Loose Skin Under Your Chin: What Are Your Options?

Posted by Dr. Anni Wong
Surgical procedures involve removing excess skin and tightening the underlying structures but come with longer recovery times and higher costs.
For significant loose skin, surgical options like a neck lift or lower facelift are highly effective.

Ever caught a glimpse of your profile and wondered, “Where did that extra skin under my chin come from?” You’re not alone. Loose skin in the neck and chin area—sometimes called a “turkey neck” or “double chin”—is a common cosmetic concern that can make you look older or heavier than you feel.

Whether it’s the natural result of aging or other lifestyle factors, this kind of skin laxity can be frustrating. But the good news is that there are both non-surgical and surgical options that can help restore definition and firmness to your jawline. Read on to learn what causes this change—and what you can do about it.

Why Do I Have Loose Skin Under My Chin?

Loose skin under the chin can be the result of several contributing factors. As we age, neck skin changes—it loses elasticity and collagen, leading to a sagging appearance. Weight loss can also contribute, especially if the skin doesn’t retract fully after shedding pounds. Sun damage breaks down the skin’s support structures, accelerating the aging process. Genetics, posture, and lifestyle choices can all influence how early and severely you experience this issue. If left unaddressed, the area can continue to lose firmness, increasing your chances of future sagging skin.

How to Get Rid of Loose Skin Under the Chin Without Surgery

When it comes to improving the appearance of the neck area, many people are eager to explore non-surgical treatment options before considering more invasive procedures. Fortunately, modern cosmetic procedures offer a range of effective methods for double chin removal and tightening loose skin, without the need for scalpels or downtime. In the sections below, we’ll break down the most popular non-surgical solutions to help you find the approach that best fits your goals and lifestyle.

Neck Exercises and Diet

Incorporating a healthy diet with targeted facial exercises can be a surprisingly effective way to tighten skin under the chin. These movements often include neck stretching exercises that engage and tone the muscles in the lower face and jawline. Consistency is key—regular practice not only stretches the facial muscles but can also help improve circulation and support skin elasticity. Combined with a balanced, nutrient-rich diet that supports collagen production, these simple habits can gradually enhance firmness and contour in the neck area.

Banana Peel Neck Mask

It may sound unconventional, but banana peels are gaining popularity as a DIY remedy for skin tightening. Rich in antioxidants, potassium, and vitamins A, B, and E, banana peels can help nourish the skin and improve its elasticity when applied regularly to the neck area. To try this natural method, gently rub the inside of a ripe banana peel on clean skin, leave it on for 15–20 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. While not a miracle cure, it can be a soothing, low-cost addition to your skincare routine.

Hot Massages

Applying gentle heat to the neck area through massage can help stimulate blood flow and temporarily tighten the skin. Warm oil massages, in particular, can improve circulation and promote lymphatic drainage, which may reduce puffiness and enhance skin tone. The heat helps relax the muscles while encouraging collagen activity, making the skin feel firmer over time. While results are typically subtle and short-term, combining hot massages with other non-surgical methods may improve overall effectiveness in managing loose skin under the chin.

Cosmetic Creams

Topical treatments, especially wrinkle-lift skin creams, can offer visible improvements for mild to moderate skin laxity under the chin. These products often contain active ingredients like retinol, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to promote collagen production and boost hydration. While they won’t replicate the dramatic effects of in-office procedures, consistent use can help tighten the neck area, smooth fine lines, and improve overall skin texture. For best results, look for dermatologist-recommended formulations and pair them with sun protection to prevent further breakdown of skin structure.

Ultherapy

Ultherapy is a non-invasive procedure that uses focused ultrasound energy to lift and tighten loose skin under the chin. By stimulating collagen production deep within the skin’s foundational layers, Ultherapy helps gradually restore elasticity and firmness over time. It’s FDA-approved for lifting the neck and chin area, making it a popular option for those seeking subtle, natural-looking results without surgery. Most patients require just one treatment, with full effects appearing over two to three months as the collagen rebuilds and strengthens the skin.

Kybella

Kybella is an injectable treatment designed specifically for reducing submental fullness, commonly known as a double chin. It uses deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body that breaks down fat cells. Once injected into the area under the chin, Kybella destroys fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated by the body. This treatment is ideal for patients with good skin elasticity who want to avoid surgery. Multiple sessions may be required for optimal results, but the fat reduction is considered permanent once the desired contour is achieved.

