Double chin in Switzerland: FaceTite, J-Plasma and other solutions

A double chin is one of the most common aesthetic concerns, at any age and in both men and women. It does not always disappear with exercise or a diet, because its causes are many: localised fat, slackening skin, a relaxed neck muscle, a weak chin or simply constitution. In recent years, two technologies have widened the options between simple liposuction and a neck lift: FaceTite, which combines liposuction and radiofrequency, and J-Plasma, which uses helium plasma to tighten the skin from the inside. This page helps you understand where your double chin comes from, what solutions exist in Switzerland, what you can expect from each and how to organise your project from your canton.

The right treatment depends on the cause: fat alone, fat with slightly lax skin, or significant laxity of the neck. Liposuction suits localised fat on firm skin. FaceTite and J-Plasma add skin tightening, useful for mild to moderate laxity. Marked laxity or vertical bands rather call for a neck and face lift. These procedures are often performed as day surgery under local anaesthesia; the result is assessed between three and six months. The budget, in percentages and by city, is on our page on double chin treatment prices with FaceTite and J-Plasma in Switzerland.

The term double chin describes excess volume or skin under the jaw that blurs the transition between chin and neck. Seen in profile, the contour becomes rounded instead of forming a sharp angle. But behind the same appearance lie very different causes, and identifying them determines the choice of treatment.

Subcutaneous fat

This is the most common cause. Fat accumulates just under the skin, above the platysma muscle. It is easy to pinch between the fingers. Its quantity depends on weight, but also on genetics: some slim people have a family tendency to store fat under the chin. This is the fat treated by liposuction, FaceTite, cryolipolysis or fat-dissolving injections.

Subplatysmal fat

A second layer of fat lies beneath the platysma muscle. It cannot be pinched and does not shrink with exercise or diet. It explains why some people of normal weight keep a double chin despite liposuction. It can only be treated by opening the platysma, through an incision under the chin, which is a matter for neck surgery.

Skin laxity

With age, after weight loss or by constitution, the skin of the neck loses its elasticity. It forms a slight fold under the chin, especially when you lower your head. If the fat is removed without treating the skin, the skin may look even laxer. This is where skin-tightening technologies such as FaceTite and J-Plasma come in, effective on mild to moderate laxity.

Laxity of the platysma muscle

The platysma, a thin muscle in the neck, can relax and form vertical cords visible under the chin. These platysmal bands are not corrected by liposuction or by a skin-tightening technology; they require a platysmaplasty or, for moderate bands, botulinum toxin injections.

A receding chin and a low hyoid bone

A weak chin visually shortens the neck and creates the impression of a double chin, even without excess fat. A low position of the hyoid bone, at the base of the tongue, also naturally opens the angle of the neck. The former is corrected by genioplasty or a chin implant; the latter is an anatomical limit.

Deep glands and muscles

In some people, the submandibular glands or the digastric muscles become visible under the jaw. They do not respond to any liposuction or skin-tightening technique, and surgical treatment of them is reserved for selected cases.

This assessment does not replace an examination: most double chins combine several causes. But it helps you understand why a practitioner proposes one technique rather than another.

Head position greatly influences the appearance of the neck. With the head tilted forward over a phone or computer, the skin under the chin creases and a double chin appears, even in slim people. In photos taken from below, particularly in video calls, the effect is accentuated. This repeated posture does not create fat, but it can mark the creases of the skin over time.

Before considering treatment, it is useful to check whether the double chin persists with the head straight and the gaze horizontal. Placing the screen at eye level, strengthening the neck and back muscles and improving lighting in video calls often improve appearance day to day. If the double chin persists with correct posture, it then calls for appropriate treatment.

Double chin treatments form a continuous range, from techniques without incisions to neck surgery. The principle is simple: the greater the laxity of the skin and muscle, the deeper the treatment must act.

Techniques without incisions

Cryolipolysis cools the fat under the chin to gradually destroy some of the fat cells, in one or more sessions. Fat-dissolving injections, administered by a doctor, dissolve subcutaneous fat over several sessions, at the cost of temporary swelling. Focused ultrasound and external radiofrequency can slightly firm the skin. These techniques are suitable for a small volume of fat on good-quality skin; their effect is gradual and more modest than a procedure.

Submental liposuction

Through one or two micro-incisions hidden under the chin or behind the earlobes, the surgeon suctions out subcutaneous fat using fine cannulas. The procedure generally takes less than an hour, often under local anaesthesia. It is perfectly suited to localised fat in a person whose skin is elastic, typically before forty-five. On skin that is already lax, removing the fat without treating the skin can accentuate the laxity.

Liposuction combined with a skin-tightening technology

This is where FaceTite and J-Plasma come in. These technologies are used through the same micro-incisions as liposuction. They heat the tissues under the skin in a controlled way, causing the collagen fibres to contract and the skin to tighten gradually. They make it possible to treat patients who would have had a disappointing result with liposuction alone, without going as far as a lift.

The neck lift

When skin laxity is significant, platysmal bands are visible or the fat lies beneath the muscle, neck surgery becomes necessary. It involves an incision under the chin and incisions behind the ears, allowing the platysma to be tightened and excess skin removed. Combined with treatment of the jawline, it constitutes the neck and face lift.

FaceTite is the trade name of a radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis device designed for small areas of the face and neck. It belongs to a family of technologies that also includes BodyTite, used for body areas. Its principle is to combine fat reduction and skin tightening in a single session.

How it works

The device has two electrodes: an internal electrode, introduced under the skin through a micro-incision, and an external electrode that glides over the surface of the skin. A bipolar radiofrequency current flows between the two. It heats the fat and the fibrous septa beneath the skin, which liquefies some of the fat and causes the collagen fibres to contract. Sensors continuously measure internal and external temperature, so as to heat enough to achieve an effect without burning the skin.

What FaceTite adds compared with liposuction alone

Liposuction removes fat but does not actively tighten the skin: the skin has to retract by itself, which it does well in a young person and less well after forty-five or fifty. FaceTite adds skin tightening, which continues for several months as the collagen remodels. The aim is to obtain a cleaner neck and better-redraped skin, where liposuction alone would have left slight laxity.

Areas treated

FaceTite is mainly used under the chin and on the upper neck, along the jaw to refine the jawline, and sometimes on the jowls or cheeks. It can be combined with other procedures, such as more extensive neck liposuction or fat transfer to other areas of the face.

The procedure

The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia, after infiltration of an anaesthetic solution into the tissues, sometimes with light sedation. The surgeon makes one or more micro-incisions, under the chin and sometimes behind the earlobes, treats the area with the device, then suctions out the liquefied fat. The whole procedure generally takes one to two hours. A compression chin strap is applied at the end of the procedure, and you go home the same day.

Limitations

FaceTite improves mild to moderate laxity; it does not replace a lift when the skin hangs in folds or pronounced platysmal bands are present. It does not treat subplatysmal fat or a receding chin. The result of the tightening varies from person to person, depending on skin quality, age and smoking. Finally, like any thermal technique, it requires good mastery to avoid burns and irregularities.

J-Plasma refers to a technology that combines a gas, helium, with radiofrequency energy to produce a cold plasma. Used beneath the skin, notably under the name Renuvion for certain indications, it aims to cause rapid contraction of the tissues under the skin, with very limited heat spread around the treated area.

How it works

A fine cannula is introduced under the skin through a micro-incision, often after liposuction. At its tip, a flow of helium is crossed by radiofrequency energy, creating a beam of plasma. This plasma heats the fibrous septa beneath the skin very briefly and very precisely. They contract immediately, then remodel over the following weeks, tightening the skin from the inside.

What distinguishes it from FaceTite

Both technologies aim to tighten the skin, but by different means. FaceTite heats a volume of tissue between two electrodes gradually, and also helps liquefy fat. J-Plasma delivers very brief, very localised energy, with immediate contraction of the tissues. Some surgeons reserve J-Plasma for thinner skin or areas where tightening is the main goal, while others use one or the other according to their habits. To date, there is no clear evidence that one is superior to the other for the double chin.

The procedure

Most often, the surgeon starts with liposuction of the area, then passes the J-Plasma cannula under the skin in a regular grid pattern. The procedure can be performed under local anaesthesia for a limited area, or under general anaesthesia when several areas are treated or the procedure is combined with other operations. A chin strap is applied, and discharge is generally on the same day.

Limitations

Like FaceTite, J-Plasma improves mild to moderate laxity; it does not replace a lift for a very lax neck or pronounced bands. The result depends on skin quality and emerges gradually. The technique, which is more recent, also requires specific experience on the part of the practitioner.

The choice is not made on the name of the technology, but on examination of your neck. Here is the reasoning a surgeon generally follows.

1. Is it mainly fat?

If the double chin is essentially fatty and the skin is firm, liposuction alone is often enough. In a young person, the skin will retract by itself. A technique without incisions may also be discussed for a small volume.

2. Is the skin starting to slacken?

If the skin has lost some of its elasticity, with a slight fold when you lower your head, liposuction alone risks leaving slightly loose skin. Adding FaceTite or J-Plasma then aims to tighten the skin at the same time as the fat is removed.

3. Are there bands or marked laxity?

If vertical cords are visible, if the skin hangs in a fold or if the fat lies beneath the muscle, no skin-tightening technology will be enough. A neck lift, often combined with treatment of the jawline, will be more appropriate.

4. Is the chin set back?

If the chin is receding, genioplasty or a chin implant, alone or combined with the techniques above, will transform the profile more than more aggressive liposuction. Our pages on rhinoplasty and genioplasty and on profileplasty present these combinations.

These technologies are intended for people whose double chin combines excess fat with mild to moderate skin laxity, without significant muscle laxity. This profile is often seen between thirty-five and sixty, but age counts for less than skin quality.

