Collapsed jawline and a double chin: is lifting or a fat-dissolving injection the right choice?
A double chin can come from submental fat, skin sagging, or the submandibular gland, bone structure or muscle, so the right choice between the V-OLET fat-dissolving injection and Shurink or thread lifting differs. Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic in Myeongji-dong, Busan summarizes how to tell the causes apart, combination treatment, published fees, recovery and research figures.
Quick answer
If a pinchable layer of submental fat is the main cause of the double chin, the deoxycholic acid injection V-OLET is considered; if reduced skin elasticity has blurred the jawline and let the under-chin border sag, Shurink or a double chin thread lift is considered. When fat and sagging coexist, Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic plans V-OLET for the submental fat combined with lifting for skin elasticity, and when deep-cheek and jawline sagging brings out the double chin, a mini facelift is compared. If the submandibular gland, bone structure or neck muscle bands are the cause, neither a fat injection nor lifting alone will change it, so diagnosis comes first.
Why it matters now
Double chins may look alike, but a fat-dissolving injection cannot lift sagging skin and lifting cannot reduce the fat layer. The U.S. prescribing information for deoxycholic acid injection also warns that reducing fat alone may give an undesirable result when skin laxity is excessive or neck muscle bands are prominent. That is why you must first identify what collapsed the jawline before choosing a treatment.
Is my double chin caused by fat, sagging, or the submandibular gland and bone structure?
If a thick, pinchable fat layer remains under the chin even when you lift your chin, it is first classed as the fat type; if the jawline reappears when you lift your chin and the skin hangs thinly, it is the sagging type. Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic checks the amount of submental fat, skin elasticity and muscle development together when considering V-OLET, and advises deciding the treatment direction after diagnosis when skin sagging or muscle development is the main cause.
| If this is your situation | Option to consider | Evidence and limits |
|---|---|---|
| A thick, pinchable fat layer under the chin with skin elasticity still intact | Option to considerV-OLET (deoxycholic acid injection) | Evidence and limitsIt destroys fat cell membranes to induce submental fat reduction. In phase 3 trials of the same ingredient, improvement of at least 1 grade was 66.5–70.0%, and it does not directly change skin sagging. |
| Little fat, but reduced skin elasticity has blurred the jawline and the under-chin border sags | Option to considerShurink or a double chin thread lift | Evidence and limitsShurink induces tissue contraction with thermal coagulation points, and a thread lift supports tissue with absorbable threads. A microfocused ultrasound review listed excessive laxity as a relative contraindication. |
| Fat layer and skin sagging coexist | Option to considerV-OLET combined with lifting | Evidence and limitsThe clinic considers V-OLET for submental fat combined with a skin booster or lifting for skin elasticity. The order and interval of combination are not published and are decided at consultation. |
| Deep-cheek and jawline sagging has descended and brought out the double chin | Option to considerCompare a mini facelift | Evidence and limitsA surgery that lifts and fixes the SMAS layer through an incision around the ear, usually needing 1–2 weeks of recovery. Nonsurgical options cannot fix the support layer. |
| A sagging submandibular gland, a small jawbone or neck muscle bands are the cause | Option to considerDiagnosis matched to the cause first | Evidence and limitsThe prescribing information advises screening for other causes before a fat injection and considering the risks when muscle bands are prominent. Neither a fat injection nor lifting will change these. |
How do Shurink and a double chin thread lift work differently on a sagging-type double chin?
Shurink Universe delivers high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) at depths of 1.5–4.5mm to create thermal coagulation points in the dermis and SMAS layer, inducing tissue contraction and collagen regeneration, while a double chin thread lift places absorbable threads to support sagging tissue in the desired direction. Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic recommends Shurink for those concerned about a double chin or jawline sagging, and a thread lift for those concerned about cheek sagging and a collapsing jawline.
Shurink Universe
About 20–30 minutes with no or topical anesthesia, 3 sessions at 3–4 week intervals recommended, with shots distributed according to fat thickness, direction of sagging, skin layer depth and the position of nerves and vessels. Daily activities can resume the same day.
