A double chin, or sagging tissue under the chin, is a concern that affects many people’s confidence. Dr. Pun often hears: “Can thread lifting really reduce a double chin?” The answer is yes in many cases, but the cause must be identified first.
What Causes a Double Chin
A double chin can result from several causes: age-related laxity of skin and fascia under the chin, fat accumulation under the chin, or a naturally small chin structure that makes the area appear more prominent — each requiring a different approach.
Clinical Principles
Thread lifting works well for double chins caused mainly by skin and fascia laxity, as the threads pull and tighten the tissue under the chin. However, if the double chin is mainly from fat accumulation, thread lifting alone may give incomplete results — doctors may consider fat dissolution or liposuction as well. If it is due to a small chin structure, chin augmentation may also be considered for a more harmonious result.
I look at the entire under-chin structure, not just the skin, because some patients have both fat accumulation and skin laxity together. Threads alone may not be enough — a holistic plan gives the best result.
Practical Advice
- Consult a doctor to assess whether the double chin stems from skin laxity, fat accumulation, or chin structure.
- Consider combining with fat dissolution if there is significant fat accumulation.
- If it is from a small chin structure, consider chin augmentation as well.
- Set expectations based on your individual true cause.