Good candidates

• Localised fat under the chin or along the jaw that can be pinched between the fingers.
• Skin that is beginning to lose its elasticity, without a significant fold.
• A weight that has been stable for several months.
• Good general health, with no healing disorders.
• Realistic expectations: a cleaner neck, not a transformation.

Less favourable situations

Very lax skin hanging in folds, pronounced platysmal bands, fat located mainly beneath the muscle or a very receding chin limit the value of these technologies. In smokers, skin tightening is often less good. Ongoing weight loss is also a reason to wait: it is better to treat a neck whose volume has stabilised.

Men

Men frequently seek advice for a double chin, which blurs the jawline above the shirt collar. Male skin, which is thicker, often responds well to liposuction and skin-tightening technologies. The beard is not an obstacle: the micro-incisions are placed in discreet areas. The aim is to regain a clean, angular jaw.

After weight loss

After weight loss, the neck may retain a little fat and slack skin. If laxity remains moderate, FaceTite or J-Plasma can help; if it is significant, a neck lift will be more effective. Wait until your weight has been stable for six months to a year.

The consultation

The surgeon examines your neck from the front and in profile, at rest and in motion. They pinch the fat, assess skin elasticity, ask you to clench your teeth to reveal any bands, and assess the position of the chin and hyoid bone. They take standardised photos and explain which technique seems appropriate to them, and why.

Preparation

A simple pre-operative check-up may be requested depending on your age and medical history. Blood-thinning medication and supplements are stopped on medical advice one to two weeks beforehand. Stopping smoking is strongly recommended, as it improves skin tightening and healing.

The day of the procedure

Most procedures are performed as day surgery, under local anaesthesia with infiltration of an anaesthetic solution, sometimes with light sedation. The surgeon marks the area to be treated with you sitting up, makes one to three micro-incisions, treats the area with the chosen technology, suctions out the fat and then closes the micro-incisions. The procedure generally takes one to two hours. A compression chin strap is applied.

Discharge

You go home a few hours after the procedure, accompanied. You must not drive on the same day. You receive written instructions, simple painkillers and a check-up appointment.

Recovery is generally quicker than after a facelift, but it requires patience: the result emerges over several months.

The chin strap

It is generally worn day and night for the first week, then at night for one to three more weeks, according to the practitioner's instructions. It limits swelling and helps the skin readhere to the deep tissues.

Firmness

After FaceTite or J-Plasma, the treated area often becomes firm, sometimes slightly lumpy, for several weeks. This is a sign that the tissues are remodelling. This firmness gradually softens; gentle massage or lymphatic drainage, if allowed, can help.

Sensation

Reduced sensation of the skin under the chin is common for a few weeks to a few months. It gradually returns.

These procedures are less extensive than a facelift, but they carry risks, which the practitioner must explain to you.

Burns

Thermal technologies can, rarely, cause a burn to the skin, particularly if the heat is poorly controlled. Modern devices incorporate temperature sensors, and the practitioner's experience greatly limits this risk.

Irregularities and nodules

Small irregularities, cords or nodules under the skin may appear during the healing phase. Most fade within a few months; some require additional treatment.

Injury to the marginal branch of the facial nerve

A small nerve branch that controls the lowering of the lower lip runs along the jaw. Injury, which is rare, causes an asymmetric smile, generally temporary and resolving within a few weeks to a few months.

Seroma and haematoma

A collection of fluid or blood may form under the skin. It is generally treated simply, by aspiration or drainage.

Insufficient result

If the skin tightens less than expected, laxity may persist. A second session or neck surgery can then be discussed. That is why the indication must be made carefully.

Pigmentation

Marks at the micro-incisions, or pigmentation of the treated skin, may appear, especially on olive skin exposed to the sun too early.

Signs that require medical attention

Contact the practitioner promptly in the event of swelling that increases instead of decreasing, increasing pain, warm redness, fever, a blister or an area of skin that changes colour. If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, call 144.

Neck liposuction is performed in most Swiss towns with plastic surgeons. Skin-tightening technologies such as FaceTite and J-Plasma, on the other hand, require specific equipment that not all practices have. They are found mainly in the major cities and in a few practices in medium-sized towns. Here is the situation in the country's main regions. These indications describe trends: always check with the practice which technology it uses.

French-speaking Switzerland

Geneva and Lausanne concentrate most of the provision of skin-tightening technologies in French-speaking Switzerland. Several practices there offer neck liposuction combined with radiofrequency or plasma. In Neuchâtel, Fribourg and Sion, provision is more limited: submental liposuction is available, but the presence of FaceTite or J-Plasma varies between practitioners. Patients from Jura and the Bernese Jura often turn to Basel, Biel/Bienne or Neuchâtel. For residents of the Lake Geneva region, the proximity of practices makes check-ups very simple.

German-speaking Switzerland

Zurich offers the widest choice, with many practices equipped with skin-tightening technologies. Basel, Bern and Lucerne also have real provision. St. Gallen, Winterthur, Aarau and Zug have several practitioners, with varying availability of these devices. In the small cantons of Central and Eastern Switzerland, patients consult in Lucerne, St. Gallen or Zurich. Distances remain short, which makes day surgery and returning home the same day easier.

Ticino

Lugano concentrates provision in Ticino, with a few practices offering skin-tightening technologies. Locarno, Bellinzona and Mendrisio have more limited provision. Consultations are held in Italian. For day surgery such as this, the proximity of Lugano for most of the canton's population is an advantage.

Graubünden

Chur has basic provision; for a specific technology, Graubünden patients often consult in Zurich, sometimes in Ticino for the Italian-speaking valleys. As the procedure is day surgery, it is useful to arrange for someone to accompany you on the journey home, especially from the Engadine or Davos.

Day surgery: what difference it makes

Unlike a facelift, neck liposuction combined with FaceTite or J-Plasma is usually performed without a night at the clinic. You go home a few hours after the procedure. For patients who live far from the practice, this means a journey home the same day, with a chin strap and a swollen face: someone to accompany you is essential, and a night with a relative or friend or in a hotel may be more comfortable if the journey takes more than an hour or two.

The "likelihood" column describes a trend linked to the density of provision, not a list of practices. A likelihood of "to be checked" means that patients generally turn to a neighbouring major centre for these technologies.

This table helps you place your city: where residents consult in practice, the indicative travel time by public transport, the likelihood of finding FaceTite or J-Plasma in that centre, and the usual price difference compared with Geneva for this type of procedure. All these data are trends, to be checked with the practices.

For day surgery, distance matters mainly on the day itself: arrange for someone to accompany you and, if the journey takes more than an hour or two, consider a night nearby. There are fewer post-operative check-ups than for a facelift, generally one or two during the first month.

There is no official fee schedule: each practitioner sets their fees freely, and the cost depends on the technique, the area treated and the anaesthesia. The most useful approach is to compare the options with one another. The following table takes as a base of 100 a submental liposuction under local anaesthesia performed by the same practitioner.

Between cities, the differences follow the general trend: Geneva and Zurich at the top of the scale, the other major cities 5 to 15% below, medium-sized towns 10 to 20% below. Differences between practices in the same city can be greater. Details of the quote breakdown, VAT and ways to save are on our page on double chin treatment prices with FaceTite and J-Plasma in Switzerland.

These profiles are fictitious, inspired by requests received from all over Switzerland. They show how examination of the neck guides the choice. They constitute neither medical advice nor a promise of results.

Léa, 31, Lausanne: hereditary fat

Léa is slim and sporty, but she has always had a double chin, like her mother. Her skin is very elastic. The surgeon proposes submental liposuction alone, under local anaesthesia. She returns to work after a week, and her profile becomes clearly defined within three months.

Stefan, 44, Bern: fat and early laxity

Stefan put on a few kilos, since lost, but his neck has kept a fatty volume and slightly loose skin. The surgeon proposes liposuction combined with FaceTite, explaining that liposuction alone would risk leaving slightly loose skin.

Isabelle, 52, Geneva: moderate laxity

Isabelle has little fat, but her skin has lost its firmness and forms a slight fold when she lowers her head. She has no visible bands. The surgeon proposes J-Plasma after light liposuction, informing her that a neck lift could be considered later if the laxity progresses.

Hans, 61, St. Gallen: bands and excess skin

Hans wanted a treatment "without surgery". The surgeon explains that his platysmal bands and excess skin would not be corrected by a skin-tightening technology, and proposes a neck lift. Hans takes time to think it over before deciding.

Sofia, 38, Lugano: a receding chin

Sofia thought she had a double chin. The examination mainly shows a receding chin, with little fat. The surgeon proposes a chin implant combined with small-volume liposuction. Her profile changes more than it would have with more aggressive liposuction.

Thomas, 47, Chur: organisation needed

Thomas wants liposuction with FaceTite. No nearby practice has this technology; he consults in Zurich. As the procedure is day surgery, his partner accompanies him and they spend the night with friends in Zurich before returning to Graubünden the next day.

What these examples show: the same term, "double chin", covers very different situations. The right solution is the one that matches the cause, not the one people talk about most.

For a small double chin on firm skin, or for people who do not want any procedure, several aesthetic medicine techniques are offered in Switzerland. Here is what you can expect from them.

Cryolipolysis

An applicator adapted to the chin cools the subcutaneous fat for about an hour. The fat cells exposed to the cold are gradually eliminated by the body over two to three months. One or two sessions are often necessary. The technique requires neither incision nor anaesthesia, but its effect is more modest than liposuction, and it does not tighten the skin. Rare paradoxical reactions, with an increase in the treated volume, have been described. Our page on cryolipolysis in Switzerland details it.

Fat-dissolving injections

A doctor injects a product under the chin that destroys fat cells. Two to four sessions a few weeks apart are generally necessary. Each session causes swelling and tenderness for several days. The technique is suitable for a small to medium volume of fat on firm skin.

