Double chin liposuction (lipopapada): what it is and when it is considered

Double chin liposuction, or lipopapada, is the liposuction of the double chin: an operation that removes the excess fat accumulated under the chin to define the jawline and the contour of the neck better. Here we review who it is considered for, how it is done, what recovery is like and what alternatives exist when the problem is not only fat, so that you arrive at the consultation knowing what to ask.

What is double chin liposuction?

Double chin liposuction, or lipopapada, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat accumulated in the submental area, under the chin, and in the neck. Its aim is to improve the facial contour, define the jaw and reduce the appearance of the double chin, for a more streamlined look.

SECPRE includes the face among the areas from which fat can be suctioned and reminds us that liposuction is not a treatment for obesity, but is intended to correct localised fat deposits that resist diets.

Why does a double chin form?

It is not always just fat. According to a 2025 review in Facial Plastic Surgery (Su-Genyk and Quatela), both genetic predisposition and ageing influence the position of the deep structures of the neck and the contour not being well defined. The ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons) also mentions other causes of loss of contour in the face and neck: heredity, gravity, environmental conditions and stress.

That is why, before deciding whether submental liposuction is needed, the surgeon distinguishes between several things: the fat under the chin, the skin that has become lax, the state of the neck muscles and the position of the chin and jaw. Each calls for a different solution, and sometimes for several at once.

How double chin liposuction is done, step by step

These are the steps of double chin liposuction.

Initial consultation

The process begins with a detailed consultation in which the surgeon assesses the amount of accumulated fat and the elasticity of the skin. This helps determine whether you are a good candidate for double chin liposuction.

Surgical technique

Double chin liposuction is performed under local or general anaesthesia, depending on the amount of fat to be removed and the patient's preferences. Small incisions are made under the chin, through which a cannula is inserted to suction the excess fat. The ASPS describes liposuction like this: diluted local anaesthetic is first infused to reduce bleeding, and then the cannula is moved with a controlled back-and-forth motion to loosen the fat, which is suctioned out with a vacuum system or a syringe. At Clínica EGOS the operation under local anaesthesia lasts about 20 minutes.

Closure and recovery

The incisions are closed with fine sutures to minimise scarring. After the operation a compression band is placed to help shape the treated area and reduce swelling. Patients can usually go home the same day, following the surgeon's postoperative instructions.

Who is the ideal candidate for double chin liposuction?

The ideal candidate for double chin liposuction has fat accumulation in the submental area and the neck, but keeps good skin elasticity, which allows the skin to retract properly once the fat is removed.

Specifically, this is someone with an excess of localised fat; who wants to improve the definition of their jaw and their facial contour; who is in good general health and has realistic expectations of the results; and who is looking for a solution for the fat under the chin.

As for age, there is no specific one, but it is generally performed on adults between 20 and 50 years old, whose skin retracts better; in older patients, with less elastic skin, it may need to be combined with other procedures.

When double chin liposuction is not enough: the skin and the neck muscles

If the skin does not have enough elasticity, the fat can be removed and the skin does not always adapt, so double chin liposuction on its own may fall short. In those cases the surgeon may propose combining it with a neck lift or with treatments such as radiofrequency to tighten the skin.

Su-Genyk and Quatela (2025) describe that the deep contour of the neck may require, depending on the anatomy, a combination of submental liposuction, plication or plasty of the platysma muscle and other steps, and that when there is excessive skin laxity a lift is also needed to remove the surplus skin. The ASPS reminds us that a neck lift can only be done with surgery: non-surgical treatments do not achieve the same results, although they can delay the moment when a lift is appropriate and complement its result.

If this is your case, you can see the pages on facelift and facelift in Barcelona, and the blog article on what a neck lift involves.

Double chin liposuction and other options for fat under the chin

A 2017 review in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (Thomas and Bloom) lists several ways of approaching submental fat and fullness of the neck: from non-invasive ones, such as cryolipolysis or radiofrequency, to surgical ones, such as liposuction with or without the help of a laser or a motorised system. Each has its advantages and its limits, which is why it is advisable to choose with the specialist according to the amount of fat and the condition of the skin.

And if the fat under the chin is one of several areas that concern you, you may be interested in VASER lipo, an ultrasound-assisted liposuction technique that is applied to different parts of the body.

Recovery from double chin liposuction

Our procedure sheet allows for an initial recovery of about seven days, adapted to each case. During that time you wear the compression band as instructed. For good healing, it is recommended not to sunbathe during the first few weeks.

The ASPS and SECPRE agree that after liposuction it is normal for bruising and swelling to appear in the area. SECPRE advises not judging the results before at least three months have passed.

Results of double chin liposuction: what to expect

The initial results are visible shortly after the surgery, but the final results can take between three and six months to be fully appreciated, once all the swelling has gone down. According to the ASPS, the results of liposuction are lasting as long as a stable weight is maintained, and ageing will continue to act on the neck over the years.

If you gain a significant amount of weight after the surgery, fat may build up in the area again, so keeping a stable weight is key to preserving the result. The incisions are small (2 to 3 millimetres) and are made in discreet places, such as under the chin or behind the ears.

Questions worth bringing to the double chin liposuction consultation

To make the visit useful, write down what you want to ask: how much fat there is and how much skin is left over, whether double chin liposuction is enough or whether it is better to add another procedure, what anaesthetic is used, what recovery will be like and when you can resume your routine, who will operate on you (with their registration number) and what the quote includes. A good consultation leaves you with the answers in writing.

What does the quote for double chin liposuction include?

We do not give figures before the assessment: the price of double chin liposuction varies according to the technique and the anaesthetic used and according to whether another procedure is added, such as a lift. After the visit you receive a written quote that should show the team's fees, the anaesthetic, the compression band, the follow-up check-ups and the conditions under which a touch-up would be done, if needed.

Sources for this page

See the sources: the ASPS on neck lift and on liposuction, with its pages on procedure, recovery and results; the SECPRE information on liposuction; the review by Su-Genyk and Quatela (2025) and the one by Thomas and Bloom (2017).

Content reviewed by Dr Santiago Elvira i Barberà, plastic surgeon, registration no. 49756 · October 2026

Your double chin liposuction assessment at Clínica EGOS

If you are thinking about double chin liposuction, request an assessment: the surgeon will review your case and tell you whether it is the right option or whether it is better to combine it with another. You can book by calling +34 932 71 80 69 or by filling in the form on this page. At the bottom of the page you have the list of EGOS clinics, so you can choose the nearest one.

Informative text about double chin liposuction. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace the assessment of a healthcare professional, and the result of an operation varies from one person to another. Clínica EGOS.