Double chin surgery

What is double chin surgery?

Submental liposuction is the surgical removal of the fat that accumulates under the chin — the area that forms the “double chin”. Through a minimal incision, the excess fat is removed and the cervicomental angle — the line that separates the face from the neck and defines a sharp profile more than any other feature — is re-established. The result is structural: the removed fat does not regenerate the same way, unlike treatments that only reduce swelling or tighten the surface temporarily.

The double chin is one of the most common reasons for consultation, and one of the most poorly treated: massages, devices and “fat-dissolving” products promise to solve in a few sessions what is, at its core, an anatomical problem. When the cause is localized fat, no surface treatment removes it permanently.

Who is this surgery for?

For people with fat under the chin that does not respond to diet or exercise — very common even in slim patients, because this fat has a strong genetic component. The evaluation determines whether your case is fat only, or whether the muscle or the skin also play a role; when there is significant skin laxity, combining it with a neck lift may be recommended for a complete result.

How is it performed?

The surgeon works through an incision of a few millimeters hidden under the chin. The procedure is outpatient in most cases and the scar is practically imperceptible. The key to the result is not removing the largest possible amount of fat, but sculpting the contour while respecting the structures of the neck — something only maxillofacial surgical training provides.

Recovery

A compression band is worn for the first days and most patients return to their activities in under a week. The contour improves visibly from the first weeks and the final result appears once the swelling fully resolves. If you are flying in for surgery, the team will tell you how many days to plan in San José before your return flight. Specific instructions are given at your evaluation, case by case.

How much does double chin surgery cost in Costa Rica?

Double chin surgery starts at $750. The final number depends on the anatomy of your case: whether it is fat only or the muscle and skin also need work, whether it is combined with a neck lift for a complete result, and the type of anesthesia.

After your pre-assessment you receive a complete, itemized quote over WhatsApp — and if you are traveling for surgery, you get the full number before booking flights.