Focused ultrasound and external radiofrequency

These technologies heat the skin and underlying tissues from the outside to stimulate collagen. They can slightly firm the skin, in one or more sessions, but have no significant effect on a volume of fat. They are mainly suitable for very early laxity.

Botulinum toxin

For moderate platysmal bands on good-quality skin, botulinum toxin injections relax the muscle and soften the cords for a few months. They treat neither fat nor skin laxity. Our page on botulinum toxin injections presents the indications.

Key takeaways

These techniques have their place for mild situations or to maintain a result. For a larger double chin, or one associated with skin laxity, liposuction, possibly combined with FaceTite or J-Plasma, is generally more effective and, ultimately, sometimes less costly than repeated sessions.

"A double chin always means being overweight"

Many slim people have a double chin, linked to genetics, fat beneath the muscle, a receding chin or the position of the hyoid bone.

"Neck exercises will make it disappear"

Neck exercises have a very limited effect on fat and do not affect chin shape or deep fat. Good posture improves appearance, nothing more.

"FaceTite is a scarless facelift"

FaceTite tightens the skin and reduces fat, but it does not replace a lift when the skin hangs or the muscle forms bands. It is an intermediate solution, not a substitute for a lift.

"J-Plasma gives an immediate result"

The tissues contract during the procedure, but the visible result emerges over several months, as the swelling subsides and the collagen remodels.

"Neck liposuction suits everyone"

On lax skin, liposuction alone can accentuate the slack appearance. It is mainly suitable for elastic skin.

"The more fat removed, the better"

An over-emptied neck looks hollow and artificial. A good result leaves a thin layer of fat under the skin.

"A double chin always comes back"

The fat cells removed do not grow back. With a stable weight, the result is lasting.

FaceTite and J-Plasma are based on the same biological principle: the response of collagen to heat. Understanding it helps you know what to expect from these technologies, and why the result takes time.

Collagen, the skin's framework

The skin and the tissues just beneath it contain a network of collagen fibres, which give them firmness and support. Beneath the skin, fibrous partitions called septa connect the skin to the deep layers through the fat. With age, collagen becomes scarcer and slacker, and these partitions stretch: the skin loses its support.

Immediate contraction

When these fibres are heated in a controlled way, they contract: it is the same phenomenon that makes a heated fabric shrink. Beneath the skin, this contraction tightens the fibrous partitions and draws the skin closer to the deep layers. Part of the effect is therefore immediate, observable from the time of the procedure.

Gradual remodelling

The heat also triggers a healing reaction: for several months, the body produces new, denser collagen that strengthens the skin's support. That is why the result continues to improve well after the swelling has gone, often up to six months and sometimes beyond.

Temperature control

The whole challenge is to heat the tissues under the skin enough to achieve contraction without burning the skin itself. Modern devices incorporate sensors or deliver energy very briefly to keep the skin surface at a safe temperature. The practitioner's experience remains essential to adapt the energy to tissue thickness and avoid lingering too long on the same spot.

Why results vary

The skin's ability to tighten depends on its starting condition: age, past sun exposure, smoking, genetics, weight fluctuations. Young, well-preserved skin responds better than heavily damaged skin. That is why these technologies are suited to mild to moderate laxity, and why an honest practitioner does not promise the same result for everyone.

The result of double chin treatment depends as much on the indication as on mastery of the procedure. Here is how to choose.

Check qualifications

In Switzerland, liposuction and the use of FaceTite or J-Plasma are the province of a doctor trained in these procedures, ideally a plastic surgeon. Check the practitioner's title in the federal MedReg register. Membership of Swiss Plastic Surgery, the specialty society, is an additional indicator.

Assess experience

Ask how many neck liposuctions the practitioner performs, how long they have been using the proposed technology, and how they decide between liposuction alone, FaceTite, J-Plasma or a lift. A practitioner who always proposes the same solution, whatever the situation, warrants a second opinion.

Questions to ask

• What is my double chin made of: fat, skin, muscle, chin?
• Why do you propose this technique rather than another?
• Which device exactly do you use, and for how long have you been using it?
• What result can I reasonably expect, and after how long?
• What anaesthesia, how long does the procedure take, and can I go home the same day?
• How long do I need to wear the chin strap?
• What are the risks, particularly of burns or irregularities, and how do you avoid them?
• What happens if the result is insufficient?
• Can you show me results in patients with a profile close to mine?
• What does your quote include?

Warning signs

Be wary of a promise of a guaranteed result, a proposal without an examination, pressure to decide quickly or a practitioner who cannot clearly explain the technology used. A cosmetic treatment is decided after reflection.

Between 20 and 35

At this age, the double chin is almost always fatty, often hereditary, on very elastic skin. Liposuction alone generally gives excellent results; for a small volume, cryolipolysis or injections may be discussed. A receding chin is also frequently the cause in young adults.

Between 35 and 50

The fat is often still present, but the skin begins to lose its elasticity. This is the age group in which combining liposuction with a skin-tightening technology such as FaceTite or J-Plasma often finds its best indication.

Between 50 and 60

Laxity of the skin and, sometimes, the platysma muscle becomes more marked. Depending on the examination, a skin-tightening technology may still be enough, or a neck lift becomes preferable. This is the age at which the indication requires the most discernment.

After 60

Skin laxity and platysmal bands often predominate. A neck lift or a neck and face lift generally gives a much better result than skin-tightening technologies, which can nevertheless complement a lift in some cases.

A double chin is not judged in isolation. The harmony of the profile depends on the balance between the forehead, nose, lips, chin and neck. A prominent nose makes the chin look more receding; a receding chin accentuates the impression of a double chin; a thick neck blurs the jawline.

That is why some patients benefit from a global approach, called profileplasty, which combines, depending on the case, rhinoplasty, genioplasty and treatment of the double chin. These combinations are presented on our pages on profileplasty, rhinoplasty and genioplasty and rhinoplasty.

During the consultation, the practitioner examines your profile as a whole and explains whether an isolated procedure on the neck will be enough, or whether another procedure would change your profile more. This global view avoids treating a symptom without correcting its cause.

Morning

You arrive at the practice or clinic at the time indicated, accompanied, in comfortable clothing and without make-up. If sedation is planned, you will have fasted since the previous evening. The practitioner reviews the plan with you, answers your final questions and asks you to sign the informed consent form.

The markings

With you sitting up, the practitioner marks in pencil the areas to be treated under the chin and along the jaw, as well as the anatomical landmarks to respect, notably the path of the nerve branch along the jaw. Sitting up is important, as gravity changes the appearance of the neck.

Anaesthesia

You are made comfortable. If sedation is planned, it is administered intravenously. The practitioner then infiltrates an anaesthetic solution into the area, which numbs it and limits bleeding. This step may cause a brief feeling of pressure or a sting.

The treatment

Through one or more micro-incisions, the practitioner treats the area with FaceTite or J-Plasma, then suctions out the fat. You may feel vibrations or a sensation of warmth, without pain. The procedure generally takes one to two hours.

End of the procedure

The micro-incisions are closed or left open to allow the infiltration fluid to drain, depending on the practitioner's habits. The chin strap is applied. You remain under observation while you recover, then go home accompanied, with your written instructions.

Evening

Rest with your head raised. A slight discharge of tinted fluid from the micro-incisions is normal in the first few hours. Take the prescribed painkillers, drink enough and contact the practitioner if swelling increases rapidly or you feel unusual pain.

One to two months before

Consult, compare opinions, take time to reflect. If you smoke, take the opportunity to stop: your skin will tighten better. Stabilise your weight if you are in the process of losing weight.

Two weeks before

On medical advice, stop aspirin, anti-inflammatories and blood-thinning supplements. Avoid alcohol and intense sun exposure. Arrange for someone to accompany you on the day of the procedure.

The day before

Prepare clothes that open at the front, a light scarf, pillows to sleep with your head raised and easy-to-eat food. Follow the fasting instructions if sedation is planned.

On the day

Come without make-up or jewellery, with your documents and usual medication. Ask all your questions before signing the consent form.

Video calls

With working from home very common in Switzerland, many people see themselves on screen for several hours a day, often from below, an angle that accentuates the double chin. It has become a frequent reason for seeking advice. During recovery, working from home also allows a quick return to work, with the camera off for the first few days if necessary.

The season

Autumn and winter are popular: polo necks, scarves and high-collared jackets naturally hide the chin strap and swelling. In summer, the heat makes the chin strap less comfortable, and sun protection of the treated area is more demanding.

Sport

Running, cycling, skiing, swimming: most sports resume after two to four weeks. A cycling or ski helmet, with its strap under the chin, must be worn with care during the first few weeks, without tightening it over the treated area.

Discretion

Day surgery, followed by a few days of rest, lends itself well to discretion. Scheduling the treatment at the start of a holiday period allows you to resume normal social life with a neck that has already gone down considerably.

Choosing the technology before the diagnosis

The right treatment follows from the cause of the double chin. Starting from the name of a technology seen on social media sometimes leads to an unsuitable solution.

Having liposuction alone on lax skin

On skin that has lost its elasticity, removing fat without tightening the skin can accentuate the laxity.

Expecting a technology to replace a lift

Pronounced platysmal bands and significant excess skin call for neck surgery.

Neglecting the chin

A receding chin limits the result of any neck treatment. Ask the practitioner to examine your profile as a whole.

Not wearing the chin strap

It limits swelling and helps the skin readhere. Abandoning it too early can compromise the result.

Judging the result too early

The swelling and firmness of the first few weeks mask the result. Wait at least three months before judging.

These trends do not replace checking with the practices. A well-equipped practice in a medium-sized town can offer an excellent balance between quality, waiting time and budget.

Cervicomental angle. The angle formed, in profile, by the underside of the chin and the neck.

Platysmal bands. Vertical cords in the neck formed by the lax edges of the platysma.

Cryolipolysis. Destruction of fat cells by cold, without incision.

