A Complete Guide to Submental Lift Surgery: A New Approach to Solving a Double Chin

Hello. I’m Jaewon Huh, a board-certified plastic surgeon at 입체성형외과.

Lately, many people have been taking an interest in soft contouring procedures.

Today, I’d like to take some time to explain submental lifting in the double-chin area, which is one of the most dramatic parts.

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A Fundamental Solution Beyond Simple Liposuction

Most people in their 20s do not need anti-aging surgery.

Even so, among the people in their 20s who come to see me, a surprisingly large number are concerned about the double-chin area.

This is because, rather than being caused by aging, some people naturally retain clearly visible tissue in that area.

In many of these cases, patients ask, “Can’t you just remove the fat?” But in reality, the issue is much more complex.

When you look closely at concerns in the neck area, they are usually not simply a fat problem, but a problem of overall contour.

This is why some people benefit from liposuction while others do not.

If shallow fat is the cause, the procedure can be effective. But if the cause is muscle or deep fat, liposuction alone will unfortunately be insufficient.

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The Complex Anatomical Structure of the Neck Area

The reason the neck area is complex is that multiple layers of structures overlap.

Starting with the subcutaneous fat layer, beneath it lies the muscle layer, then another fat layer below the muscle, and at the deepest level there are also salivary gland structures.

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This is exactly why some cases are difficult to resolve with surface-level liposuction alone.

No matter how much liposuction is done, if the deeper tissues cannot be addressed, it only creates unnecessary injury.

I believe doing surgery properly means producing good results not only in easy cases, but also in difficult ones.

To do that, it is necessary to identify the problem in each layer accurately and approach it step by step.

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Key Points of Submental Lift Surgery

Based on the research of Dr. Timothy Marten, a renowned U.S. facelift surgeon, submental lift surgery (Short Scar Necklift) is a refined method for solving these complex issues. In fact, I think this is the time when this procedure is becoming popularized in Korea.

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1. Repositioning the Platysma (Double-Chin Muscle Tightening)

The platysma, which broadly covers just beneath the neck skin, is a thin, sheet-like structure.

As people age, or when the muscle tone is naturally weak, the center separates and band-like cords resembling a rooster’s comb can form.

Even among younger people, there are cases where this muscle is widely separated or lacks tension. In such cases, the jawline collapses and the neck line becomes blurred, making the entire face look less defined.

2. The Importance of Deep Fat Removal

Deep fat located beneath the platysma is difficult to remove with standard liposuction.

Because of the nature of this fat, it does not come out easily by suction and must be removed while being directly visualized.

This is also the area sometimes called yellow fat or toad fat. It is therefore a part of the neck where the effect is especially noticeable.

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3. Organizing the Deep Layer Structures

The submandibular gland and the digastric muscle, located at the deepest level, require special care.

The submandibular gland is a type of salivary gland, and when it is excessively enlarged, it is one of the major reasons the area can look like a double chin.

The digastric muscle is an important tissue that moves when chewing or speaking, but if it becomes overly prominent or bulges outward beyond the skin, it can also contribute to the appearance of a double chin.

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How to Achieve Maximum Effect with Minimal Incisions

The biggest advantage of submental lift surgery is that problems in all layers can be addressed through a small incision of only 2-3 cm.

There is no need for a long incision extending to the front of the ear or for removing a large amount of skin.

This method is especially effective for people who are “young but do not have a clearly defined neck line.”

It is a suitable solution not only for older people with neck sagging, but also for people in their 20s and 30s who are concerned about congenital structural issues.

Not every patient can be treated in the same way.

Because each person’s anatomical structure and concern area are different, an accurate diagnosis and an individualized plan are necessary.

Cases where only subcutaneous fat is a problem, cases involving the muscle layer, and cases involving deeper structures all require different approaches.

I think it is hard to understand what this feels like from words alone.

In the next post, I will explain the actual surgical process and real cases in a more practical, step-by-step way.

If you would like more detailed information, please also read the post below, which may be helpful.

Thank you.

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