You can tighten loose skin under the chin without surgery when the sagging is mild to moderate. Radiofrequency such as XERF heats the tissue below the surface so your body builds new collagen, with the best results at about 6 months. Laser resurfacing tightens crepey skin faster but needs downtime. A lot of loose skin, or fullness that is mostly fat, calls for a different approach. This guide explains how to tell which one you have and what each option involves.
Why skin under the chin loosens
According to Cleveland Clinic, getting older or losing weight can give the chin and neck a saggy, loose, wrinkled look. Some people also inherit the look of loose skin in that area.
What looks like one problem under the chin is often a mix of three: skin that has lost firmness, extra fat below it, and the neck muscles underneath. Each responds to a different treatment, so the first step is working out which one you have.
| Concern | Approach | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Mild laxity | Tightening | XERF |
| Crepey texture | Resurfacing | CoolPeel, CO2 |
| Extra fat | Fat removal | Liposuction |
| Lots of excess | Surgery | Neck lift |
Fat removal and surgical options as described by Cleveland Clinic; tightening and resurfacing options from the Skin Anthology service pages.
A cream cannot lift a sagging chin.
The American Academy of Dermatology says dermatologists do not believe a cream or lotion can lift sagging skin, because it cannot penetrate deeply enough. A product with a retinoid, such as retinol, may give a small change because it can help the body make more collagen.
Who is a good candidate for non surgical tightening
The AAD says you are likely to get the best results from a skin tightening procedure if you:
- Have a small amount of sagging skin
- Are at a healthy weight and maintain it
- Eat a healthy diet and drink little alcohol
- Do not smoke
- Protect your skin from the sun and never tan indoors
Skin tightening is not right for anyone who is pregnant, has a skin infection or takes certain medications. Share your medications and medical history with your provider, and never adjust a prescription medicine without medical supervision.
The AAD is also clear about the ceiling: with a lot of sagging skin, tightening may not help. The non surgical skin tightening guide covers the same question for the whole face.
XERF radiofrequency for the chin and neck
XERF uses multi frequency radiofrequency to gently heat the tissue beneath the skin while protecting the outer surface. That heat starts the body’s healing response, which supports new collagen and elastin. The Skin Anthology price list offers it for the face, the neck, or the lower face and neck together.
What a treatment looks like, from the XERF page:
- Visit length: about 45 minutes for the face, and about an hour for face and neck
- Comfort: warmth and temporary sensitivity while the energy is delivered
- First few hours: no downtime; you may look slightly pink or feel warm for a few hours
- Weeks 1 to 4: subtle improvement in firmness may begin
- Months 1 to 3: results build gradually as new collagen forms
Some patients reach their goal with a single treatment, while others benefit from a series. The AAD says most people feel some tightening right away after radiofrequency and see the best results in about 6 months.
Radiofrequency results can last 2 to 3 years.
The AAD notes that results from radiofrequency skin tightening can last 2 to 3 years with the right skin care. Daily broad spectrum sunscreen on the neck is part of that, not just on the face.
Resurfacing for crepey skin on the neck
When the skin under the chin looks thin and crinkled rather than heavy, resurfacing can help. These treatments renew the skin surface and stimulate collagen. The AAD calls laser resurfacing the most effective procedure for tightening loose skin, with the tradeoff of downtime and a greater risk of side effects such as scarring.
CoolPeel delivers fractional CO2 energy in cool, controlled pulses. Most patients benefit from 3 to 6 treatments about 4 to 6 weeks apart, and should plan for 3 to 5 days of redness and swelling.
Fractional CO2 goes deeper, and many patients see significant results after one session. Plan on about 5 to 7 days of social downtime, and up to 2 weeks after a deeper treatment; the CO2 laser downtime guide walks through it day by day.
Microneedling creates fine microchannels without heat to encourage collagen. Your provider applies a topical numbing cream before treatment, and most patients benefit from 3 to 6 sessions about four weeks apart, with 24 to 72 hours of redness. The microneedling aftercare guide covers the days after.
When fat removal or surgery is the better fit
Tightening and resurfacing work on the skin. They do not remove fat, and they cannot match a surgical lift. Cleveland Clinic describes these options for a double chin:
- Chin liposuction: removes excess fat from under the skin
- Chin tuck: focuses on the chin and upper neck, tightening the skin and removing extra fat
- Neck lift: removes excess skin and tightens the muscles across the chin and entire neck
- Fat dissolving injections: may be an option when there is not excessive fat and skin laxity
After a chin tuck or neck lift, Cleveland Clinic says discomfort, swelling and bruising last about two weeks, and most people return to work within a week or two. These are procedures for a board certified plastic surgeon.
A chin tuck and a neck lift are not the same surgery.
Cleveland Clinic explains that a chin tuck treats only the chin and upper neck, while a neck lift is more extensive: it covers the whole neck, removes excess skin and tightens the muscles. Recovery after a chin tuck is generally faster.
What it costs at Skin Anthology
| Treatment | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Microneedling | Neck | $349 |
| CoolPeel | Neck | $599 |
| Fractional CO2 | Face, neck | $1,399 |
| XERF | Lower face, neck | At consult |
Per session prices from the current price list. CoolPeel and microneedling packages of 3 are 15% off.
XERF single treatment pricing is set at your free consultation, based on the area and your plan. Two fall specials include it: Lift and Resurface at $2,250 (XERF full face and neck, CoolPeel face and neck, growth factor and red light, regularly $3,117) and Two XERF + CO2 at $4,250 (two XERF treatments plus fractional CO2 face and neck, regularly $5,197). The specials apply to new bookings while the fall season lasts.
The AAD notes that skin tightening is not covered by insurance, so ask for the total for your full plan, not just one visit.
Protecting the result
New collagen keeps building for months. Wear broad spectrum sunscreen daily on the neck as well as the face, keep a stable weight, avoid smoking and indoor tanning, and follow your provider’s aftercare.
A consultation is the place to sort out which concern you have. The clinic’s fall specials page puts it plainly: tell them what you want to change and they will say honestly which option gets you there, or whether you need one at all.
Frequently asked questions
Can you tighten loose skin under the chin without surgery?
How long does XERF take to work under the chin?
Is there downtime after XERF?
Will a firming cream tighten my chin?
Is a double chin loose skin or fat?
Ready for a firmer jawline and neck?
The consultation is free. Your provider looks at what is behind the loose skin under your chin, talks through your options and gives you the price before any treatment. Skin Anthology Med Spa, 848 N La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles.
Prefer to talk? (310) 482-2081
Sources: American Academy of Dermatology, Many ways to firm sagging skin; Cleveland Clinic, Double chin surgery; Skin Anthology XERF, CoolPeel, CO2 laser and microneedling pages, price list and fall specials. This article is general information, not medical advice; suitability is assessed at your consultation.