FaceTite. A radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis device for the face and neck.

Genioplasty. A procedure that changes the position or shape of the chin.

Subcutaneous fat. Fat located under the skin, above the platysma muscle.

Subplatysmal fat. Fat located beneath the platysma muscle, not accessible to conventional liposuction.

Firmness (induration). A hardened area under the skin during healing.

J-Plasma. A technology using helium plasma activated by radiofrequency to tighten tissues.

Chin strap. A compression bandage worn after the procedure.

Platysma. A thin muscle covering the front of the neck.

Skin tightening. Tightening of the skin obtained through contraction and remodelling of collagen.

Seroma. A collection of fluid under the skin after a procedure.

To complement the table of the 26 cantons, here are a few practical guidelines specific to each for organising day-surgery treatment of a double chin.

Geneva

There are many practices in Geneva and several use skin-tightening technologies. Proximity means you can be home within minutes after the procedure and easily return for the first-week check-up.

Vaud

Lausanne concentrates provision, with a few practitioners on the Riviera and La Côte. From Yverdon, Payerne or Aigle, the journey home remains reasonable by train, provided you are accompanied.

Neuchâtel

Provision is limited; many patients consult in Lausanne or Bern. Check with Neuchâtel practices which technology they use before deciding.

Jura

Jura residents consult in Basel, Biel/Bienne or Neuchâtel. For day surgery, the journey home to Delémont or Porrentruy, about an hour, requires someone to accompany you.

Fribourg

A few practitioners work in the city; Lausanne and Bern, half an hour away by train, offer a wider choice of technologies.

Valais

Provision in Valais is limited; Lausanne is the usual centre for French-speaking Valais, Bern for Upper Valais. From the resorts, a night in the valley after the procedure may be more comfortable.

Bern

Bern has several equipped practices; Biel/Bienne offers a bilingual alternative. From Thun or the Oberland, the journey remains short.

Zurich

The widest choice in the country, with many practices equipped with FaceTite, J-Plasma or comparable technologies. Patients from the conurbation are home in less than an hour.

Lucerne

Lucerne groups the provision of Central Switzerland, with a few equipped practices. Residents of Emmen, Kriens or Horw are a few minutes away.

Uri

With no local provision, Uri residents consult in Lucerne or Zurich. Arrange for someone to accompany you and, from Andermatt, possibly a night in Lucerne.

Schwyz

The north of the canton looks to Zurich, the south to Lucerne. Both centres are less than an hour away.

Obwalden

Lucerne, about twenty minutes from Sarnen, is the natural centre. From Engelberg, the journey home is a little longer.

Nidwalden

Lucerne is a quarter of an hour from Stans, which makes day surgery very simple to organise.

Glarus

Glarus residents consult in Zurich or St. Gallen, about an hour away. Combine the consultation and procedure if the practitioner allows it.

Zug

A few practices in Zug offer neck treatments; Zurich and Lucerne, half an hour away, widen the choice.

Solothurn

From Olten, Basel, Bern, Lucerne and Zurich are less than an hour away, making comparison easy.

Basel-Stadt

Several Basel practices use skin-tightening technologies. Tram journeys are short, ideal for day surgery.

Basel-Landschaft

Patients consult in Basel, a few minutes from Liestal, Allschwil or Muttenz.

Schaffhausen

Winterthur, about a quarter of an hour closer than Zurich, is often the best choice for Schaffhausen residents.

Appenzell Ausserrhoden

St. Gallen, very close to Herisau or Teufen, is the reference centre.

Appenzell Innerrhoden

Residents of Appenzell consult in St. Gallen, about three-quarters of an hour away by train.

St. Gallen

St. Gallen has several practitioners, with varying availability of skin-tightening technologies; Zurich remains an alternative to widen the choice.

Graubünden

Chur has basic provision; for FaceTite or J-Plasma, many patients consult in Zurich. From the Engadine, a night near the practice is recommended.

Aargau

Aarau and Baden have local practices; Zurich, twenty minutes from Baden, completes the provision. The west of the canton also looks to Basel.

Thurgau

Thurgau residents consult in Winterthur, St. Gallen or Zurich. From Frauenfeld, Winterthur is a quarter of an hour away.

Ticino

Lugano groups most of the provision, with a few equipped practices. Consultations are held in Italian; Bellinzona and Mendrisio are less than half an hour away.

Men account for a large share of requests for double chin treatment. For them, the jawline is a highly valued feature, and a double chin quickly blurs it, especially above a shirt collar.

Skin that responds well

Male skin is thicker and often has a better blood supply. It tolerates liposuction well and often responds well to skin-tightening technologies. The aim is to redefine a clean, angular jaw without hollowing the neck.

The beard

The beard is not an obstacle. The micro-incisions are placed under the chin or behind the earlobes, in discreet areas. You may be advised to shave the area a few days beforehand to make care easier, according to the practitioner's instructions.

A thick neck

In some men, the neck looks thick because of fat beneath the muscle or bulky deep muscles. These situations do not call for simple liposuction and must be identified during the examination.

For a more global approach to the male figure, see also our page on the male makeover.

In men, a beard is often used to hide a double chin or a lack of jaw definition. It can also make assessment more difficult during the consultation. After neck treatment, the beard can be kept; the small incisions under the chin are easily hidden by the hair. It is simply advisable not to shave the area in the days before, to avoid tiny cuts.

Before-and-after photos are useful for putting your expectations into words, provided you read them carefully.

• Both photos must be taken with the same lighting, angle and head position: a slightly raised chin is enough to erase a double chin.
• The profile is the most revealing angle for judging the cervicomental angle.
• Timing matters: a photo taken a few weeks after the procedure still shows swelling; the result is judged at three or six months.
• Look for patients with a profile close to yours: age, skin quality, starting volume.
• Also look at the appearance of the skin: a successful neck is neither hollow nor irregular.

A consultation for a double chin generally lasts between thirty and forty-five minutes. It is decisive, because it is where the diagnosis that will guide the whole treatment is made.

The interview

The practitioner asks what bothers you, for how long, whether your weight has changed, whether other members of your family have a double chin and which treatments you have already tried. They note your medical history, medication and tobacco use.

The examination

They observe your profile from the front and the side, with your head straight and then slightly lowered. They pinch the fat under the chin, assess skin elasticity by pinching and releasing it, ask you to clench your teeth to reveal any bands, and assess the projection of the chin and the position of the hyoid bone. They also examine the jawline and jowls.

Photos

Standardised photos are taken from the front, in profile and at three-quarters. They are used for diagnosis, planning and later comparison.

The proposal

The practitioner explains the main cause of your double chin and the solution they propose, with its advantages, limitations, risks and cost. They may also tell you that no treatment is necessary, or that another approach would be more effective.

FaceTite and J-Plasma have widened the options, but they have limitations. Recognising the point at which neck surgery becomes more appropriate avoids disappointment and unnecessary expense.

Signs that point towards neck surgery

• A significant fold of skin under the chin, which hangs when you lower your head.
• Vertical bands clearly visible at rest.
• A firm double chin, in a slim person, linked to fat beneath the muscle.
• Associated laxity of the jawline, with pronounced jowls.
• A first treatment with a skin-tightening technology that was not enough.

What surgery adds

Neck surgery allows the platysma muscle to be tightened, the fat beneath it to be removed and excess skin to be excised. Combined with treatment of the jawline, it constitutes the neck and face lift, which gives the most marked transformations after fifty-five. It does, however, require an incision under the chin and around the ears, usually general anaesthesia and a recovery of two to three weeks.

To find out more, see our pages on the neck and face lift and the deep plane facelift.

Double chin treatment is often combined with other procedures in the same session to harmonise the face.

Genioplasty or chin implant

When the chin is set back, advancing it redefines the profile and enhances the effect of the neck treatment. See our page on genioplasty.

Facial fat transfer

Restoring volume to the cheekbones or temples with the harvested fat balances a face that has become hollow at the top while thickening at the bottom. See our page on facial fat transfer.

Buccal fat removal

Removing the buccal fat pads slims the cheeks in some patients with a round face. See our page on rhinoplasty and buccal fat removal.

Blepharoplasty

Rejuvenating the eye area at the same time as refining the neck gives a more harmonious result. See our page on blepharoplasty.

Treatment of the jawline

FaceTite can also be used along the jaw and on moderate jowls in the same session.

Each combination lengthens the procedure and may require deeper anaesthesia. It must bring a clear benefit, which the practitioner explains to you.

The skin of the neck is thin, often exposed to the sun and rarely cared for with the same attention as the face. After double chin treatment, caring for it prolongs the result.

• Protect your neck from the sun all year round, with high-factor sunscreen, including in the mountains and in winter.
• Apply your facial skincare down to the base of the neck, without forgetting the décolleté.
• Avoid scratching or rubbing the treated area during healing.
• Maintain good posture in front of screens, with the screen at eye level.
• Keep a stable weight to preserve the contour achieved.
• Do not smoke: tobacco accelerates skin ageing and reduces its ability to tighten.

LAMal and supplementary insurance

Double chin treatment is a cosmetic procedure, not covered by compulsory health insurance. The vast majority of supplementary policies exclude it. Check in writing if you are in any doubt.

VAT

Purely cosmetic procedures are in principle subject to VAT at the standard rate of 8.1% according to the practice of the Federal Tax Administration. Check whether the quote is shown excluding or including VAT.

The quote

It must state the practitioner's name and title, the exact technique, the areas treated, the anaesthesia, room fees, the chin strap, check-ups included, VAT and the conditions for any touch-up.

Days off work

As a cosmetic procedure is not treated as an illness, time off is generally taken as holiday. For double chin treatment, five to ten days are often enough.

Before booking an appointment, you can get a first opinion on your double chin from photos. This is particularly useful if you live far from an equipped practice or are hesitating between several solutions.

