You’ve probably caught yourself adjusting your head angle for photos, trying to find that perfect position where your jawline looks its sharpest. Or maybe you’ve noticed that slight fullness under your chin that just won’t budge, no matter how many crunches you do or how carefully you watch what you eat. If you’re nodding along right now, you’re definitely not alone in wondering, “what treatments reduce double chin?” That stubborn double chin, medically known as submental fullness, affects countless people, and it can seriously impact how you feel about your appearance.
Here’s the good news: at Eterna Cosmetic Surgery in San Antonio, under the expert care of Dr. Elizabeth Hernandez, you don’t need to go under the knife to address your double chin. We offer several effective, non-surgical treatments that can help you achieve that sleeker, more defined profile you’ve been wanting, all with minimal downtime that fits into your busy life.
Understanding Your Double Chin: Why It Happens
Before we dive into your treatment options, let’s talk about what’s actually going on under your chin. Submental fat can develop for several reasons, and understanding the cause helps us choose the best treatment approach for your unique situation.
Genetics play a huge role. You might have inherited a tendency to store fat under your chin, meaning even at your healthiest weight, that double chin persists. Aging is another major factor. As the years pass, your skin loses elasticity and collagen, and gravity starts to take its toll. The result? Skin begins to sag, and fat that was once held firmly in place starts to collect under your chin.
Weight gain can certainly contribute to submental fullness too, but here’s the frustrating part: sometimes diet and exercise alone just won’t tackle that stubborn fat pad. Your body tends to hold onto fat in certain areas more than others, and for many people, the chin and neck area are particularly resistant to traditional weight loss methods.
That’s exactly where targeted submental fat removal cosmetic treatments come in. These procedures focus specifically on removing fat and tightening skin in the chin and neck area, delivering results that your gym routine and healthy eating habits alone often can’t achieve.
Your Double Chin Reduction Treatment Options at Eterna
At Eterna Cosmetic Surgery, we understand that every patient is different. Your anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals are unique to you, which is why we offer multiple treatment approaches. Dr. Hernandez will evaluate your individual situation and recommend the option, or combination of double chin reduction options, that will give you the best results. Let’s explore what’s available, including non-surgical chin reduction.
Kybella: The Injectable Fat Dissolver
If you’re looking for a minimally invasive option that requires no surgery, Kybella might be your perfect match. This FDA-approved injectable contains deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in your body that helps break down and absorb dietary fat. When injected into your submental area, Kybella literally dissolves fat cell membranes, causing them to shrink or be eliminated entirely.
The beauty of Kybella is in its permanence. Once those fat cells are destroyed, they’re gone for good. They won’t come back unless you experience significant weight gain. The treatment is performed right here in our office, typically taking less than an hour. You might experience some swelling or mild bruising afterward, but most patients return to their normal activities within just a few days. Over the following weeks, you’ll notice your chin becoming more contoured as your body naturally processes and eliminates those dissolved fat cells.
CoolSculpting: Freezing Away Stubborn Fat
Maybe needles aren’t your thing, or perhaps you’re curious about a completely non-invasive approach. That’s where CoolSculpting comes in. This innovative fat-freezing technique, also known as cryolipolysis, is FDA-cleared specifically for treating submental fat.
Here’s how it works: CoolSculpting uses controlled cooling to freeze fat cells in your double chin area. Once frozen, these cells crystallize and naturally die off. Over the following weeks and months, your body eliminates them through its natural metabolic processes. Because there are no incisions or injections involved, there’s typically little to no downtime. You can literally have the treatment done during your lunch break and head right back to work.
Results with CoolSculpting appear gradually, which many patients actually prefer. Rather than a sudden dramatic change, you’ll notice your chin becoming progressively more defined over several weeks to months, creating a natural-looking transformation.
Neck and Chin Liposuction: For More Dramatic Results
When you have more significant submental fat or previous treatments haven’t achieved your desired results, liposuction remains one of the most effective options available. While it’s more invasive than injections or fat-freezing, neck and chin liposuction is still considered a minimally invasive surgical procedure, especially when performed with advanced techniques.