Double chin thread lift
It takes about 30–60 minutes under local or sedation anesthesia with about 3–7 days of recovery. The clinic's stated longevity is about 6 months for mono threads, about 1 year for Mint threads and about 1.5–2 years or more for Epiticon threads.
Limits of both methods
Neither reduces the fat layer nor fixes a sagging support layer the way surgery does. In a microfocused ultrasound review, the submental lifting effect was a 26–45mm² reduction in area on lateral photographs.
Can V-OLET and lifting be combined?
Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic states that it analyzes the facial line as a whole, applies V-OLET to submental fat and, when needed, considers a thread lift for cheek fat and cheekbones and a skin booster or lifting for skin elasticity. However, whether they are done on the same day, which comes first and how long the interval is are not published on the treatment pages and are confirmed at consultation.
The recommended interval is 4 weeks for V-OLET and 3–4 weeks for Shurink, and for V-OLET the next session is decided after swelling subsides and the change in fat is checked. A review of deoxycholic acid injection reported that fat reduction generally occurred without worsening skin laxity and was maintained, but this is not evidence that it prevents sagging, so sagging is assessed separately for lifting.
How does Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic proceed, and what are the cost and recovery?
Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic in Myeongji-dong, Gangseo-gu, Busan checks the amount of submental fat, skin elasticity, muscle development and the facial line together before choosing among V-OLET, Shurink and a thread lift. V-OLET is usually recommended as 2–3 sessions at 4-week intervals, up to 6 sessions at 4-week intervals under the approval criteria, and anesthesia is decided at consultation according to pain sensitivity.
The published non-covered fees list V-OLET double chin DCA injection 2cc at KRW 250,000, Shurink Universe 300 shots at KRW 129,000 (MTS add-on +KRW 30,000), double chin thread lift at KRW 450,000 and double chin liposuction at KRW 800,000 (checked October 22, 2026). The total cost varies with the amount per session, number of shots and combination, so it is confirmed at consultation, and non-covered fees may change.
V-OLET recovery
Swelling, pain and heaviness may occur right after treatment, and pain and swelling last anywhere from 3–4 days to 2–3 weeks depending on the person. Results are assessed after the swelling subsides.
Shurink recovery
Daily activities can resume the same day, and redness and heat usually subside within a few days. For 3–5 days after treatment, avoid hot environments such as saunas and keep up moisturizing and sun protection.
Thread lift recovery
About 3–7 days, with bruising, swelling and tightness varying by person. For a few days, avoid exaggerated expressions, opening the mouth wide, facial massage, saunas, alcohol and smoking, and strenuous exercise.
What do the numbers say about the actual results and side effects of fat injections and lifting for a double chin?
Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic has no published statistics on V-OLET, Shurink or thread lift results and side effects, and no published clinical figures for the V-OLET product itself were found. In phase 3 randomized controlled trials of deoxycholic acid injection, the same ingredient, improvement of at least 1 grade was 66.5–70.0% (placebo 18.6–22.2%); a microfocused ultrasound review found the submental area reduced by 26–45mm²; and a thread lift meta-analysis reported 35% swelling and 10% dimpling.
Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic data
Results and side effect statistics for V-OLET, Shurink and thread lifts: no published data
REFINE-1, Jones et al., 2016 (506 subjects)
In adults with moderate to severe submental fat, 12 weeks after the last treatment, improvement of at least 1 grade was 70.0% (placebo 18.6%) and at least 2 grades 13.4% (placebo 0%). Marginal mandibular nerve paresis was reported in 4.3%, mostly mild and transient.
REFINE-2, Humphrey et al., 2016 (phase 3 randomized controlled trial)
Improvement of at least 1 grade was 66.5% (placebo 22.2%) and at least 2 grades 18.6% (placebo 3.0%), with follow-up limited to 44 weeks.
Contini et al., 2023 (systematic review of 16 microfocused ultrasound studies)
Submental lifting was measured as a 26–45mm² reduction in area on lateral photographs, and investigator ratings (337 patients) showed improvement in 92% at day 90 after one session. Excessive skin laxity and a BMI over 30 were relative contraindications.