• A front photo, head straight, gaze horizontal.
• Two profiles, left and right.
• Two three-quarter views.
• A profile with the head slightly lowered, to show skin laxity.
• A profile with the teeth clenched, to reveal any bands.

Take the photos in natural light, without make-up, with your hair tied back, against a neutral background, and include your medical history, age and weight. A surgeon tells you whether liposuction, FaceTite, J-Plasma or neck surgery seems most appropriate. This opinion does not replace the clinical examination, but it is a useful step towards what comes next.

It is legitimate to wonder what the data say about FaceTite and J-Plasma. Here is an honest overview, without the promises sometimes heard.

A real effect on tightening

Published studies and practitioners' experience show that radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis and helium plasma produce measurable contraction of the tissues under the skin, with improvement of the neck contour in a majority of well-selected patients. The effect is clearer than that of liposuction alone on slightly lax skin.

An effect that varies from person to person

The extent of tightening varies with age, skin quality, smoking, genetics and starting volume. Some people obtain a spectacular result, others a more modest improvement. That is why a reputable practitioner speaks of probabilities, not certainties.

Data still limited over the long term

There is several years' experience with radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis; experience with helium plasma is more recent. Direct comparisons between technologies, or between these technologies and a neck lift, remain rare. What is established is that they do not replace surgery when laxity is marked.

Key takeaways

These technologies are a real advance for a specific group of patients: those who have too much laxity for liposuction alone, but not enough to justify a lift. Properly indicated and well performed, they give results patients appreciate. Poorly indicated, they disappoint. Diagnosis therefore remains the most important step.

After significant weight loss, whether through diet, medical obesity treatment or bariatric surgery, the neck may retain some fat and slack skin. The strategy depends on the degree of laxity.

Waiting for stabilisation

It is recommended to wait until weight has been stable for six months to a year before treating the neck. Treating too early exposes you to further laxity if weight loss continues.

Moderate laxity

If the skin remains fairly elastic, liposuction combined with FaceTite or J-Plasma may be enough to redefine the neck.

Significant laxity

After massive weight loss, the skin of the neck often forms folds that only surgery can correct. A neck lift, sometimes combined with treatment of the jawline, is then more appropriate. For more information on obesity surgery and its after-effects, see our pages on gastric sleeve and on obesity and its surgical solutions.

If you live far from the practice, ask whether some check-ups can be done using photos or with your family doctor. Between check-ups, contact the practice if you have the slightest doubt.

In several cantons, no practice offers FaceTite or J-Plasma. Patients therefore have to travel for a procedure that, although day surgery, requires some organisation.

Limiting journeys

Start with a photo-based pre-assessment to target suitable practices. Some practitioners agree to group the consultation and procedure a few days apart, or to carry out some check-ups remotely.

The day of the procedure

Arrange for someone to accompany you on the journey home. If it takes more than one or two hours, a night with a relative or friend or in a hotel near the practice is more comfortable, with the chin strap and a swollen neck.

Follow-up

Your family doctor can provide part of the local follow-up, in liaison with the practitioner. Give them the procedure report.

If there is a problem

Contact the practice first. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department or call 144, then inform the practitioner.

These timescales are indicative and depend on the extent of the treatment, the technology used and your recovery. Your practitioner will give you tailored guidelines.

Clarify your request

Write down what bothers you: the volume, the skin, the profile, the jawline. This description will be invaluable in consultation.

Get a diagnosis

A pre-assessment followed by a consultation identifies the cause of your double chin. This is the step on which everything else depends.

Compare

Two opinions are better than one, especially if the proposals differ. Compare the explanations, technique, experience and quote.

Organise

Choose a quiet period, and plan for someone to accompany you, a few days' rest and wearing the chin strap.

Be patient

The result emerges over several months. Compare your photos at three and six months with those taken before treatment.

FaceTite and J-Plasma are not used only for the neck. They belong to a family of skin-tightening technologies that are also used on the body, often in combination with liposuction.

BodyTite

This is the version of radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis designed for large body areas: abdomen, flanks, arms, thighs. The principle is identical to FaceTite, with adapted electrodes. Our page on BodyTite in Switzerland presents it in detail.

J-Plasma on the body

Helium plasma tightening is also used after liposuction of the arms, abdomen or thighs, when the skin has lost its firmness. See our page on J-Plasma liposuction.

Combinations for the arms

Laxity of the arms, common after weight loss or with age, can be treated with liposuction combined with these technologies when it remains moderate. See our page on arm liposuction with J-Plasma and BodyTite.

Fractional radiofrequency

Other devices combine microneedles and radiofrequency to treat the skin itself, on the surface. They improve texture and firmness, and can complement double chin treatment at a later stage.

Some body types naturally accentuate the impression of a double chin, regardless of fat.

The round face

A round face with full cheeks often gives the impression of a heavier lower face. Refining the neck and jawline redefines the face shape. In some patients, a procedure on the cheeks, such as buccal fat removal, can complement the result.

The short neck

A short neck, often associated with a high or low hyoid bone and a weak chin, makes the cervicomental angle harder to define. Treatment improves the profile, but the anatomical limits must be explained before the procedure.

A poorly defined jaw

A naturally poorly defined jaw does not become angular with liposuction. A chin implant, or even a procedure on the angle of the jaw, may be discussed in some patients.

The asymmetrical face

A double chin that is more marked on one side often reflects bony or muscular asymmetry. Treatment can reduce it without making it disappear completely.

Clothing

In the first few days, the chin strap and swelling are easily hidden under a polo neck, a light scarf or a high-collared jacket. Clothes that open at the front avoid rubbing the treated area when dressing.

Make-up

It can resume after a few days, avoiding the micro-incisions until they are closed. A suitable concealer softens small bruises.

The beard

For men, shaving the treated area resumes once the micro-incisions are closed and the skin is no longer sensitive; an electric razor is often gentler during the first few weeks.

First outings

Many patients resume normal social life after about a week. The neck then continues to refine for several months, often without those around you noticing anything other than a cleaner profile.

"Is it a real operation?"

It is a procedure, usually under local anaesthesia and as day surgery, with micro-incisions. It is lighter than a facelift, but it carries risks and a recovery of a few days.

"Will it show?"

In the first few days, yes: the chin strap, swelling and sometimes small bruises. After that, the result shows as a cleaner neck, with no visible sign of a procedure.

"How can I help you?"

By accompanying you on the day of the procedure and on the journey home, helping you on the first evening, and reminding you to wear the chin strap in the following days.

"What if it doesn't work?"

The practitioner explains in advance what can reasonably be expected. If the result is insufficient, an additional treatment or another approach can be discussed after a few months.

Even for day surgery, your family doctor is a useful ally. Before treatment, they can check that neck swelling has no other cause, such as a thyroid or salivary gland problem, prescribe tests if necessary and review your treatments. After treatment, they can provide local follow-up, particularly if you live far from the practitioner's practice, and refer you quickly if there is a problem. Give them a copy of the procedure report.

Neck liposuction is an effective and simple procedure, but it has precise limitations that you need to know before committing.

• It only removes fat located under the skin, not fat beneath the platysma muscle.
• It does not actively tighten the skin: on lax skin, it can accentuate the slack appearance.
• It does not correct vertical neck bands.
• It does not change the shape of the chin or the position of the hyoid bone.
• It does not treat glands or deep muscles visible under the jaw.
• It does not improve skin texture, fine lines or pigment spots.

It is precisely to overcome the second limitation that FaceTite and J-Plasma were developed. For the other limitations, other procedures are needed: neck surgery, genioplasty, skin treatments.

The neck contains two layers of fat: one under the skin, accessible to liposuction and techniques such as FaceTite, the other beneath the platysma muscle, deeper down. This deep fat explains why some people, even after weight loss or liposuction, keep a rounded neck. It cannot be treated by simple suction under the skin.

When it is significant, the surgeon can carefully remove it through a small incision under the chin, often as part of more comprehensive neck surgery. The clinical examination, asking the patient to contract the neck muscles, helps distinguish the two layers of fat and propose the appropriate treatment.

In many women, the appearance of the neck changes with the stages of life. Weight fluctuations, particularly around pregnancies, can leave a little fat under the chin. With menopause, the fall in oestrogen affects collagen and the skin loses its firmness more quickly, which can turn a fatty double chin into one associated with laxity.

This evolution explains why the best solution changes over time. Liposuction alone is often suitable before forty; combination with a skin-tightening technology comes into its own in the forties and fifties; a neck lift often becomes more appropriate after that. Plans for pregnancy are a good reason to wait before treatment, so as to treat a neck whose volume has stabilised.

Every patient progresses at their own pace. Older or more sun-damaged skin sometimes tightens more slowly; in this case, the result often continues to improve beyond six months.

Once the result has stabilised, a few habits are enough to preserve it. Keep a stable weight, protect your neck from the sun, maintain correct posture in front of screens and care for the skin of your neck as you do your face. Light maintenance treatments, such as external radiofrequency or skincare, can be discussed with your doctor if you want to maintain firmness. And if, years later, laxity appears, a neck lift remains possible: the initial treatment does not prevent it.

Skin-tightening technologies are not reserved for younger people, but after sixty-five the skin is often thinner, less elastic and more sun-damaged. The tightening obtained is generally more modest. In most patients of this age, marked laxity of the neck makes a lift more effective.

When laxity remains moderate and the patient wishes to avoid more extensive surgery, liposuction combined with FaceTite or J-Plasma may nevertheless be discussed, after an appropriate health check. Current treatments, particularly anticoagulants or antiplatelets, must be reported and managed with the prescribing doctor. The practitioner will explain what can reasonably be expected, to avoid disappointment.

Double chin treatment is not reimbursed, but a few written questions to your health insurer avoid misunderstandings.

