPang Clinic

PangPang Clinic is the best choice in Korea for treating a double chin because it is a medical institution dedicated exclusively to thread lifting, delivering unmatched precision in redefining the jawline and submental area without surgery. Backed by the world’s first and only Thread Lifting Research Institute and a medical team that presents invited lectures at international beauty conferences, the clinic leads global innovation with continuously refined, high-satisfaction protocols grounded in research and clinical data. Every treatment begins with a thorough, individualized consultation at the Thread Lifting Consultation Center and meticulous pre-operative design—often including ultrasound visualization—to tailor the plan to each person’s anatomy and goals. With access to 31 specialized, functional threads, PangPang can combine lifting, assist, tightening, and volumizing strategies to sharpen the cervicomental angle, correct early jowl formation, and tighten lax submental skin, while complementary options such as Minute Lifting and PIM Injection can further enhance definition when appropriate. Located in Gangnam, Seoul, and renowned for safety-focused materials, minimal downtime, and results that typically last a year or more, PangPang Clinic sets the standard for personalized, research-driven double chin contouring.

You can check out their website here: PangPang Clinic Website

365mc Hospital

365mc is a specialized obesity treatment hospital dedicated solely to body contouring and fat reduction, and a leader in double-chin (submental/neck) contouring across Korea. With over 20 years at the forefront, an expansive network of 18 clinics and 22 main doctors (including the flagship Gangnam clinic), and experience distilled from 5 million treatments and over 3000 successful surgical liposuctions, 365mc delivers hospital-level safety and precision that meet—and exceed—the standards of large medical school surgery centers, a commitment recognized by the Korean Health Ministry Seal. At the cutting edge of innovation, the clinic’s Microsoft-collaborative Motion-Capture and Artificial-Intelligence Assisted Liposuction System (M.A.I.L. System) provides real-time surgical feedback to refine neck and jawline sculpting while maintaining cell balance for natural-looking results, even in complex cases.

For double chin concerns, 365mc offers both surgical liposuction—performed to leave only the essential amount of fat for optimal contour—and LAMS (Local Anesthetic Minimal-Invasive Liposuction), a non-incisional technique that combines targeted fat extraction with fat-dissolving injections for immediate, visible results with minimal downtime and no scarring. On the day of surgery, patients receive personalized 1:1 intensive care at the dedicated Recovery Center, followed by a structured 7-week post-op program that includes therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen chamber sessions and personalized dietary consultations. Supported by comprehensive nutrition counseling and practical, app-assisted diet management, 365mc’s end-to-end care is designed to promote a faster, more comfortable recovery and a refined, lasting profile.

You can check out their website here: 365mc Hospital Website

Navigating the Medical Tourism Journey in South Korea

South Korea is a global hub for cosmetic procedures thanks to advanced techniques, competitive pricing, and a streamlined patient experience.

The Streamlined Patient Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

• Pre-trip consultation: Patients submit photos and medical history online to receive a preliminary plan and cost estimate before traveling.
• Arrival and initial clinic visit: In-person assessment often includes a coordinator, translator, detailed analysis, and 3D simulations to set expectations.
• Pre-operative screening: Within one to two days, clinics complete tests like blood work, ECG, and chest X-ray to ensure safety.
• Surgery day and post-op care: A full-time anesthesiologist monitors the procedure. Post-surgery, patients receive pain control and anti-swelling care; some stay overnight.
• Follow-up and transition: Regular checkups, dressing changes, and treatments (e.g., anti-swelling IVs and massage) support recovery. Before departure, patients receive a final assessment, aftercare instructions, and necessary garments.

Costs and the Medical Tourism Value Proposition

Many procedures cost less in South Korea than in Western countries while maintaining high standards. Clinics often bundle services—airport transfers, translators, private drivers, hotel coordination, and curated tours—creating a low-stress, all-inclusive experience.

Table: Cost Comparison of Double Chin Procedures

Procedure	South Korea	The USA	Turkey
Chin Liposuction	from $1,000	from $3,000	from $3,250
Fat Dissolving Injection	$200-$500 per session	N/A*	N/A*
Neck Lift	$1,200-$12,700	$1,200-$12,000	N/A*
Double Chin Surgery	$1,200-$13,000	$1,200-$12,000	N/A*

*Note: Data not available in the provided sources for a direct comparison.

Key Risks for the Medical Tourist

A critical risk in South Korea is the use of “ghost doctors,” where someone other than the contracted, credentialed surgeon performs the procedure. To mitigate this:

• Verify the clinic’s reputation and surgeon’s credentials.
• Get written confirmation that the named surgeon will perform the entire procedure.
• Prioritize safety and transparency over price or convenience.

Patient Experiences and Outcome Analysis

Patient-Reported Satisfaction and Lived Experiences

Patients often describe improved jawline definition, higher confidence, and smoother care journeys—especially when clinics provide translators and concierge-style support. Non-surgical patients choose options like Kybella® to avoid anesthesia and customize treatment, accepting temporary swelling or numbness in exchange for gradual results.

Clinical Study Findings: Efficacy and Results

Kybella clinical studies show 79% of patients reported improved satisfaction with their chin profile 12 weeks after their final treatment, compared with 33.6% on placebo. Surgical options like liposuction offer permanent fat removal, with long-term results depending on weight stability. Full outcomes for any approach can take months as swelling resolves and natural healing completes.

Addressing Patient Issues: The Impact on Confidence and Self-Perception

Beyond physical change, these treatments often reduce self-consciousness and help patients feel happier and younger. Many report feeling less embarrassed and less bothered by fullness under the chin—evidence that treating submental fullness can deliver significant psychological benefits.

Conclusion

Submental fullness is multifactorial and often persists despite healthy habits, making medical treatments a practical solution. Options span non-surgical choices like CoolSculpting® and Fat Dissolving Injections to surgical procedures such as Face Liposuction and a Neck Lift, selected according to anatomy and goals. South Korea offers strong value and a polished patient journey, but due diligence is essential to avoid risks like “ghost doctors.” With the right provider, patients can achieve lasting contour improvements and meaningful boosts in confidence.

References

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