During the procedure, Dr. Hernandez makes tiny incisions and physically removes the excess fat. The results can be more immediate and dramatic than non-surgical options. Recovery is generally manageable, with most swelling and bruising resolving within one to two weeks. When combined with skin-tightening strategies, liposuction delivers long-lasting results that can truly transform your profile.
Combination Approaches: Maximizing Your Results
Sometimes, the best approach involves combining treatments. For example, if you have stubborn fat but also some skin laxity, Dr. Hernandez might recommend pairing fat removal with skin-tightening procedures. This comprehensive approach addresses both the fat and the skin quality, giving you optimal jawline contour and tone.
At Eterna, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Dr. Hernandez takes the time to evaluate your unique needs and create a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific concerns and goals.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Wondering if double chin treatment is right for you? Non-surgical options like Kybella and CoolSculpting work best when your submental fat is mild to moderate and your skin still has good elasticity. These treatments are ideal if you’re looking for minimal downtime and want to avoid more invasive procedures.
Liposuction might be more suitable if you have more significant fat accumulation, if non-surgical treatments haven’t given you the results you wanted, or if your skin is reasonably elastic and will retract well after fat removal.
During your consultation at Eterna, Dr. Hernandez will thoroughly assess your fat volume, skin quality, and overall health. She’ll discuss your expectations and goals to recommend the treatment plan that will give you the safest, most beautiful results possible.
What to Expect: Treatment and Recovery
For injectable treatments like Kybella or CoolSculpting sessions, you’re looking at appointments that typically last under an hour. You can return to your daily activities right away, though you might experience some mild swelling, tenderness, or numbness that fades within days to a couple of weeks.
If you choose liposuction, the procedure involves those small incisions we mentioned, followed by a short recovery period. You might need to wear compression garments, and you’ll see swelling and bruising for a bit. However, your results will be visible sooner and more dramatic than with non-surgical options.
Regardless of which treatment you choose, results will continue to improve as your body processes the changes. With fat-freezing or fat-dissolving treatments, this happens gradually over weeks to months. For the best, longest-lasting results, you’ll want to maintain a stable weight and follow Dr. Hernandez’s aftercare guidance carefully.
Why Choose Eterna for Your Double Chin Reduction
At Eterna Cosmetic Surgery in San Antonio, you’re not just another patient. You’re an individual with unique aesthetic goals, and you deserve personalized attention. Here’s what sets us apart:
You’ll have access to multiple treatment options under one roof. Whether you’re interested in Kybella injections, CoolSculpting, liposuction, or a combination approach, we have the expertise and technology to deliver exceptional results.
Dr. Elizabeth Hernandez brings years of specialized training and experience to every consultation and procedure. She’s completed extensive fellowship training in cosmetic surgery, has performed over 4,000 cosmetic procedures, and maintains active memberships in prestigious organizations like the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. Her artistic eye and careful attention to detail ensure results that look natural and enhance your unique features.
We prioritize patient education. You’ll never feel rushed or pressured. Dr. Hernandez takes the time to explain how different treatments work, what you can realistically expect, recovery timelines, and how to maintain your results long-term. We want you to feel confident and informed about every aspect of your treatment journey.
Plus, we offer flexibility. Whether you prefer gradual results with minimal downtime or you’re ready for a more definitive, sculpted outcome, we’ll work with you to create a treatment plan that aligns with your lifestyle and goals.
Take the Next Step. Let’s Discuss Your Options
Your journey to a more confident, defined profile starts with a simple conversation. If you’re tired of that double chin affecting how you see yourself in photos or in the mirror, it’s time to explore your options. Contact Eterna Cosmetic Surgery in San Antonio today to schedule your personalized consultation for double chin reduction with Dr. Hernandez. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan that helps you look and feel your absolute best.
