Double Chin Reduction: HIFU vs Injections
The double chin is one of the most common concerns among men and women seeking facial slimming in Korea. Even people who are slim overall can develop fullness under the chin due to genetics, aging, or skin laxity. Two popular non-surgical treatments dominate the double-chin category today: HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) and fat-dissolving injections.
Both can slim the jawline and enhance the lower face — but they work in very different ways. Here’s a clear comparison to help you choose the right option.
What Causes a Double Chin?
A double chin can come from:
- Submental fat (localized fat under the chin)
- Sagging skin
- Weak jawline definition
- Aging-related tissue descent
- Poor neck muscle tone or posture
Because the cause varies, the best treatment depends on whether fat, laxity, or both are the problem.
HIFU for Double Chin: Tighten and Lift
HIFU uses focused ultrasound energy to heat and contract the deeper layers of the skin and SMAS. It tightens loose skin and slightly lifts the jawline.
What HIFU Works Best For
- Mild to moderate skin laxity
- Early jowls
- Soft tissue descent
- Loose skin under the chin
- Definition for slim faces needing more contour
What HIFU Does NOT Do
- Does not melt significant fat
- Does not reduce large fat pockets
- Works less effectively for heavy double chins
HIFU Results
- Gradual improvement over 2–3 months
- Better skin elasticity and sharper jawline
- Results last around 6–12 months
HIFU is ideal for someone who has loose skin, not a large amount of fat.
Fat-Dissolving Injections: Reduce Submental Fat
Fat-dissolving injections (like Kybella-type formulas or Korean lipolysis injections such as Lipo-Dissolve) break down fat cells under the chin. The body gradually removes the destroyed fat through natural metabolic processes.
What Injections Work Best For
- Noticeable fat under the chin
- Fullness caused by genetics
- Bulky or stubborn fat that does not improve with weight loss
What Injections Do NOT Do
- Do not tighten skin
- Do not lift sagging tissues
- Can worsen the appearance if the skin is loose and no tightening is done
Injection Results
- Visible reduction in fat after 3–6 weeks
- 2–3 sessions often needed for optimal slimming
- Permanent fat reduction if weight is maintained
Injections are ideal when the double chin is primarily fat, not skin laxity.
Which One Should You Pick?
Choose HIFU if your problem is:
- Loose skin under the chin
- Mild jowls
- Weak jawline definition
- Early aging signs
- A slim face needing more contour rather than volume reduction
HIFU is a lifting and tightening treatment, not a fat treatment.
Choose Fat-Dissolving Injections if your problem is:
- A visibly full double chin
- Excess fat that stays even when you lose weight
- A rounded lower-face shape
- A heavier submental area
Injections directly remove fat cells.
Can You Combine HIFU and Injections?
Yes — Korea often combines both for the most effective transformation.
Best sequence:
- Fat-dissolving injections to reduce volume
- HIFU to tighten the skin and define the jawline
This approach works well for moderate to heavy double chins because fat removal alone may lead to loose skin.
Final Verdict
- HIFU is best for tightening loose skin and lifting the jawline.
- Fat-dissolving injections are best for reducing submental fat.
- If you have both fat and sagging, combining them delivers the sharpest lower-face definition.
Choosing the right treatment depends on identifying whether fat, skin laxity, or both are contributing to the double chin.