• How would care related to a complication, for example a haematoma or infection, be covered?
• Are the pre-operative tests prescribed in this context covered?
• Does my loss-of-earnings insurance cover incapacity for work related to a complication?
• Is there insurance covering complications of cosmetic surgery, and what exactly does it cover?

After the procedure, ask for the report, which specifies the technique used, the device, the areas treated, the amount of fat removed and the instructions. Keep it with your prescriptions and detailed invoice. These documents are useful to your family doctor and to any practitioner who follows you later, particularly if you ever consider a neck lift. You will also be asked for them in any dealings with an insurer.

The double chin is one of the most frequently cited aesthetic concerns, far beyond its real importance in the eyes of others. There are several reasons for this. It changes the profile, which you mainly see in photos and videos, where it often appears accentuated by the camera angle. It makes the face look heavier and more tired than you feel. And it often resists effort: diet and exercise do not get rid of it when it is constitutional.

This concern is legitimate, but it is useful to put it into perspective before deciding. Treatment improves the contour of the neck; it does not change your self-image as a whole. The most satisfied patients are those who are looking for a cleaner profile, for themselves, and who have taken the time to understand what the treatment could and could not achieve.

Young adults

Many young adults seek advice for a hereditary double chin, present since adolescence. In them, the skin is very elastic and liposuction alone often gives excellent results. It is nevertheless preferable to wait until the face has finished growing and weight is stable, and to check that the chin is not the cause.

Budget

Price differences between cities and cantons, the quote breakdown and ways to save are detailed on our page Double chin: FaceTite and J-Plasma: prices in Switzerland.

Related procedures

• Neck and face lift in Switzerland
• Deep plane facelift in Switzerland
• Brow and temporal-midface lift in Switzerland
• Endotine endoscopic lift in Switzerland
• Rhinoplasty in Switzerland

Combined procedures

• Profileplasty: nose, chin and double chin in Switzerland

Our guides

• Facelift in Switzerland
• Cosmetic surgery in Switzerland

Answers to the questions most often asked by patients living in Switzerland about the double chin and its treatments. Budget questions are detailed on our page on double chin treatment prices with FaceTite and J-Plasma in Switzerland.

Understanding the double chin

What is a double chin? It is excess volume or skin under the jaw that blurs the transition between the chin and the neck. Seen in profile, the contour becomes rounded instead of forming a sharp angle. It may be due to fat, skin laxity, laxity of the platysma muscle, a weak chin, or several of these causes at once. Identifying the contribution of each cause is the first step in any treatment, because liposuction, a skin-tightening technology and a lift do not act on the same elements.

Why do I have a double chin when I am slim? There are several possible reasons. Genetics can favour fat storage under the chin, even in a slim person. The fat may also lie beneath the platysma muscle, where it does not shrink with exercise or diet. Finally, a weak chin or a low hyoid bone create the impression of a double chin without excess fat. In these situations, losing more weight will change nothing. An examination will show whether liposuction, deep fat surgery or genioplasty would be most useful.

Is a double chin hereditary? Partly, yes. Fat distribution, chin shape, the position of the hyoid bone and skin quality all have a family component. That is why some people have a double chin from the age of twenty or thirty, whatever their weight. If your parents or siblings have a double chin, yours probably has a constitutional element that will not disappear with a healthy lifestyle, however good.

Can exercise get rid of a double chin? Exercise helps you lose weight, which can reduce a double chin related to overall excess weight. But it does not target neck fat, and it has no effect on fat beneath the muscle, skin laxity or chin shape. Neck exercises have a very limited effect. Exercise nevertheless remains beneficial for health and weight stability, which helps the result last after treatment.

Can a diet be enough? If the double chin is related to excess weight, weight loss often reduces it. But neck fat is sometimes the last to go, and significant weight loss can leave lax skin. In a person of normal weight, a diet generally has no effect on a constitutional double chin. If you are planning to lose weight, it is better to do so before any neck treatment, then wait for a few months of stability.

Does a double chin get worse with age? Often, yes. Over the years, the skin loses its elasticity, the platysma muscle relaxes and fat can be redistributed. A fatty double chin at thirty may thus be accompanied by skin laxity at fifty, which changes the most appropriate treatment. That is why the most appropriate treatment at forty is not necessarily the one that will suit you at sixty.

How can I tell whether my double chin is made of fat? Gently pinch the area under your chin between your thumb and index finger. If you can grasp a soft layer, it is mainly subcutaneous fat. If the area is firm and cannot be pinched, the fat may lie beneath the muscle. Only a medical examination can, however, determine the exact proportions. Also look at your profile with your head slightly lowered: a fold that appears often indicates skin laxity in addition to fat.

What is subplatysmal fat? It is fat located beneath the platysma muscle, deeper than subcutaneous fat. It cannot be pinched, does not shrink with exercise and is not accessible to conventional liposuction. It can only be reduced by surgery that opens the muscle, through an incision under the chin. It is often the cause in slim people whose double chin remains firm despite normal weight. Treating it is a matter for a surgeon experienced in neck surgery.

What are platysmal bands? They are vertical cords visible on the front of the neck, especially when you clench your teeth. They correspond to the lax edges of the platysma muscle. They are not corrected by liposuction or by FaceTite or J-Plasma; they require a platysmaplasty or, for moderate bands, botulinum toxin injections. They are often more visible in slim people and become more pronounced with age. Their presence points towards neck surgery rather than simple liposuction.

Can a receding chin cause a double chin? Yes. A weak chin shortens the distance between the chin and the neck and gives the impression of a double chin, even without excess fat. In this case, advancing the chin with genioplasty or an implant transforms the profile more than liposuction. A profile examination identifies this easily. The practitioner can also simulate the effect of an advanced chin to help you decide.

Can glands look like a double chin? In some people, the submandibular glands become visible under the jaw with age, like two small masses. They are not treated by liposuction or skin-tightening techniques; surgery on them is reserved for particular cases. The practitioner identifies them by palpation during the examination and explains whether they limit the expected result.

Is a double chin more common in men? It is common in both sexes. In men, it is often more visible above the shirt collar and blurs the jawline, which is highly valued in male appearance. It is a frequent reason for men to seek advice. In men, the thicker skin often responds well to liposuction and skin-tightening technologies.

Does posture influence a double chin? A forward head posture, common in front of screens, accentuates the appearance of a double chin and deepens neck lines. Better posture improves appearance but does not make a constitutional double chin disappear. Placing your screen at eye level and avoiding lowering your head for long periods also helps preserve the result after treatment.

Can the thyroid cause swelling in the neck? A goitre or thyroid nodule causes swelling at the base of the neck, different from a double chin. If you notice new or asymmetrical swelling at the base of the neck, see your family doctor before any cosmetic project. An examination by your doctor, possibly supplemented by an ultrasound scan, can rule out these causes before any cosmetic project.

Why is my double chin more visible in photos? Camera angles, particularly from below, and a slightly lowered head accentuate a double chin. Video calls, very common today, reinforce this perception. It is a frequent reason for seeking advice. A camera at eye level and good front lighting reduce this effect, but do not replace treatment if the concern persists.

Can a double chin be prevented? You can limit its development by keeping a stable weight, good posture and skin protected from the sun. But genetics and chin shape play an important role that prevention does not change. Sun protection for the neck and good posture in front of screens are among the simple habits that help.

Does a double chin need treating? It is never a medical necessity. It is a personal decision that depends on how much it bothers you. If your double chin bothers you day to day, effective solutions exist, adapted to each cause. Take the time to discuss it with a practitioner, who will explain the options and give you time to reflect.

FaceTite and J-Plasma

What is FaceTite? FaceTite is a radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis device designed for the face and neck. An internal electrode, introduced under the skin through a micro-incision, and an external electrode on the surface pass a radiofrequency current that heats the fat and fibrous tissues. The fat is liquefied and then suctioned, and the skin gradually tightens. Skin tightening continues for several months as the collagen remodels. FaceTite is mainly used under the chin, on the upper neck and along the jaw.

What is J-Plasma? J-Plasma is a technology that combines a gas, helium, with radiofrequency energy to produce a plasma. Used beneath the skin, notably under the name Renuvion, it delivers a very brief, localised burst of energy that causes immediate contraction of the tissues under the skin, followed by gradual tightening. J-Plasma is most often used after liposuction, to tighten the skin over the redefined contour. Tightening then continues for several months.

What is the difference between FaceTite and J-Plasma? Both aim to tighten the skin. FaceTite gradually heats a volume of tissue between two electrodes and helps liquefy fat. J-Plasma delivers very brief, very localised energy, with immediate contraction. The choice often depends on the practitioner's experience and the characteristics of your skin; neither has shown clear superiority for the double chin. Ask the practitioner why they favour one or the other for your neck: their answer will also tell you how well they have mastered these technologies.

Does FaceTite replace a neck lift? No. FaceTite improves mild to moderate skin laxity. When the skin hangs in folds, marked platysmal bands are visible or the fat lies beneath the muscle, a neck lift remains more effective. It can, however, delay the point at which a lift becomes necessary, in patients whose laxity is still moderate.

Does J-Plasma replace a lift? Not for marked laxity. J-Plasma tightens the skin from the inside, but does not remove significant excess skin or correct platysmal bands. It is an intermediate option between liposuction alone and a lift. It can, however, complement a lift in some situations, to improve how the skin holds on neighbouring areas.

Does FaceTite slim the neck? FaceTite helps reduce fat under the skin, which is liquefied by heat and then suctioned. Combined with liposuction, it reduces the volume of the double chin and tightens the skin. It does not cause overall weight loss and has no effect on fat beneath the muscle. The volume removed remains limited, suited to the neck; the aim is to redefine a contour, not to treat excess weight.

Is liposuction needed in addition to J-Plasma? Most often, yes, when there is excess fat: the surgeon starts with liposuction, then uses J-Plasma to tighten the skin. In a person without excess fat but with slight laxity, J-Plasma can sometimes be used alone. After examination, the practitioner will tell you whether liposuction is necessary in your case and how much fat they plan to remove.