Niu et al., 2021 (meta-analysis of 26 thread lift studies)
Swelling 35%, dimpling 10%, paresthesia 6%, thread visibility or palpability 4%, infection 2% and thread extrusion 2% were reported, with more dimpling and infection in patients over 50.
Caution when reading the numbers
The deoxycholic acid figures come from studies of a different product with the same ingredient, not V-OLET, and the lifting studies did not analyze the double chin separately, so they cannot be applied directly to an individual.
Which symptoms after double chin treatment need an immediate visit to the clinic?
Submental swelling, pain, bruising and firmness after V-OLET, redness and heat after Shurink, and bruising and tightness after a thread lift are expected reactions. An asymmetric smile with altered mouth-corner movement, difficulty swallowing, worsening pain or blisters, exposed threads or pus, and skin color changes are signs that need immediate care.
Expected reactions
Submental swelling, pain, bruising, firmness, heaviness, redness, heat, tightness
Changes reported in the literature
Marginal mandibular nerve paresis and numbness after deoxycholic acid injection; dysesthesia and mandibular burns after microfocused ultrasound; dimpling, thread visibility and infection after a thread lift
Signs that need immediate care
Asymmetric smile, difficulty swallowing, worsening pain or blisters, exposed threads or pus, skin color changes
The cause of a double chin, the matching method, combination and recovery may vary with the amount of submental fat, the condition of the skin and muscle, and the medical team's judgment.
Frequently asked questions
Double chin: Shurink or V-OLET, which is better?
If a pinchable fat layer under the chin is the main cause, V-OLET is considered first; if reduced skin elasticity and a sagging under-chin border matter more than fat, Shurink is considered first. When both are present, Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic plans V-OLET for the submental fat combined with lifting for skin elasticity.
Does V-OLET make the skin under the chin sag?
A review of deoxycholic acid injection reported that fat reduction generally did not worsen skin laxity, but the U.S. prescribing information advises that reducing fat alone may give an undesirable result when skin laxity is excessive or neck muscle bands are prominent. So if sagging is present, whether to combine lifting is decided before the injection.
Does a thread lift work for a double chin?
A double chin thread lift supports sagging under-chin tissue with absorbable threads, so it is considered for the sagging type and does not reduce the fat layer. The clinic's stated longevity ranges from about 6 months to over 2 years depending on the thread type, and the published fee is KRW 450,000 for the double chin (checked October 22, 2026).
About the clinic behind this article
Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic is a board-certified plastic surgery clinic in Myeongji-dong, Gangseo-gu, Busan. Dr. Hyungseok Noh, board-certified plastic surgeon and medical director, provides care.
- Address
- Units 302–305, Building 1, 3 Myeongji-gukje 2-ro 28beon-gil, Gangseo-gu, Busan
- Main Line
- 051-711-7991
- Clinic Hours
- Weekdays AM 10:00 ~ PM 07:30Saturday AM 10:00 ~ PM 03:00Sundays & Public Holidays Closed
- Treatment guide
- View the Shurink page
- Booking
- Naver Booking
REFERENCES
References
This article uses the clinic’s published information together with authoritative medical sources.
- Myongji Best Plastic Surgery ClinicV-OLET injection guide
Supports: Ingredient and action of V-OLET, items checked at consultation, combination treatments, recommended sessions at 4-week intervals and the maximum under approval criteria, anesthesia and recovery period
The facial line is analyzed as a whole, V-OLET is applied to submental fat and, when needed, a thread lift for cheek fat and cheekbones and a skin booster or lifting for skin elasticity are considered in combination.