Liquid Facelift

A liquid facelift is a non-surgical approach to facial rejuvenation that uses a combination of dermal fillers and Botox to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and subtly lift sagging skin. When applied to the lower face and neck, this technique can help redefine the jawline and reduce the appearance of a double chin. Fillers add structure and support, while Botox relaxes overactive muscles that contribute to sagging. The result is a more youthful, refreshed look with minimal downtime. It’s a popular option for those seeking immediate yet temporary improvements without surgery.

CoolSculpting (CoolMini)

CoolSculpting, specifically the CoolMini applicator, is a non-invasive treatment designed to freeze and eliminate fat cells under the chin. This procedure uses controlled cooling technology to target submental fat, which the body then naturally processes and removes over time. The treatment is ideal for patients looking to reduce a double chin without needles or downtime. While it doesn’t tighten loose skin directly, many people notice a firmer appearance as the area becomes more contoured. Full results typically appear within a few months after one to two sessions.

Radiofrequency Treatments

Radiofrequency treatments are a popular non-invasive option for tightening skin under the chin by using controlled energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin. This gentle heat stimulates the body’s natural healing process, encouraging collagen production and tightening the skin over time. These therapies are well-tolerated, typically require no downtime, and can be performed in a series of quick sessions. Patients often notice gradual improvement in firmness and skin texture, making radiofrequency a solid choice for those seeking a lift without surgical intervention.

These treatments are non-invasive and require minimal recovery time but may need multiple sessions for optimal results.
Treatments like botox, dermal fillers, and Ultherapy stimulate collagen production and tighten skin without surgery.

Don’t wait to feel more confident

Contact Dr. Wong today to explore all your options for reducing loose skin.

Surgical Procedures for Saggy Neck Skin

For those seeking more dramatic and lasting results, surgical options may be the most effective route for tightening and contouring the neck area. These procedures target not just fat, but also excess skin and underlying muscles, offering a level of precision that non-invasive techniques can’t match. Whether it’s double chin surgery or a comprehensive neck lift, today’s surgical methods are safer, more refined, and produce more natural-looking outcomes than ever before. Below, we explore the most common surgical approaches to restoring a firmer, more youthful neckline.

Neck Liposuction

Neck liposuction is a targeted procedure used to remove excess neck and chin fat, improving the contour and definition of the jawline. It’s a relatively straightforward form of cosmetic surgery that involves small incisions and minimal downtime. This method is ideal for individuals with good skin elasticity who are primarily dealing with stubborn fat rather than loose skin. The results can be dramatic, creating a slimmer, more youthful profile with permanent fat reduction when paired with a healthy lifestyle.

Neck Lift Surgery

A neck lift is a comprehensive surgical procedure aimed at correcting signs of aging in the neck area, including extra skin, sagging tissue, and muscle laxity. Often performed as a platysmaplasty, this surgery tightens the neck muscles and removes excess skin and fat to restore a firmer, more youthful contour. The procedure can be customized to address each patient’s unique anatomy and goals, making it ideal for those seeking a dramatic, long-lasting improvement. Recovery time varies but typically includes a few weeks of downtime and visible rejuvenation that can last for years.

Facelift Surgery

A facelift is a powerful surgical option for individuals dealing with significant saggy skin on the lower face and neck. This procedure can correct deep folds, loose jowls, and prominent jowls by lifting and repositioning the skin and underlying tissues. Often combined with a neck lift for optimal results, a facelift delivers a comprehensive rejuvenation of the lower face and chin. Patients should expect some bruising and swelling after surgery, but the long-term improvements in contour and tightness are typically well worth the recovery. The results can last for many years with proper care.

Experience the difference!

Dr. Anni Wong is a trusted expert in facial rejuvenation in New Jersey. Schedule your consultation online today.

Get Rid of that Double Chin or Turkey Neck With the Help of an Expert

When it comes to addressing loose skin under the chin—especially if you’re considering more advanced options like Ultherapy, Kybella, or surgery—choosing an experienced specialist is critical. These procedures require a detailed understanding of facial anatomy, artistic skill, and a deep commitment to patient safety and natural results. A skilled surgeon can assess your unique case and recommend a treatment plan that meets your goals without overcorrecting or creating an unnatural look.

Dr. Anni Wong is a fellowship-trained, Ivy League–educated facial plastic surgeon with years of specialized experience in surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation. Raised in Central Jersey and trained at top institutions like Cornell and the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Wong combines artistry with precision to deliver elegant, natural-looking outcomes. Ready to love your profile again? Call us at 609-831-0779 (Monroe), 732-375-9550 (Freehold), or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation.