What procedure would fix a double chin that appears when talking or smiling? (Photos)

Question

When I talk and especially when I smile, it sort of looks like I have a double chin. I have a jawline and a square face shape. I’m quite skinny as well. Is this a weak chin or could this be fixed non surgically? Just curious why it’s doing that

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

It's difficult to completely assess the reason for your double chin from a few photos, but it appears that you have submental fullness caused by some subcutaneous fat. This can be improved with in-office liposuction. However, in your profile photo, it appears that you might have a deep mentolabial crease. This usually implies that you have a short chin in the vertical dimension. This may be contributing to the problem as well. If you feel that the crease is deep, and/or your chin is protruding, then a sliding genioplasty may be helpful.

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

What you are seeing is a separation between your mentalis chin muscle and your platysma muscle (mostly in the neck). You could try botox to relax the pulling of the platysma underneath right there as it is only with animation vs. sometimes filler to get into that gap can be helpful.

Joseph Parks, MD · Answer

Overall the anatomy of your neck and chin appears very youthful. You simply have a small deposit a fat just posterior to your submental crease. This could be treated percutaneously in the office with a product called KyBella. It may require multiple treatments. A more predictable outcome can be delivered with liposuction of the area. Depending on your pain tolerance, it is possible that this could be done under local anesthetic in the clinic. However, you may be more comfortable under general anesthesia or twilight in a surgical suite. Recovery should be minimal and your results visible in approximately eight weeks. Please consult with the certified plastic surgeon to develop an individualized plan.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your photos and describing your concern. What you’re noticing is actually a common issue, even in people who are otherwise lean. Often, a “double chin” that appears when smiling or talking isn’t excess fat—it’s usually due to skin laxity, muscle movement, or a slightly recessed (weak) chin.

Possible Non-Surgical Approaches:

Kybella (Deoxycholic Acid): Best for true submental fat, but in very lean patients, this may not be needed since the fullness is likely soft tissue or muscle.

Botox for the Platysma Muscle: Small injections along the neck/under-chin muscles can relax the muscles that pull down the skin, improving the appearance of a dynamic double chin.

Dermal Fillers for Chin Projection: If the chin is slightly recessed, adding subtle volume with fillers can improve the jawline and reduce the fold under the chin when you smile.

Skin Tightening (Ultherapy, RF Devices): Non-invasive ultrasound or radiofrequency can gently tighten skin under the chin, helping contour the jawline.

In many cases, this is a combination of a slightly weaker chin and natural skin movement rather than fat. Non-surgical options can give a subtle improvement, but the effect is most noticeable when tailored to your specific anatomy.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on nicely posted photos I recommend superficial Lipo with Endo Laser combination. Under local anesthesia or local with IV sedation. Fee ranges from $4,000-$6,000. Best yo virtual consult with

What procedure would fix a double chin that appears when talking or smiling? (Photos)

Answers (5)

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