- Myongji Best Plastic Surgery ClinicShurink guide
Supports: Principle and depths of Shurink Universe, double chin and jawline sagging candidates, shot distribution criteria, treatment time and anesthesia, recommended sessions, recovery and aftercare
When a double chin or jawline sagging is a concern
- Myongji Best Plastic Surgery ClinicThread lift guide
Supports: Principle of thread lifts, cheek sagging and collapsing jawline candidates, treatment time and anesthesia, recovery period and actions to avoid, longevity by thread type
When cheek sagging and a collapsing jawline are a concern
- Myongji Best Plastic Surgery ClinicMini facelift guide
Supports: Mini facelift candidates when deep-cheek and jawline sagging brings out a double chin, and recovery period
When deep-cheek and jawline sagging brings out a double chin
- Myongji Best Plastic Surgery ClinicNon-covered fee guide
Supports: Published fees for V-OLET double chin DCA injection, Shurink Universe, double chin thread lift and double chin liposuction
V-OLET double chin DCA injection 2cc KRW 250,000, Shurink Universe 300 shots KRW 129,000 (MTS add-on + KRW 30,000), double chin thread lift KRW 450,000, double chin liposuction KRW 800,000
- DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine)KYBELLA (deoxycholic acid) injection Prescribing Information
Supports: Screening for other causes before deoxycholic acid submental injection, consideration of risks with excessive skin laxity or prominent neck muscle bands, dosing interval and maximum number of treatments
Consider the risks of KYBELLA use in patients with excessive skin laxity, prominent platysmal bands or other conditions for which reduction of submental fat may result in an aesthetically undesirable outcome.
- PubMedREFINE-1, a Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 3 Trial With ATX-101, an Injectable Drug for Submental Fat Reduction
Jones DH, Carruthers J, Joseph JH, et al. Dermatol Surg. 2016;42(1):38-49. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000000578. PMID: 26673433
Supports: REFINE-1: improvement rate and marginal mandibular nerve paresis rate of deoxycholic acid submental injection in 506 subjects
Among 256 ATX-101-treated and 250 placebo-treated subjects, a ≥1-grade composite response was achieved in 70.0% and 18.6%, and a ≥2-grade composite response in 13.4% and 0%, respectively (p < .001 for both).
- PubMedATX-101 for reduction of submental fat: A phase III randomized controlled trial
Humphrey S, Sykes J, Kantor J, et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;75(4):788-797.e7. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2016.04.028. PMID: 27430612
Supports: REFINE-2: improvement rate in a phase 3 randomized controlled trial and the limit of 44-week follow-up
Among those treated with ATX-101 or placebo (n = 258/treatment group), 66.5% versus 22.2%, respectively, achieved a composite improvement of 1 or more grades
- PubMedDeoxycholic Acid: A Review in Submental Fat Contouring
Deeks ED. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2016;17(6):701-707. doi:10.1007/s40257-016-0231-3. PMID: 27785706
Supports: Review finding that deoxycholic acid submental injection benefits were maintained without worsening skin laxity, and the importance of patient selection
These SMF benefits (which were measured subjectively by clinicians and recipients, as well as objectively, 12 weeks after the last treatment session) generally occurred without detriment to skin laxity and were largely maintained over extended follow-up (e.g. 2 years after treatment).
- PubMedA Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Microfocused Ultrasound for Facial Skin Tightening
Contini M, Hollander MHJ, Vissink A, Schepers RH, Jansma J, Schortinghuis J. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023;20(2):1522. doi:10.3390/ijerph20021522. PMID: 36674277
Supports: Submental lifting measurements of microfocused ultrasound, improvement rate after one session, relative contraindications (systematic review of 16 studies)
MFU is capable of tightening the skin, as observed in studies measuring the results of brow lifts (0.47−1.7 mm) and submental lifts (measured as a 26−45 mm2 reduction in the submental area on lateral photographs).
- PubMedA Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of the Incidences of Complications Following Facial Thread-Lifting
Niu Z, Zhang K, Yao W, et al. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2021;45(5):2148-2158. doi:10.1007/s00266-021-02256-w. PMID: 33821308
Supports: Thread lift complication rates in a meta-analysis of 26 studies
Swelling was the most commonly reported complication with a pooled incidence of 35%, followed by skin dimpling (10%), paresthesia (6%), thread visibility/palpability (4%), infection (2%), and thread extrusion (2%).
Published 2026.10.23Last updated 2026.10.23