Are these technologies authorised in Switzerland? Medical devices used in Switzerland are subject to Swiss regulations, under the supervision of Swissmedic. Practitioners who use FaceTite or J-Plasma must use compliant devices. Do not hesitate to ask the practice which device is used. The practitioner should be able to tell you the exact name of the device, its manufacturer and how long they have been using it.

Do all practices offer FaceTite or J-Plasma? No. These technologies require specific equipment and training. They are found mainly in the major cities and in some practices in medium-sized towns. Always ask the practice exactly which technology it uses. If your town has none, a photo-based pre-assessment can help you target an equipped practice in the nearest major centre.

Can FaceTite treat jowls? Yes, FaceTite can also be used along the jaw and on the jowls to refine the jawline when laxity is moderate. For marked jowls, a facelift remains more effective. The practitioner then takes care not to thin the area too much, to keep a natural contour along the jaw.

Can J-Plasma treat other areas? Yes, the technology is also used on other areas of the body, such as the arms, abdomen or thighs, often after liposuction. Our page on J-Plasma liposuction presents these indications.

Are these technologies suitable for men? Yes. Male skin, which is thicker, often responds well to liposuction and skin-tightening technologies. The aim is to redefine a clean jaw; the micro-incisions are placed in discreet areas. The practitioner adapts the procedure to keep a masculine neck, without hollowing it.

Are these technologies new? Radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis has been in use for more than ten years. Helium plasma for subcutaneous tightening has become widespread more recently. Both have a clinical track record, but less extensive than that of conventional liposuction or facelifts. Ask the practitioner how long they have been using the proposed technology and what results they see in their patients.

Are several sessions needed? Generally, a single session is enough, as tightening continues for several months. A second session may be discussed if the result is considered insufficient after six to twelve months. If a second session is considered, it is decided after a sufficient interval, once the collagen remodelling from the first has been completed.

Who should perform the procedure? A doctor trained in surgery, ideally a plastic surgeon, used to neck liposuction and to the technology used. Check the practitioner's title in the MedReg register and ask about their experience with FaceTite or J-Plasma. The practitioner's experience with neck liposuction is as important as their knowledge of the technology, because it is what guarantees a smooth, natural contour.

Is the result guaranteed? No. Skin tightening varies from one person to another, depending on age, skin quality, smoking and genetics. A reputable practitioner will explain what you can reasonably expect and will not promise a guaranteed result. A practitioner who promises a guaranteed result should, on the contrary, prompt you to be cautious.

FaceTite or J-Plasma: which should I choose? It is a question to put to the practitioner, depending on your skin and their experience. Both technologies pursue the same goal. What matters most is the right indication and mastery of the procedure. A practitioner who has mastered both will be able to explain their choice; a practitioner who uses only one will naturally propose the one they know.

Procedure and recovery

Is the procedure performed under general anaesthesia? Most often, no. Neck liposuction combined with FaceTite or J-Plasma is generally performed under local anaesthesia, with infiltration of an anaesthetic solution, sometimes combined with light sedation. General anaesthesia may be proposed if several areas are treated or if the procedure is combined with other procedures. Local anaesthesia allows you to go home the same day and limits the effects of general anaesthesia, such as nausea or fatigue.

How long does the procedure take? Generally between one and two hours for the neck and chin. The duration depends on the amount of fat, the area treated and any combined procedures. A longer procedure is no cause for concern: it often reflects the precision of the work and the extent of the area treated.

Is it painful? The procedure itself is painless thanks to the anaesthesia. Afterwards, pain is generally moderate, described as tightness or an aching sensation under the chin, well relieved by simple painkillers. A pulling sensation when swallowing or turning the head is common in the first few days. Pain that increases instead of decreasing must be reported to the practitioner.

Do I need to stay a night at the clinic? Most often, no: the procedure is performed as day surgery and you go home a few hours afterwards. You must be accompanied and must not drive on the same day. A night may be proposed if the procedure is combined with other procedures under general anaesthesia, or depending on your health.

How long do I need to wear the chin strap? Generally day and night for the first week, then at night for one to three more weeks. Instructions vary between practitioners; follow the ones you are given. It must fit well without being too tight. If it causes discomfort or significant marks, tell the practitioner.

When can I go back to work? For office work, often after five to ten days. Swelling and small bruises may remain visible for a few more days; a polo neck or scarf helps hide them. If your job puts you in front of the public or a camera, allow a few extra days while the small bruises fade.

When can I resume sport? Walking resumes from the first few days. Gentle exercise generally resumes after two weeks, intense sport after three to four weeks, according to the practitioner's advice. Sports involving a helmet chin strap require a little more caution during the first few weeks.

Why is the treated area hard? After FaceTite or J-Plasma, firmness under the skin is common: it is a sign that the tissues are remodelling. It gradually softens over a few weeks to a few months. Gentle massage or lymphatic drainage, if allowed, can help. This firmness is particularly common after skin-tightening technologies, because the heat triggers an internal healing reaction. It is part of the process that tightens the skin.

When is the result visible? An improvement is often visible as soon as the swelling decreases, around the third or fourth week. Skin tightening then continues for several months. The result is assessed between three and six months, sometimes longer. Take photos under the same conditions at one, three and six months: they will help you measure progress that is often hard to perceive day to day.

Will I have scars? The micro-incisions measure a few millimetres and are placed in discreet areas, under the chin or behind the earlobes. They generally become almost invisible over time. Rigorous sun protection for several months helps the micro-incisions fade, particularly on olive skin.

How long does the swelling last? Swelling peaks in the first few days, decreases markedly within one to two weeks, then gradually disappears over a few weeks. Slight swelling may persist longer. Sleeping with your head raised and wearing the chin strap as instructed help reduce it more quickly.

Does sensation in the neck return? Yes. Reduced sensation under the chin is common for a few weeks to a few months, then sensation gradually returns. During this period, avoid direct sources of heat on the area, such as a hot-water bottle or a hairdryer that is too hot.

Can I wear make-up? Make-up can resume after a few days, avoiding the micro-incisions until they are closed. Remove make-up gently, without rubbing the treated area. Choose mild, non-comedogenic products for the first few weeks.

Do I need to avoid the sun? Yes, for several weeks. The sun can pigment the micro-incisions and the treated area, especially on olive skin. Use high-factor sunscreen, including in the mountains and in winter. The sun also encourages swelling during the first few weeks. A light scarf and high-factor sunscreen are your best allies.

When can I drive? Not on the day of the procedure. Generally, driving resumes after a few days, when you are no longer taking medication that reduces alertness and can turn your head without discomfort. Arrange for someone to drive you home on the day of the procedure, even if you feel well.

How many check-ups are needed? Generally one check-up in the first week, then one or two check-ups during the first few months, and a review at six months. The schedule depends on the practitioner and how you progress. If you live far away, some check-ups can sometimes be done using photos or with your family doctor.

Is lymphatic drainage useful? Some practitioners recommend a few lymphatic drainage sessions to speed up the resolution of swelling and soften the firmness. Ask your practitioner before starting. It must be performed by a trained professional, with very gentle movements on the treated area.

Can other procedures be combined in the same session? Yes, for example liposuction of the jowls, fat transfer to other areas of the face, genioplasty or blepharoplasty. Each combination lengthens the procedure and may require deeper anaesthesia. The practitioner will tell you whether the combination is reasonable for you, taking into account your health, the total duration and the recovery.

Risks and safety

Can FaceTite burn the skin? It is a rare risk, linked to heating of the tissues. The devices incorporate sensors that measure temperature, and the practitioner's experience greatly limits this risk. Report any blister or area of skin that changes colour without delay. The risk is higher on very thin skin or with repeated passes over the same spot, hence the importance of the practitioner's experience.

Is J-Plasma dangerous? Like any thermal technology, J-Plasma carries risks: burns, irregularities, seroma. In experienced hands, they remain rare. Check the practitioner's experience and follow the post-operative instructions. Following the post-operative instructions, particularly wearing the chin strap, helps limit complications.

Can there be irregularities after the procedure? Small irregularities, cords or nodules under the skin may appear during healing. Most fade within a few months. Some may require additional treatment. Gentle massage, when the practitioner allows it, and wearing the chin strap contribute to even healing.

Can the smile be affected? A small branch of the facial nerve, the marginal mandibular branch, runs along the jaw. Injury, which is rare, causes an asymmetric smile, generally temporary and resolving within a few weeks to a few months. The practitioner identifies the path of this nerve branch during the pre-operative markings and adapts the procedure along the jaw to protect it.

What is a seroma? It is a collection of fluid that forms under the skin after a procedure. It is generally treated simply, with one or more aspirations. The chin strap helps prevent it. It shows as soft, sometimes fluctuating swelling that appears a few days after the procedure.

Can the result be insufficient? Yes, if the skin tightens less than expected or if the laxity was greater than estimated. A second session or neck surgery can then be discussed. That is why the indication must be made carefully from the outset. Having clearly defined your expectations before the procedure, with photos, avoids misunderstandings about what the treatment could achieve.

Can too much fat be removed? Yes, overly aggressive liposuction can create a hollow under the chin or reveal the muscle contours. An experienced practitioner leaves a thin layer of fat under the skin for a natural result. An over-hollowed neck is difficult to correct; measured liposuction, possibly supplemented later, is better than excessive liposuction.

Does olive skin carry particular risks? It has a greater tendency towards pigmentation after thermal injury or early sun exposure. The practitioner adapts the settings and gives you strict sun protection instructions. Mention any tendency towards pigment spots or thick scars during the consultation.

