Treatments · Body Contouring
Submental Liposuction (Double Chin) in San Antonio
Remove stubborn fat under the chin and define your jawline with an in-office procedure under local anesthesia.
Medically reviewed by Francisco Cardona, MD, board-certified physician
Anesthesia
Local
Procedure time
About 1 hour
Downtime
About 3–7 days
Treatments
Usually one
Overview
What is submental liposuction?
Submental liposuction removes the fat beneath the chin through tiny incisions, using a thin cannula. Fat cells that are removed do not come back, so the result is long-lasting with a stable weight.
It is performed in-office under local anesthesia, so you are awake and comfortable. For patients with loose skin, it can be combined with Opus Plasma to tighten the neck and jawline.
What it treats
- Double chin
- Undefined jawline
- Fullness under the chin
- Neck fat that resists diet and exercise
Who it’s for
- Adults near a stable weight
- Patients with fullness under the chin
- People with reasonable skin elasticity
- Patients wanting a one-time procedure
What to Expect
Your treatment, step by step
01
Your Evaluation
We assess fat, skin quality and jawline to plan your procedure and decide if skin tightening should be added.
02
Your Procedure
Under local anesthesia, fat is removed through tiny incisions. Most procedures take about an hour.
03
Results & Follow-Up
Wear a chin strap as directed. Swelling settles over weeks and contour keeps refining for months.
The Technology
Alma BeautiFill
A 1470 nm laser-assisted liposuction system that gently loosens fat and keeps it viable, so it can be harvested and used for fat transfer.
Real Results
Before & after
Vita Nova patients, shared with their written permission. Individual results vary.
Patient Stories
In our patients’ words
★★★★★
Amazing experience. I’m three days post op lipo, and I’m feeling great. The staff is very knowledgeable and explain everything before and as they go through the process.
Monica J., liposuction patient · Google review
★★★★★
I recently had liposuction with fat transfer for a BBL a few weeks ago and so far I’m impressed with my results. Dr. Cardona did a great job. His staff were friendly and professional.
Lorissa C., BBL patient · Google review
★★★★★
I had lipo of my stomach and back with a fat transfer to my glutes. My shape is more than i could achieve in the gym and through dieting… my shape is beautiful and natural looking.
Elizabeth L., liposuction & fat transfer · Google review
Will I be asleep?
No. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, so you are awake and comfortable.
How long is recovery?
Most patients return to work in about three to seven days, with a compression strap for a short time.
Are results permanent?
Removed fat cells do not return. Keeping a stable weight helps maintain results.
What if I have loose skin?
We may combine liposuction with Opus Plasma to tighten the skin. Visit our results page to see examples.
How much does submental liposuction cost?
Liposuction pricing is based on the areas treated and the amount of work each area needs, so there is no one-size price. Dr. Cardona gives you an exact quote after your evaluation. CareCredit financing is available.
How long is the recovery after chin liposuction?
Most people return to work in about three to seven days. Swelling and bruising usually fade over two to three weeks, with final contour at around three months.
How long do I wear the chin strap?
We usually recommend a compression chin strap full time for several days, then part time for a few weeks. We give you exact instructions.
Is chin lipo better than Kybella?
Liposuction removes fat in one procedure, while Kybella usually needs several injection sessions with significant swelling. We help you choose based on your anatomy.
Will my double chin come back?
Removed fat cells do not grow back. Significant weight gain can still enlarge remaining fat cells.
Will I have scars?
The openings are tiny and placed discreetly, usually under the chin, and fade over time.
Related Treatments
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Begin Here
Your plan starts with an evaluation
Find out whether you are a candidate for submental liposuction.
Individual results vary. Results are not guaranteed. This page is for general education and is not medical advice.