Does smoking increase the risks? Yes. Smoking reduces skin quality, its ability to tighten and its healing. Stopping before and after the procedure improves the result and reduces the risks. Nicotine replacement products and e-cigarettes also affect blood supply; ask the practitioner how long you should stop for.

Which signs should alert me? Swelling that increases instead of decreasing, increasing pain, warm redness, fever, a blister or an area of skin that changes colour. Contact the practitioner promptly; if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, call 144. Keep the practice's number and your written instructions to hand during the first few days.

Can the micro-incisions leave marks? They generally become almost invisible, but they may remain visible longer if they were irritated during the procedure or exposed to the sun too early. Rigorous sun protection helps. Simple scar care, recommended by the practitioner, helps them fade.

Is the procedure possible if I take anticoagulants? It requires coordination between your prescribing doctor and the practitioner. Treatment can sometimes be suspended temporarily, or the procedure may be advised against. Never stop an anticoagulant yourself.

Do I need to stop certain food supplements? Yes. High-dose vitamin E, ginkgo, high-dose omega-3 and certain herbs can increase bleeding. They are generally stopped one to two weeks before the procedure, on the practitioner's advice.

What if I am not satisfied? Talk to your practitioner, bearing in mind that the result evolves over several months. If a defect persists beyond six to twelve months, a touch-up, a second session or another approach may be discussed. Remember that skin tightening continues for several months and that the result often improves after the third month.

Is cryolipolysis safer? Cryolipolysis is non-invasive and does not carry the risks of a procedure, but its effect is more modest and it does not tighten the skin. Rare paradoxical reactions, with an increase in the treated fat, have been described. The choice depends on your double chin. For a small double chin on firm skin, in a person who does not want any procedure, it can be a reasonable option.

Are fat-dissolving injections an alternative? They can reduce a small volume of fat over several sessions, with temporary swelling after each one. They do not tighten the skin. They must be administered by a qualified doctor. They are mainly suitable for people who do not want any incision and whose double chin is moderate.

Organising your treatment in Switzerland

Where can I find FaceTite or J-Plasma in Switzerland? These technologies are found mainly in the major cities — Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne, Basel, Bern, Lucerne — and in some practices in medium-sized towns such as St. Gallen, Winterthur, Lugano or Zug. Always ask the practice which technology it uses. Availability changes: a practice that does not offer these technologies today may acquire them tomorrow, and vice versa.

How much does double chin treatment with FaceTite cost in Switzerland? There is no official fee. Neck liposuction combined with FaceTite or J-Plasma generally costs considerably more than liposuction alone, but much less than a neck lift. Differences between cities reach 10 to 20%. Our price page details these differences in percentage terms. Always compare complete quotes, including anaesthesia, the chin strap, check-ups and VAT, to avoid surprises.

Does LAMal reimburse double chin treatment? No. Treatment of a double chin is a cosmetic procedure, which is not covered by compulsory health insurance. The vast majority of supplementary policies also exclude it. If swelling of the neck has a medical cause, such as a thyroid or gland disorder, its treatment obviously falls under a different framework.

I live in a canton without an equipped practice: what should I do? Consult in the nearest major centre: Lucerne for Central Switzerland, St. Gallen or Zurich for Eastern Switzerland, Basel or Biel/Bienne for Jura, Lausanne for French-speaking Valais. As the procedure is day surgery, arrange for someone to accompany you home. A photo-based pre-assessment allows you to target a suitable practice before travelling.

Can I go home alone after the procedure? No. After local anaesthesia with sedation, you must not drive or go home alone. Arrange for someone to accompany you, especially if the journey is long. If you live far away, a night with a relative or friend near the practice can make the journey home more comfortable.

How many days off should I plan for? Often five to ten days for office work. As a cosmetic procedure is not treated as an illness, time off is generally taken as holiday. Working from home often allows an earlier return, with the camera off for the first few days if necessary.

What is the best time of year? Autumn and winter are popular: polo necks and scarves easily hide the chin strap and swelling. Avoid strong sun exposure in the weeks following the procedure. Also think about your diary: avoid scheduling treatment just before an important event.

Should I consult several practitioners? It is advisable. Compare their analysis of your double chin, the technique proposed, their experience with the technology and their quotes. A practitioner who proposes the same solution to every patient should prompt you to seek a second opinion. If the two opinions differ markedly, do not hesitate to ask each one to explain their reasoning.

What should the quote contain? The practitioner's name and title, the exact technique (liposuction, FaceTite, J-Plasma), the areas treated, the type of anaesthesia, room fees, the chin strap, check-ups included, VAT and the conditions for any touch-up. A vague quote that does not specify the technology used or what is included should prompt you to ask for written details.

Can I get an opinion without travelling? Yes. A pre-assessment based on photos — front, profile and three-quarter views, with the head straight and then slightly lowered — gives you a first opinion on the most suitable technique before a consultation. This preliminary opinion helps you prepare the consultation and target suitable practices.

How should I prepare my photos? Take them in natural light, without make-up, with your hair tied back, against a neutral background. Take a front view, two profiles and two three-quarter views, then a profile with your head slightly lowered and one with your teeth clenched to show any bands. Avoid filters and retouching: the opinion will be all the more useful if the photos are accurate.

Can my family doctor help me? Yes. They can examine you, check that there is no other cause of neck swelling, prescribe tests if necessary and provide local follow-up after the procedure. They can also advise you on stopping smoking, managing your treatments and whether the project is appropriate given your health.

Can I be followed up in my own language? In the major centres, consultations take place in the language of the region, and many practitioners also see patients in English or another national language. State your preferred language when booking. In bilingual cantons such as Fribourg, Bern or Valais, bilingual provision is common.

Can double chin treatment be combined with rhinoplasty? Yes, particularly as part of profileplasty, which harmonises the nose, chin and neck. This combination is presented on our page on profileplasty.

How can I get a personalised opinion? Fill in the form on this page, attaching your photos and medical history. A surgeon reviews your file and tells you which solution seems suited to your double chin and what budget to plan for. Free and without obligation. You generally receive a reply within twenty-four hours of receipt of a complete file.

Are waiting times long for this type of procedure? They are often shorter than for a facelift, as the procedure is day surgery and shorter. With very busy practitioners in the major cities, you should still allow a few weeks for a consultation.

Is a blood test needed? Depending on your age, medical history and the type of anaesthesia, a simple blood test may be requested. Your family doctor can prescribe it. For local anaesthesia in a person in good health, it is sometimes limited.

What should I prepare at home? Pillows to sleep with your head raised, easy-to-eat food, clothes that open at the front, a light scarf, sun protection and your medication. The chin strap will be given to you on the day of the procedure.

Which documents should I keep? The procedure report, written instructions, prescriptions and the detailed invoice. They will be useful to your family doctor and to any practitioner who follows you later.

Can the double chin and jawline be treated at the same time? Yes. FaceTite or J-Plasma can be used under the chin and along the jaw in the same session. If the jowls are pronounced, a facelift will be more appropriate.

Are price differences between Swiss cities significant? They follow the general trend: Geneva and Zurich at the top of the scale, the other major cities 5 to 15% below, medium-sized towns 10 to 20% below. Differences between practices in the same city can be greater.

Does the technique used have a big influence on the price? Yes. Liposuction alone generally costs much less than liposuction combined with FaceTite or J-Plasma, because of the cost of the device and the length of the procedure. A neck lift remains the most expensive solution.

Should I arrange help at home? For day surgery on the neck, help from a relative or friend on the first day and night is often enough. In the following days, most patients are independent.

What should I do if there is a problem after I get home? Contact the practitioner's practice first. Outside opening hours, and if you notice any worrying sign, see a doctor or go to an emergency department near you, then inform your practitioner.

Can I travel after the procedure? A train journey, or a car journey as a passenger, is possible from the next day if you feel well. Avoid long trips and exertion in the first week, and take your chin strap with you.

Results and longevity

Is the result permanent? The fat cells removed do not grow back. The result is therefore lasting if your weight remains stable. The skin nevertheless continues to age; the tightening obtained slows laxity but does not stop it. A stable weight, regular sun protection and not smoking are the best ways to preserve the contour achieved.

Can the double chin come back? Significant weight gain can enlarge the remaining fat cells and thicken the neck again, though less markedly than before. A stable weight is the best guarantee that the result will last. Moderate weight gain is generally distributed over the whole body, which limits the return of the double chin after successful treatment.

How long does the tightening effect last? The tightening obtained with FaceTite or J-Plasma develops over several months and contributes lastingly to how well the skin holds. Natural ageing then continues, from a more favourable position. Regular sun protection and not smoking help preserve this tightening over time.

Is the result natural? When the indication is right and the practitioner leaves a thin layer of fat under the skin, the result is very natural: a cleaner neck, a better-defined jaw, without a hollowed look. A natural result is judged above all in profile, with a sharp angle between chin and neck, without hollows or steps.

How can I maintain the result? Keep a stable weight, protect your neck from the sun, maintain good posture in front of screens and take care of the skin of your neck as you do your face. Light maintenance treatments can be discussed later on. A check-up consultation every few years allows you to discuss maintenance treatments suited to how your skin is changing.

Will I be able to have a facelift later if necessary? Yes. Neck liposuction or treatment with FaceTite or J-Plasma does not prevent a neck and face lift years later. Simply tell the surgeon about previous procedures. The surgeon will simply adapt the procedure, taking into account any adhesions left by the previous treatment.

When should I judge the result? Wait at least three months, ideally six, before judging the result. Compare your photos from before the procedure with photos taken under the same conditions, rather than with your daily reflection. The practitioner will generally offer a review at six months, with photos taken under the same conditions as before treatment.

Send us photographs — front, both profiles and three-quarter views, in natural light, with your head straight and then slightly lowered — together with your medical history. A surgeon reviews your file and tells you whether liposuction, FaceTite, J-Plasma or neck surgery would suit you, and what budget to plan for. Free, no obligation, no administration fees.